EQS Sedan

Segment
Sedan

Mercedes has pledged to become an electric-only car manufacturer by 2030, but the German automaker already started embracing the technology with the launch of its first EV back in 2019 called the EQC. However, the EQC never went on sale in the US.

Instead, the first electric Mercedes coming to America is the flagship EQS, the electric equivalent to the S-Class. The Mercedes EQS will go on sale in America this fall, but former chat show host and gearhead Jay Leno has already taken the luxury electric sedan for a spin in a new episode of Jay Leno's Garage to find out if it can redefine the segments.

Leno spent several days testing the EQS and came away impressed with its comfort, technology, and performance. Since Rolls-Royce still hasn't built an electric car and Tesla is more renowned for performance and range than luxury, Leno sees the EQS as the first true luxury EV.

When taking the EQS out for a cruise, Leno found the EQS to be smoother, easier to drive and significantly quieter than an equivalent combustion luxury car thanks to the lack of vibrations and electric powertrain. He also added that a Rolls-Royce "doesn't have the technical expertise" of the EQS, which can be equipped with a massive 55-inch Hyperscreen.

Leno also praised the styling for being aerodynamic yet attractive, which is not an easy balance to achieve. In fact, the EQS has a drag co-efficient of 0.20, making it the most aerodynamically efficient car in the world. Unlike the EQC, the EQS is built on a dedicated EV platform. While it will never outrun a Model S Plaid, the EQS is also no slouch in the performance department.

Leno drove the top-of-the-range EQS 580 4MATIC, which generates 516 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque from two electric motors. US pricing hasn't been confirmed yet, but we should find out how much the EQS will cost when it arrives in dealers this fall. Judging from Leno's review, it will be worth the wait.