The electric vehicle industry is experiencing rapid growth, and two highly talked-about players are the Mercedes EQS and Tesla. The EQS, Mercedes-Benz‘s inaugural fully-electric luxury sedan, is noteworthy, while Tesla, with its decade-long presence as a pioneer in the electric vehicle market, is a force to be reckoned with. With these two vehicle brands on the market, many are curious about how we compare the Mercedes EQS vs Tesla.
Overview of the Mercedes EQS
The EQS is Mercedes-Benz‘s first entrant into the high-end electric sedan space. As MB‘s flagship EV, it boasts cutting-edge technology and an incredibly luxurious interior all powered by electricity.
Some key features and specs of the EQS include:
- 350 mile range on a single charge
- All-wheel drive with dual electric motors providing 516 horsepower
- Rapid acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds
- Ultra-quiet cabin with active noise cancellation
- Massive 56-inch curved hyperscreen display
- Level 3 semi-autonomous driving capabilities
- DC fast charging support up to 200kW
- Sophisticated, elegant exterior styling with coupe-like roofline
The EQS aims to blend sustainability and innovation with the comfort and quality that Mercedes is known for in the luxury vehicle segment. Early reviews praise its serene interior, abundance of technology features, and respectable electric driving range.
How Does the EQS Compare to Tesla‘s Flagship Model S?
As MB‘s first dedicated EV sedan, the EQS competes most directly with Tesla‘s longtime top-of-the-line model, the Model S. Since its debut over a decade ago, the Model S has served as Tesla‘s technology showcase as it continually pushes the boundaries of EV capabilities.
So how does Mercedes‘ inaugural effort stack up against Tesla‘s established full-size luxury EV? Here‘s a detailed comparison:
Range and Charging
The EQS crushes it when it comes to predicted range, besting even the longest range Model S variants. Mercedes states that the 2023 EQS 450+ can travel up to 350 miles on a charge. Compare that to Tesla‘s current flagship, the Model S with 402 horsepower which tops out at 405 miles.
Mercedes equipped the EQS with support for 200kW DC fast charging. The latest Model S can charge even faster, at rates up to 250kW thanks to Tesla‘s proprietary network of Superchargers. However, as more third-party networks roll out upgraded stations, charging speeds should continue improving across brands.
Performance and Handling
Performance has always been a strength of Tesla vehicles, thanks in part to the instant torque delivered by their electric powertrains. In its highest Plaid trim, the 2023 Model S employs a three-motor system allowing a staggeringly quick 0-60 mph time of just 2.3 seconds.
The EQS is no slouch however. Its standard all-wheel drive configuration and potent 516 horsepower engine enables acceleration from 0-60 in just 4.1 seconds. Reviewers praise its near perfect weight distribution, adaptive air suspension, and rear-wheel steering for sports car-like agility that defies its large luxury sedan classification.
So while the souped up Model S Plaid is untouchable, the EQS holds its own against the standard Model S when it comes to acceleration and handling prowess.
Interior Comfort and Technology
This category is where the EQS clearly shines over the Model S and perhaps any vehicle on the market today. The cabin of Mercedes‘ EV is nothing short of astounding with its 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and sweeping 56-inch Hyperscreen OLED display.
Rear seat passengers are treated to yet another display with multi-zone climate controls. And ambient lighting with active noise canceling technology completes the serene atmosphere. Available massaging seats, the latest MBUX interface, and augmented reality add to the technological showcase.
That‘s not to say the Model S interior is lacking. Its minimalist vibe highlights its giant 17-inch center touchscreen and all-digital 12.3-inch instrument panel. Yet some critics ding Tesla for cutting back on pesky things like gauge cluster shrouds and control stalks in the name of simplification.
So when it comes to in-car tech and amenities, Mercedes pulls out all the stops on its first dedicated electric sedan, surpassing what Tesla offers.
Autonomous and Safety Technology
Both vehicles incorporate some of the most advanced driver assistance capabilities through an array of sensors, cameras, radar and computing power.
Mercedes equips the EQS with DRIVE PILOT, its Level 3 conditional automated driving system. It can handle certain driving situations like stop-and-go traffic jam assistance. But Mercedes says a Level 4 system capability of fully automated highway driving is forthcoming.
Tesla‘s much-hyped Autopilot system can steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane in certain conditions. And its $15,000 Full Self-Driving add-on capability promises fully autonomous operation in the near future.
Evaluating all the players in this nascent space is tricky. But industry experts seem to give Mercedes an edge when it comes to limited autonomy available in production EVs today.
Pricing
The base rear-wheel drive EQS 450+ starts at $103,360 MSRP plus a $1,050 destination charge. Stepping up to the 516 horsepower EQS 580 4MATIC will set you back at least $125,900 before options. Comparably equipped, the Tesla Model S starts at around $104,000 for a dual motor Long Range Plus while the ultra high-performance Plaid begins at $137,000.
Factor in available federal tax credits of $7,500 for EVs and potential state incentives, the upfront cost difference is surprisingly small. What remains to be seen is the total cost of ownership long-term factoring in reliability, maintenance, charging costs and resale value.
How the EQS Compares to Tesla‘s Model 3 and Model Y
Beyond the Model S, two other Tesla vehicles generate huge interest from eco-minded luxury buyers – the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover. As the most affordable vehicles in Tesla‘s portfolio, they drive the brand‘s sales lead in the broader EV segment.
Let‘s examine how Mercedes‘ flagship stacks up against Tesla‘s lower-priced models:
Practicality and Passenger Room
The EQS, as a large luxury sedan, offers plentiful passenger space andcargo capacity on par with Mercedes‘ beloved S-Class ICE vehicle. With no transmission tunnel, the flat cabin floor allows impressive leg room even for rear seat riders.
Conversely, Tesla designed the Model 3 as an affordable, mass market EV alternative with seating for 5. Passenger and cargo space push the boundaries for its compact sedan classification but don‘t match the expansiveness of the EQS.
The compact Model Y crossover however adds much desired utility with its raised ride height and hatchback design. Fold-flat second and third row seats supply plenty of versatility for people and their gear. But its back seat accommodations still can‘t compete with the lavish amounts of room in the EQS.
Performance and Range
In their highest performing trims, neither the dual motor Model 3 nor the performance-oriented Model Y can keep pace with the 516 horsepower EQS. But the sub-4 second 0-60 times for the Model 3 and Model Y remain intensely quick in their own right.
Range comparisons also show the limitations of Tesla‘s smaller entries. The longest range rear-wheel drive Model Y maxes out at 330 miles per charge, while the top Model 3 reaches 358 miles. Trailing the EQS by just a bit, but enough to make a difference for long hauls.
On the flip side, Tesla‘s vast Supercharger network provides an advantage over the Mercedes for hyper fast charging on road trips.
Price and Features Comparison
With base prices ranging from around $65,000 down to $43,000, Tesla‘s Model Y and Model 3 cost far less than the six-figure EQS. Even when comparing the lengthy list of tech features, the Mercedes commands a significant premium over Tesla‘s more affordable models.
However the EQS essentially matches or exceeds the Model S in many areas like range, charging speed, autonomous driving capabilities, and interior luxury. So Mercedes positions the EQS well above Tesla‘s lower-end models for buyers seeking prestige and innovation in their electric luxury vehicle.
How Does the Rest of Tesla‘s Lineup Compare?
Beyond its trio of sedans and SUVs, Tesla produces one additional model – the Model X. As the brand‘s first SUV, this electric vehicle combines the capability of a family hauler with the blistering acceleration Tesla became known for.
Some key specs for the 2023 Model X:
- 396 miles of range in top trims
- Seating for up to 7 passengers
- 0-60 in 2.5 seconds for high performance models
- 17-inch center touchscreen with over-the-air software updates
- Eight video cameras provide 360 degree visibility
- Can tow up to 5,000 pounds
With three rows of seating, the Model X competes favorably with rivals like the Audi eTron for families needing an electric SUV. Yet its spartan styling doesn‘t exude luxury like the EQS or Mercedes‘ own EQS SUV variant does.
And the falcon wing doors remain polarizing – some love the wow factor and easy access they allow, while critics pan them as gimmicky and prone to reliability issues.
So overall, the niche Model X appeals most to eco-minded families needing serious passenger and cargo flexibility. The EQS instead caters those desiring an electric vehicle centered foremost on luxury.
6 Key Facts Comparing the Mercedes EQS to Tesla
To summarize the main points covered above, here are six key facts regarding how the Mercedes EQS stacks up to Tesla‘s current lineup:
The EQS offers 30+ more miles of range versus the longest range Model S variant. Boasting an EPA-rated 350 miles range, Mercedes‘ EV tops this key category.
Tesla‘s Model S Plaid trounces the EQS acceleration times. Reaching 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, the ultra-performance Model S remains king of blistering speed.
Mercedes pulls ahead for autonomous driving capabilities available today. With Level 3 conditional automation in the EQS, Mercedes leads Tesla whose Full Self-Driving mode remains in beta testing.
Interior comfort and technology push the EQS ahead. Its massively wide hyperscreen and ambient lighting lead the industry for in-car tech.
The EQS far outpaces Tesla‘s lower cost Model 3 and Model Y for luxury features. Mercedes reserves best of the best appointments and innovation for its new flagship.
Pricing remains similar between comparably equipped high-end variants. Base MSRPs land within a few thousand dollars when factoring available federal EV tax incentives.
Which Automaker‘s EV is Right For You?
For luxury electric vehicle shoppers, choosing between the Mercedes EQS or a Tesla comes down personal preferences and priorities.
Drivers wanting blazing straight-line performance will continue flocking to the Model S Plaid with its chest-compressing acceleration. Meanwhile the elegantly styled EQS favors those desiring sustainable transportation wrapped in indulgent comfort.
Mercedes also tempts technophiles with its ostentatious hyperscreen and leading-edge autonomy features. But the Tesla faithful pin their hopes on soon-to-come Full Self Driving capacity that Elon Musk relentlessly promotes.
Regardless of brand allegiance, the arrival of Mercedes‘ flagship EV only broadens the field for consumers. The competition for luxury EV supremacy between Mercedes and Tesla should ignite even further innovations – a win for electric-leaning buyers of all stripes.
Latest Industry News Impacting Mercedes and Tesla Owners
In a move signaling greater momentum toward charging standardization, General Motors recently announced plans to incorporate Tesla‘s charging plug hardware into two highly anticipated electric vehicle launches.
GM to Adopt Tesla Charging Standard
On June 8, 2023, GM publicized that it will adopt Tesla’s North American charging plug standard beginning with its 2024 model year vehicles. The decision impacts the upcoming Cadillac LYRIQ SUV and GMC HUMMER EV pickup truck.
Starting in 2025, GM‘s entire light-duty EV portfolio will shift to Tesla‘s connector design. This gives GM EV owners access to Tesla‘s extensive network of proprietary Superchargers using an adaptor. By mid-decade, GM vehicles will natively support Tesla‘s plug standard without needing an adaptor.
Ford previously made a similar commitment to integrate Tesla hardware into future models. The push by two EV heavyweights toward common charging infrastructure follows in Europe‘s footsteps. The European Union instituted mandatory charging standards across all electric vehicle makes to address range anxiety and charging network fragmentation.
While not openly endorsing the move, Mercedes commented that charging standardization benefits mainstream consumer adoption of electric vehicles. As an early mover in luxury EVs, Mercedes EV owners already can tap into Tesla‘s Supercharger network using the industry-standard J1772 adapter.
So this big move by Tesla‘s domestic rivals promises to improve charging convenience for future Mercedes EV customers as infrastructure becomes even more interoperable.
Frequently Asked Questions – Comparing the Mercedes EQS to Tesla
How does the Mercedes EQS compare to the Tesla Model S?
The EQS and Model S are both electric flagships aiming for the luxury EV segment. The EQS offers more predicted range (350 vs. 405 miles), a stunning hyper-luxury interior, and leading-edge autonomy with Level 3 capabilities. However the Model S delivers better acceleration and access to Tesla‘s vast fast charging infrastructure.
What are the main differences between the Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model X?
As Tesla‘s three-row SUV, the Model X competes more directly with Mercedes upcoming EQS SUV. The Model X touts seating for up to 7 passengers while the EQS sedan seats just 5. Acceleration and availability of all-wheel drive configurations are similar between the two. But the EQS outpaces it for range, charging speed, luxury appointments and semi-autonomous driving capabilities currently offered.
How does Mercedes‘ EQS measure up against Tesla‘s most popular Model 3 sedan?
The Model 3 serves as Tesla’s more affordable EV alternative with great range and tech. But as Mercedes’ luxury halo EV, the far more expensive EQS extends range, interior luxury and advanced innovations like its hyperscreen display to a new level. Acceleration and performance metrics are closer between the EQS 580 and Model 3 Performance. But the EQS pulls far ahead for cushy creature comforts.
Which is the better luxury electric SUV, the Mercedes EQS or Tesla Model Y?
As an EV sedan, the EQS doesn’t compete directly with Tesla’s popular Model Y SUV. However, Mercedes has an EQS SUV on the horizon that promises three rows of seating to rival the Model Y (and Model X). Versus the Model Y, expect the upcoming Mercedes EQS SUV to surpass interior luxury appointments and autonomy technology while potentially trailing Tesla’s performance specs.
How does Mercedes’ new EQS lineup measure up against Tesla’s entire range of premium electric vehicles?
The Mercedes EQS flagship sedan competes favorably with Tesla’s top-shelf Model S when it comes to critical metrics like range, interior technology and comfort. Comparable versions land in about the same price range as well. Lower-end Teslas like the Model 3 and Model Y can’t match the innovation and luxury found throughout the EQS but better align with more budget-conscious EV shoppers. The soon-to-launch Mercedes EQS SUV promises similar technology and luxury advantages tailored for family buyers considering Tesla’s Model X or Model Y SUVs.
