2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ First Test: Ultra-Luxurious, Ultra-Calm — But Is Playing It Safe Enough?

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ Review: The performance of luxury electric automobile is becoming sharper, faster and louder.

But the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ doesn’t give a damn.

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Mercedes has redoubled its efforts to focus on its core strength which include comfort, quiet and smooth cruising rather than striving for drag-strip glory or Nürburgring lap speeds. The end product is a sophisticated, luxurious EV that feel more like an electric S-Class than a technological experiment but it nevertheless poses a crucial question in 2026 Is comfort now sufficient?

Let’s dissect it.

What is New in 2026? Little Adjustments, Major Attention to Comfort

At first glance the EQS450+ looks familiar—and that’s intentional. Mercedes didn’t reinvent the car it refined it.

Here’s what’s new and improved:

  • Bigger 118 kWh battery
  • Up to 390 miles of EPA range
  • Smoother regenerative braking
  • Standard NACS fast-charging adapter
  • More standard luxury features

The power output climbs slightly to 355 hp and 419 lb-ft but Mercedes clearly wasn’t chasing speed. The EQS remains a car designed to relax you, not excite you.

Real-World Range: One of the EQS’s Biggest Wins

Range anxiety? Not here.

The EQS450+ marginally outperformed its EPA estimate in real-world highway testing covering 392 miles at a constant 70 mph before the battery dropped to 5 percent.

This solidifies the EQS’s position as one of the top luxury EVs for road trip and places it in close proximity to the Lucid Air Pure the long-range monarch.

The EQS is a great choice if comfort over long distance is your top concern.

Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ Review

Performance: Calm, Smooth, and… That’s About It

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a fast EV by modern standards.

  • 0–60 mph: 5.3 second
  • Quarter mile: 13.9 second

Those numbers are fine but not impressive when rival like the Lucid Air feel dramatically quicker.

Why? Weight.

The EQS450+ tips the scales at 5,655 pounds, and you feel it when accelerating hard or pushing through corners. That said in daily driving the power delivery is buttery smooth and perfectly adequate.

This car prefers effortless momentum, not drama.

Handling & Ride: Comfort Comes First (Again)

Push the EQS, and it will remind you how big it is. There’s noticeable body roll in corners, and aggressive driving isn’t really its thing.

But slow it down—and that’s where the magic happens.

  • Steering is light but precise
  • Rear-wheel steering makes it feel smaller than it is
  • Ride quality is soft, controlled and incredibly quiet

On the highway, the EQS feels like it’s gliding above the pavement. This is one of the most relaxing EVs you can buy today.

Interior: Peak Mercedes Luxury

Step inside, and everything makes sense.

The EQS cabin feels like a high end lounge not a cockpit:

  • Massaging, ventilated seat front and rear
  • Rich materials everywhere you touch
  • Ambient lighting with new sound-linked modes
  • Optional rear-seat tablet and four-passenger layout
  • Huge Hyperscreen setup with a dedicated passenger display

Even small detail like pop out door handle, puddle lights and soft close door add to the experience.

This is Mercedes reminding everyone how luxury is supposed to feel.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ Review interior

Price Reality Check: Luxury Isn’t Cheap

The base price starts at $101,150, which sounds reasonable in this segment.

But our test vehicle?
$134,360.

That’s where things get tricky—especially when a well-equipped Lucid Air Pure costs tens of thousands less and delivers better performance.

You’re paying for refinement, not value.

Final Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ hasn’t changed its personality and that is both its strength and its weakness.

Buy it if

  • You want maximum comfort and silence
  • Long-distance range matters more than speed
  • You love traditional Mercedes luxury
  • You want an EV that feels calm, not aggressive

Skip it if:

  • You want thrilling performance
  • You care about sporty handling
  • You want the best value in a luxury EV

The EQS450+ is better than before, but it’s still playing it safe. In a segment getting bolder every year, Mercedes is betting that there’s still a strong audience for quiet confidence.

And honestly? There probably is.

FAQs

Q: Is the EQS450+ faster than the previous model?
A: Technically yes but only slightly. The improvement is minimal and not something most driver will notice.

Q: Does the EQS450+ support Tesla Supercharger?
A: Yes For 2026 Mercedes include a standard NACS adapter allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Q: Is the EQS450+ worth the price?
A: If comfort and luxury are your top priorities yes If performance or value matter more there are better option.

Also Read: 2026 Audi S3 vs Acura Integra Type S: Which Sports Sedan Is the Better Buy?