2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 here next month

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS range has grown to two variants in Australia following confirmation the entry-level 450 4MATIC version of the big electric limousine will arrive Down Under next month, priced from $219,900 plus on-road costs.

Positioned more than $107,000 downstream of the flagship Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ and making it more affordable for Aussie chauffeurs, the 2023 Mercedes-Bez EQS 450 4MATIC doesn’t pack anywhere near as much power as its AMG sibling but still churns out a healthy 265kW/800Nm courtesy of its dual-motor drivetrain – and will cover up to 664km on the NEDC cycle.

The lower outputs are still enough to launch the more affordable EQS variant to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and its motors are powered by a 107.8kWh battery pack capable of being charged at up to 200kW.

While not a dedicated AMG model, the EQS 450 still looks the part thanks to its standard AMG Line exterior (bumpers, 21-inch wheels, side skirts), while the cabin is jazzed up via a standard Electric Art Line interior package that adds Comfort seats and a Nappa leather steering wheel.

Other equipment highlights include a 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, four-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, a head-up display, premium MBUX navigation with augmented reality display, 64-colour active ambient lighting, panoramic sliding sunroof, Digital Light headlights, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and a 360-degree camera.

Also included in the price is the Rear Seat Package that throws in upholstered cushions, luxury head restraints, electrically adjustable backrests and an inductive charging pad on the centre console, while a rear-axle steering system improves both low-speed manoeuvrability and open-road dynamics.

Helping keep vehicle occupants safe is the full suite of Mercedes-Benz driver aids and protection systems, including Distronic Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, route-based speed adaptation, Active Traffic Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and the Pre-Safe Impulse Side accident preparation system.

It’s clear all of these functions do their job because ANCAP has just awarded the EQS 450 a maximum five-star safety rating, following outstanding occupant protection performance in overseas crash testing.

The big electric limo scored 96 and 93 per cent for its adult and child occupant protection respectively, 76 per cent for its vulnerable road user protection and 80 per cent for its safety assists.

“With these results, the Mercedes-Benz EQS equals the highest score for Child Occupant Protection under ANCAP’s 2020-2022 protocols,” said ANCAP.

“Full points were awarded to the Mercedes-Benz EQS for adult occupant protection in both the side impact and oblique pole tests.

“The driver and rear passenger in the full width frontal test also scored full points – making the EQS just the fourth vehicle to achieve this result.”

However, ANCAP has stipulated the five-star rating only applies to the EQS 450 4MATIC and not the top-spec AMG EQS 53, the different mechanical make-up of which requires it to be tested separately.

How much does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS cost?
450 4MATIC – $219,900
AMG 53 4MATIC+ – $327,075
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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