I test-drove the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 for 110 km and was completely captivated by its space-ship like interior, features and superb ride quality
Bhpian Bamaboy recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
My father and I have always been Mercedes enthusiasts, with the S-Class being an aspirational car. Our first experience with an S-Class was in 2015, while finalizing the purchase of our W205 C-Class at Auto Hangar, Nagpur. That’s when we encountered the W222 S-Class in the flesh and boy it felt like an elegant, extravagant time machine, far ahead of its time.
Over the nearly 10 years since purchasing the W205, it has been more of a “halo car” in the garage – a proper garage queen. It spent most of its time sitting in pristine condition while our other, more practical cars handled the daily drives, highway runs, and chores. The S-Class remained the car I aspire to own next.
During September, while casually browsing the New Luxury Car Price Check Thread, I learned about deals and offers on the EQS. Having had a pleasant experience with the MG ZS EV, I was curious to explore a luxury EV, especially with the current market full of attractive offers. The following week, on my way from Nagpur to Bilaspur, I casually called the sales advisor at Mercedes-Benz Raipur, mostly out of boredom. I mentioned I was enroute and expressed interest in stopping by to check out the EQS. However, due to time constraints, I decided to postpone the visit. That’s when they suggested something unexpected: I could test drive the EQS on my way from Raipur to Bilaspur, and they’d arrange for a driver to follow in my C-Class. I test-drove the EQS for 110 km and was completely captivated by its space-ship like interior, features and superb ride quality. The experience was sublime and made me believe that a luxury EV is the best thing to have. It was mind-blowing.
After the test drive, I began rigorous research regarding the longevity of the battery pack, the future of electric cars, and insights from various EQS forums, threads and Youtube channels. I also evaluated whether my investment could turn into a liability in five years. While I had done prior research before buying the MG ZS EV, the use cases for the two cars are entirely different. The ZS EV is for ferrying family and handling daily city chores, saving ₹12,000–₹13,000 per month in running costs. In contrast, buying a luxury EV like the EQS isn’t about saving on running costs, it’s about experiencing refinement and innovation. For me the EQS was destined to be a halo car, not a daily commuter. However, I did find the EQS Limousine somewhat impractical for a tier-2 city like ours, where SUVs like the GLE or GLS feel more suited. I currently own a pre-owned 2010 first-generation GL350, and despite its age, it remains a phenomenal off-roader and a great family tourer. I absolutely adore it. Replacing the GL350 with a new GLS wouldn’t make sense for me. My work often involves traveling to mines and dusty areas, and the rough traffic and challenging conditions here would quickly wear down a brand-new GLS. The GL350, on the other hand, is my dependable old steed. I’m perfectly at ease taking it on off-road mine trails, through mud, or parking it anywhere without a second thought. For me, a halo car like the S-Class, GLS, or EQS should remain true to its purpose: reserved for elegance and refinement, not subjected to daily rugged use. The S-Class has always been a dream car for me and the EQS feels quite close to it. From a self-driven perspective, the EQS even surpasses the W223 S-Class, making it truly exceptional.
After discussing with my family, we invited the sales team to bring the demo car to our home in Bilaspur. We did a family test drive, and after final negotiations, we immediately finalized the deal for a 2023-manufactured Obsidian Black EQS that was in stock.
We took delivery of the car with the family on October 5th. City Star, Raipur, provided an excellent sales experience. They displayed remarkable expertise in turning a casual inquiry into a successful sale, their proactive approach sealed the deal. They were exceptionally kids-friendly adding a delightful personal touch to the experience.
Comparing it with the newly launched EQS SUV :
I’ve covered 3,000 km so far, including four long-distance trips. Most of the key driving experiences have already been shared in the posts above. I’ll share a detailed review soon.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
