MIAMI — Mercedes may be late to the party, but it makes a grand entrance to the all-electric vehicle market with the 2022 EQS 580 4MATIC sedan. Spectacular is a word that just doesn’t do it justice. It’s not just a luxurious electric vehicle, it is luxurious vehicle period with a prominent profile and opulent interior. You can even get pillows for the  headrests!

Equivalent to the gas-powered S-Class flagship sedan, the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC is rife with technological features. In fact, I recommend that you get at least a 3-year lease so you have a chance at learning how to learn them all before you turn it back in. Either that or take computer science lessons.

It is available in three trim levels with the well-equipped Premium carrying a starting MSRP of $119,110 (not including a $1,050 destination and delivery charge). With it you get heated and ventilated front seats, a power panoramic sunroof, Bermester Premium Sound, and leather upholstery throughout for a start.

Exclusive trim for the 2022 Mercedes EQS 4MATIC adds a massage function to the front seats, head-up display, and four-zone climate control and is tagged with a starting MSRP of $122,510.

The top-of-the-folio Pinnacle carries a starting price of $125,310 and adds power rear seats that are heated and ventilated, comfort rear headrests, and additional rear USB ports as standard features.

The most distinguishing feature of the interior is the 56-inch  curved glass panel that runs across the entire front and houses what are traditionally separate screens for the instrument gauge cluster and infotainment systems. There are not only no knobs to interfere with the smooth look. There aren’t any buttons either. Everything is done either by touch or “Hey, Mercedes, voice command.”


Photos by Paul Borden

Mercedes calls it a “Hyperscreen” and it provides a clean, flat look to the front dash area. Well, clean is a relative term here since it collects fingerprints when touch functions are used to operate the MBUX system (what Mercedes calls the “brains” of the car.

Passenger comfort also is augmented by the smooth, quiet ride of the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580.

The dual electric motors are rated at 516 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of instant torque that propel its considerable heft (5,888 pounds) from zero-to-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Just put it in Drive and it scoots.

Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is standard on all EQS 580 models with RWD available on 2022 EQS 450 models that feature only one electric motor.

Range for daily commutes is not a critical issue with the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC. Mercedes tags it at 340 miles on a full charge, though some sources have reported slightly longer results. The computer showed available mileage at 341 when my test vehicle arrived with a 91 percent charge.

Of course, that doesn’t address the issue of longer trips like say a jaunt of 400 miles. But I’m guessing here that if the budget for your automotive purchases is in the six-figure range you’e not likely making many 400-mile road trips, if any. You’ll simply fly to faraway vacation spots.

In addition to the standard comfort and convenience features, the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC also included are standard driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, active parking assist with a surround view camera (a godsend in tight parking lots), brake assist, and forward collision warning.



Extras on my test 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC included the diamond white exterior paint and black/gray Nappa leather interior,  black microfiber headliner, an upgraded MBUX system with head-up display, multicolor front seats with massage function, and 21-inch wheels over the standard 20-inchers

That ran the final bottom line to $133,670 including the $1,050 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 Sedan: “Extreme opulence” are the words that come to mind for the futuristic interior. The display for the navigation map is by far the largest I have ever seen. (Frankly, maybe too big.) The ride is smooth and, as with electric power, top torque is instantly available. Cargo space is a generous 22 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 Sedan: The glass Hyperscreen collects more fingerprints than a CSI technician on overtime. Technology is plentiful but fussy to operate, and if you like sports or talk radio you’re pretty much out of luck as there is no AM radio option. (Why? Electric motors can cause static on the AM band. And remember. The 2022 EQS 580 4MATCI has two electric motors to drive all four wheels. Range is good for daily/weekly use, but what if you want to take a 400-mile trip?

Would I buy the 2022 Mercedes E)QS 580 Sedan? Nope. Nothing against the car because it is a beautiful vehicle. I’m just not comfortable buying an all-electric vehicle until charging stations become as common as gas pumps across the U.S.

— Paul Borden