To paraphrase a deep and meaningful movie line, “Something is afoot at Mercedes-Benz.” With apologies to fans of Mercedes and “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” change is in the air at the German luxury carmaker when it comes to its EQS lineup.
Change is in the air at Mercedes when it comes to its EQS lineup, starting with the 2026 EQS 400.
That shift begins with the condensing of the ranks of its EQS EVs for 2026, Mercedes is fielding six choices for 2026, rather than the nine that were available last year. There have been nomenclature changes as well. The EQS 450 and EQS 580 have been replaced by the EQS 400 and EQS 550. The rear-drive powertrain has also been discontinued, making the EQS lineup all 4Matic for ’26.
In addition to simplifying the lineup, this has resulted in significant price decreases. The entry level EQS 400 starts at $91,200, which is down $15,200 from the 2025 EQS 450+. The 2026 EQS 550, starting at $113,800, comes in $18,200 less than its 2025 EQS 580 counterpart.
Even better, these are the only aspects that have been diminished. The powertrains are the same and the available equipment is unchanged. In other words, the 2026 EQS 400 and the 2025 EQS450 are the exact same vehicle. The same is true for the EQS550 and EQS580. The only changes are the nomenclature.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
The all-wheel drive EQS 400 runs a pair of electric motors with a total output of 355 horsepower.
The all-wheel drive EQS 400, with which I spent a week, runs a pair of electric motors — one for each set of wheels. Total system output is rated at 355 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. According to my trusty Omega Speedmaster, the EQS 400 hit 60 from a standing start in just over five seconds, which is reasonably quick by most contemporary standards.
The folks at the EPA who ponder such matters estimate the EQS 400’s 118-kWh battery pack will carry the luxurious SUV 312 miles on a full charge. This translates to a consumption rate of 43 kWh per 100 miles. I saw a maximum of 290 miles in real-world operation.
The EQS 400 uses a 9.6-kW AC charging system and a 200 kW DC fast charging system. I saw the battery pack go from 90% depleted to 80% charged in 25 minutes at an EVgo fast charging station. Getting to 90% took another 10 minutes. BTW, Mercedes now offers a Tesla adapter, so the EQS can use that company’s charging network too. Oh, and one more thing, the battery pack is warranted for 10 years or 155,000 miles.
Interior Accommodations
The centerpiece of the interior is a feature the marketing folks at MBZ refer to as the “MBUX Hyperscreen.”
Given this is the storied marque’s electrified S-Class SUV, the EQS 400 offers a premium cabin experience. Tastefully upholstered in black and Sable brown Nappa leather, the interior radiated elegance. The flowing architecture of the interior treatment, along with the presence of natural grain Linden wood trim amplified the impression.
Comfort at all four seating positions was supreme, with an abundance of space all around. Looking about the interior of the EQS 400, you’ll never wonder where your money went. It’s on full display. Heated rear seats, rear side airbags, a wireless phone charger in the center armrest and plush pillows mounted on all four headrests are standard equipment.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
The centerpiece of the interior is a feature the marketing folks at MBZ refer to as the “MBUX Hyperscreen,” housing three monitors in a dash-spanning 56-inch sweep of glass. With all of that digital real estate in play, the product planning team elected to minimize the presence of physical buttons and switches.
Comfort at all four seating positions was supreme, with an abundance of space all around.
This can be a good thing or a bad thing — depending upon your personal preferences. Everything I needed was readily accessible, so I wasn’t put off by it.
CarPlay and Android connectivity, as well as a Burmester 3D surround audio system and wireless device charging are standard.
As has become the norm in this class, adjustable ambient lighting — offering a choice of 64 colors here — punctuates the interior treatment. Driver’s aids include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams and self-parking. Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring are standard as well.
Driving Impressions
Underway, the EQS 400 4Matic displays a very Mercedes-like feel, especially on the highway. Solidly planted at speed, the electric SUV moves with confidence. Road noise is muted; wind noise is minimal and the overall vibe is one of relaxed comfort.
As I mentioned above, acceleration is brisk — if not exactly thrilling. The EQS 400 is also responsive to the helm and maneuvers competently, though not
Looking about the interior of the EQS 400, you’ll never wonder where your money went.
with the alacrity of a sport sedan. The adjustable air suspension system absorbs pavement irregularities in a dignified manner and eliminates body roll in turns.
The electric Merc SUV also incorporates an off-road mode. This allows you to increase the ride height and adjust the response of the powertrain to deal with the situations one might encounter on dirt. This gives the EQS respectable chops on trails — as long as things don’t get too extreme.
In Summary
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS 400 4Matic is everything the three-pointed stars on its nose, tail and steering wheel suggests it would be. Handsome, comprehensively equipped and masterful at speed, the EQS 400 does everything well. Plus, it’s opulent, spacious and finished exceptionally well.
These factors, when taken into consideration with the $15,000 price drop from 2025, makes the S-Class EV Mercedes SUV something of — yes, I’m about to say it — a bargain. And yes, I like it. The base price (including shipping) of the model I drove was $91,200. Its price as tested, with options, came to $105,330.
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