The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is now on sale in Germany. Two variants are offered, the 333 PS / 568 Nm rear-wheel drive EQS 450+ and the 523 PS / 855 Nm PS all-wheel drive EQS 580 4MATIC. Prices start from 106,374 Euros (RM 528k) and 135,529 Euros (about RM 673k) respectively.

Curiously, this also means that the entry-variant 333 PS EQS 450 is cheaper than a 367 PS S-Class plug-in hybrid, specifically the S580e, which starts at 123,736 Euros (about RM 615k).

The EQS' cheaper price has nothing to do with EV incentives (Germany's EV incentive stops at cars priced at 40,000 Euros). Instead, it's because the S-Class (including the Maybach variant) is still Mercedes-Benz's flagship model.

But you are more probably more curious about how much more expensive is the EQS against the Tesla Model S Plaid. The Model S Plaid sells in Europe for 126,990 Euros (about RM 630k).

Of course, the Model S Plaid packs a lot more power, 1030 PS. Keep in mind that German manufacturers’ hp figures are quoted in DIN hp, which is essentially PS, while American manufacturer’s hp are SAE-Net figures (Tesla quotes 1020 hp).

Typical of Mercedes-Benz, there will also be an Edition 1 variant of the EQS, which adds 18,433 Euros (about RM 91k) to the price. Edition 1 models add:

• AMG Line exterior
• Obsidian metallic black paint
• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels
• "Edition 1" badge in the window triangles in front of the outside mirrors
• designo nappa leather upholstery in neva grey / reflex blue
• Floor mats with "Edition 1" lettering and piping in reflex blue
• Door sill panels with illuminated "Edition 1" lettering in white

Like the S-Class, the EQS also benefits from passive rear-wheel steering.

The car comes with all the necessary hardware for remote parking (Intelligent Park Pilot), but owners will need to pay an additional 1844 Euros (about RM 9.1k) to activate it.

The feature allows for limited automated valet function, which in theory, allows the vehicle to park itself and for the driver to ‘summon’ the vehicle. We say ‘in theory’ because the use of the service is contingent on local regulations allowing it, and for the car park to have the necessary automated valet parking infrastructure.

Inside, the highlight is the extremely wide, almost pillar-to-pillar, MBUX Hyperscreen (standard on the EQS 580 4MATIC, additional charge on the EQS 450+: 8568 Euros).

Both EQS variants support up to 200 kW DC fast charging, which in theory, allows the car to be recharged in 31 minutes.

Like most battery electric vehicles, the EQS’ top speed is limited to a rather low 210 km/h, instead of the usual 250 km/h for an S-Class.

Both variants have a claimed driving range of 770 km, when tested in accordance to WLTP standards.