Mercedes Gave the EQS One Last Big Upgrade Before It Disappears
by AutoExpert | 15 April, 2026
Mercedes has already made up its mind about the EQS. No second generation. The next S-Class will take over, offered with both combustion and electric setups. Still, the EQS isn’t being dropped quietly. This second facelift feels like one last proper push.
There are four versions for now: EQS 400, EQS 450+, EQS 500 4Matic, and EQS 580 4Matic. The 450+, 500, and 580 all move to an 800-volt setup with a 122 kWh battery, while the EQS 400 uses a smaller 112 kWh pack.
Charging gets a real upgrade. It now supports up to 350 kW DC, which means around 320 km of range in 10 minutes. Mercedes pulls this off by splitting the battery virtually into two sections, each charging at up to 175 kW.
Power is up across the range, too. The EQS 400 makes 362 hp, the EQS 500 4Matic pushes 469 hp, and the EQS 580 4Matic goes up to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft. The EQS 450+ focuses more on range, with a WLTP figure of 926 km and consumption between 15.4 and 19.3 kWh/100 km.
All versions now use a two-speed transmission. First gear handles acceleration; second steps in at higher speeds to keep efficiency in check.
The big talking point is steer-by-wire. No physical link between the wheel and the front axle, with a 4:1 ratio at low speeds, so you don’t need to shuffle your hands around when parking. There’s now a yoke-style steering option. Mercedes knows not everyone will like it, so a normal wheel with traditional steering is still available.
Ride comfort gets more attention too, with further tweaks to the air suspension. Outside, changes are subtle but noticeable, with a new blacked-out grille filled with small three-pointed stars, plus updated headlights with star-shaped DRLs.
Inside, it’s mostly familiar. The Hyperscreen is still there, now backed by the latest MB.OS and a new MBUX Virtual Assistant. Rear passengers also get 13.1-inch screens.
Pricing in Europe starts at €94,403 ($111,000) for the EQS 400, €108,635 ($127,700) for the EQS 450+, €123,285 ($145,000) for the EQS 500 4Matic, and €134,732 ($158,500) for the EQS 580 4Matic. US pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet.
