2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS Review: AMG Goes Electric

2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS: AMG’s first electric sedan proves that silence and speed aren’t opposites they’re just a new kind of thrill.

For decades, an AMG badge on a Mercedes meant one thing: a howling V8 stuffed under the hood and a soundtrack that announced your arrival before you turned the corner. The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS throws that formula out the window. There’s no engine note here, no exhaust burble, just a wall of silent thrust that hits like a freight train nobody warned you about. It’s the automotive equivalent of a whisper that knocks you off your feet.

This car exists because AMG had no choice. The industry is going electric, and Mercedes needed to prove its performance division could translate decades of engineering pedigree into a battery powered package without losing the plot. The AMG EQS enters a fight that already includes the Tesla Model S Plaid, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, and the Lucid Air Grand Touring, cars that have already redefined what “fast” means in the EV era. Mercedes isn’t trying to out-drag-race any of them. Instead, it’s betting that buyers want something that feels like a luxury flagship first and a rocket sled second.

That’s a smart bet, and also a risky one. The standard EQS already earned a reputation for being soft, quiet, and almost too serene for its own good. Grafting AMG performance hardware onto that platform is a bit like asking a yoga instructor to also compete in powerlifting. This review digs into whether Mercedes pulled off that balancing act, or whether the AMG EQS is a car with a split personality that never quite settles on who it wants to be.

If you’re cross-shopping this car with anything from BMW’s i7 lineup or Audi’s e-tron GT, you already know this segment moves fast. Prices climb, tech changes yearly, and buyers need a clear-eyed take on what actually matters day to day. This 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS review breaks down every part of the ownership experience, not just the spec sheet numbers that look good in a press release.

Our Take on the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS

The AMG EQS is quick, composed, and thoroughly engineered. It’s just not the electric sedan for drivers chasing raw excitement. The suspension tuning, while sharper than the standard EQS, still prioritizes comfort over outright cornering thrills, and the numb steering feel keeps drivers a step removed from the action. Where this car wins is everyday livability wrapped in real straight-line violence when you want it.

Mercedes clearly built this car for people who want AMG-grade power without giving up the isolation and hush of an S-Class. That’s a legitimate audience, but it’s not the same audience buying a Taycan Turbo S for weekend track days. Judge the AMG EQS on its own terms and it succeeds. Judge it against the sharpest EVs on sale and it trades some edge for comfort.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Blistering acceleration with 649 horsepower on tap and a boost function pushing beyond 750
• Serene, isolated cabin that rides better than most gasoline luxury sedans
• MBUX Hyperscreen is one of the most impressive tech displays in any production car
• Standard rear-axle steering makes a huge sedan feel far smaller in parking lots and tight streets
• Strong EPA-estimated range for a quick, luxury EV

Cons:

• Numb steering feel doesn’t match the car’s straight-line pace
• Curb weight near 5,900 pounds is noticeable under hard cornering
• Exterior design is polarizing and doesn’t scream speed the way older AMG models did
• Options and packages push the price well past $150,000 quickly
• Charging network reliability outside Mercedes’ own infrastructure remains inconsistent

What’s New for the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS

The 2022 model year marks the introduction of the AMG EQS to the United States market, making it the first fully electric production vehicle to wear the AMG badge here. Everything about this car is new relative to the lineup. It rides on the same EVA2 platform as the standard EQS 450 and 580 but adds AMG-specific front and rear subframes, unique motor mounts, and a reworked rear axle beam borrowed partly from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe parts bin.

The AMG Dynamic Plus package is included as standard equipment on the U.S. model and provides the Race Start launch control function that temporarily boosts output. Dual electric motors, one per axle, provide all-wheel drive with a rear-biased torque split in Sport and Sport+ modes. This is a genuinely new chapter for AMG, not a badge-engineering exercise slapped onto an existing sedan.

Exterior Design

The AMG EQS follows the same one-bow silhouette as the standard EQS, a smooth, cab-forward shape designed around aerodynamic efficiency rather than visual drama. AMG adds a more aggressive front apron, a unique grille pattern, and larger air intakes, but the overall effect is subtle rather than shouty. Compared to the razor-edged aggression of a BMW i7 M70 or the low, wide stance of a Porsche Taycan Turbo S, the AMG EQS reads as understated to the point of being anonymous from certain angles.

That’s likely intentional. Mercedes wants this car to look expensive and serious rather than boy-racer flashy. It works, though shoppers hoping for visual drama to match the speed underneath might come away a little disappointed. The rounded, almost egg-like proportions won’t be for everyone, and this is one of the more divisive designs Mercedes has released in years.

Driving Experience

This is where the AMG EQS earns its keep. Stomp the accelerator and the car simply goes, no drama, no wheelspin, no hesitation, just an immediate and relentless surge that pins you into the seat. It doesn’t feel like a car accelerating so much as a car being launched. The instant torque delivery from both motors makes overtaking on the highway feel almost unfair to other traffic.

Where things get more nuanced is in the corners. AMG’s engineers tuned the AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive dampers and dual pressure-relief valves for sharper responses than the standard EQS, and it clearly helps. The car leans less, resists body roll better, and holds a line through sweeping curves with more composure than its size and weight would suggest. But this is still a nearly 6,000 pound sedan, and physics eventually wins. Push hard into a tight corner and you feel the mass shift and settle rather than pivot with true agility.

The standard rear-axle steering, capable of turning up to 9 degrees at low speed, is a genuine highlight. It shrinks the car’s footprint dramatically in parking garages and tight city streets, something owners will appreciate far more often than they’ll appreciate ultimate lateral grip. This is where the excitement lives, not in canyon carving, but in the sheer confidence of knowing that whenever you need speed, it’s instantly available.

2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS Performance and Acceleration

The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ produces 649 horsepower and roughly 700 pound-feet of torque in standard trim. Engage the standard AMG Dynamic Plus package’s Race Start launch control and those numbers jump to 751 horsepower and 752 pound-feet for short bursts only, enough to send this sedan from zero to 60 mph in around 3.4 seconds according to Mercedes’ own figures. That’s supercar territory in a body that seats five adults comfortably and swallows a family’s luggage.

Unlike a combustion AMG model, there’s no distinct engine character to describe here, no raspy idle or a different exhaust note between drive modes. What AMG has done instead is tune the power delivery curve and the artificial sound generator, which pipes a synthetic “Performance” or “Authentic” tone through the speakers depending on driver preference. It’s a clever trick, though purists will roll their eyes at a fake soundtrack standing in for genuine mechanical drama. Whether you love or hate the synthesized noise, the acceleration underneath it is completely real and startling the first few times you experience it.

Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement

Despite the extra power under the floor, the EQS never forgets its S-Class roots. Ride quality remains excellent, soaking up broken pavement and expansion joints with the kind of composure owners expect from a six-figure Mercedes. It’s firmer than the standard EQS, and you’ll notice sharper impacts transmitted through the cabin over rough surfaces, but this is still one of the most comfortable quick sedans money can buy.

Wind and road noise are almost nonexistent at highway speeds, helped along by the absence of engine noise entirely. That silence occasionally works against the car, though, making the artificial engine sound piped through the speakers feel more like a video game feature than a genuine part of the experience. Long highway stretches are where this car shines brightest, delivering a first-class cabin experience that few EVs, fast or otherwise, can match.

Interior and Luxury Feel

Step inside and the AMG EQS immediately feels like a Mercedes flagship. Nappa leather, real metal trim, and available AMG-specific sport seats with more aggressive bolstering than the standard EQS give the cabin a sense of occasion. The seats themselves are excellent for long trips, with enough adjustability and support to keep drivers comfortable across a full day behind the wheel.

Not everything is perfect. Some of the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console are finicky, requiring more attention than a simple physical button would. And while the materials feel expensive almost everywhere you look, a few interior panels lower in the cabin use harder plastics that feel like a step down from what shoppers expect at this price point. It’s a small gripe in an otherwise excellent cabin, but it’s worth mentioning honestly rather than pretending everything about this interior is flawless.

Technology and Infotainment

The centerpiece of the AMG EQS cabin is the MBUX Hyperscreen, a curved 56-inch glass panel stretching from pillar to pillar and housing three separate OLED displays. It’s one of the most visually striking pieces of technology in any production vehicle today, and it’s more functional than gimmicky. The passenger side screen allows a front seat passenger to browse media or navigation without distracting the driver, and the system supports augmented reality navigation that overlays directions onto a live camera feed.

The learning curve is real, though. There are enough menus, sub-menus, and customizable widgets that new owners will spend real time figuring out where everything lives. Voice command recognition through “Hey Mercedes” works well most of the time but occasionally misfires on more complex requests. For shoppers who want a tech showpiece to show off to passengers, this system delivers in a way almost nothing else on the market can match.

Fuel Economy

Since the AMG EQS runs entirely on electricity, the conversation shifts from miles per gallon to efficiency and real-world range. The EPA-estimated range for the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS is 277 miles on a full charge, a solid number considering the output this car delivers, though it trails behind the more efficiency-focused EQS 450 and 580 trims that aren’t chasing outright speed.

The 107.8 kWh battery pack supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kW, capable of adding a meaningful amount of range in around 30 minutes at a compatible station. Home charging in the US relies on the standard 11 kW onboard charger, which covers overnight top-ups without issue. A 22 kW onboard charger was offered in select international markets with three-phase household power, but it was never available on US-spec cars. Real-world range drops noticeably in cold weather or when driving aggressively, which owners accustomed to gasoline AMG models should factor into their expectations before committing.

Practicality and Cargo Space

This is a full-size luxury sedan, and it behaves like one. Rear seat legroom is generous enough for tall adults to stretch out comfortably, and the flat floor, a benefit of the dedicated EV platform, means a middle passenger isn’t sacrificing comfort for a hump running down the center of the cabin. Trunk space comes in at 21.5 cubic feet, expanding to 62.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, numbers that put it ahead of most sedan competitors and closer to what you’d expect from a compact SUV.

Daily usability is where the AMG EQS quietly impresses. It’s the kind of car that handles airport runs, grocery trips, and long road trips without complaint, all while hiding supercar-level speed underneath a practical shell.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Every 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS comes standard with a comprehensive driver assistance suite, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and PRE-SAFE PLUS with PRE-SAFE Impulse Side protection. Route-based speed adaptation automatically slows the car ahead of curves, roundabouts, and toll booths using map data, a feature that works seamlessly in daily driving once you get used to it.

Active Steering Assist keeps the car centered in its lane on highways and gentle curves, and the extended restart function allows the vehicle to resume from a complete stop in traffic up to a minute later without driver input. This is a car that takes safety seriously without making the technology feel intrusive, striking a good balance between assistance and driver control.

Competitors Worth Considering

The Porsche Taycan Turbo S remains the benchmark for buyers who want sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience, though it sacrifices some of the AMG EQS’s rear seat space and outright luxury feel. The Tesla Model S Plaid undercuts the AMG EQS on price while matching or beating it in outright acceleration, but it can’t touch the Mercedes for interior polish or ride refinement. Buyers drawn to a more understated badge might look at the Audi e-tron GT RS, which offers similar performance in a lower, more overtly sporty package, while the Lucid Air Grand Touring appeals to anyone prioritizing maximum range and cutting-edge efficiency over outright brand prestige.

Biggest Strength and Biggest Weakness

The biggest strength of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS is its ability to deliver shocking acceleration without sacrificing the comfort and isolation customers expect from a Mercedes flagship. Few cars manage to feel this fast and this serene at the same time. The biggest weakness is the steering feel, which remains numb and disconnected in a way that undercuts the AMG badge on the trunk lid. A car this capable deserves communication through the wheel that matches its speed, and right now it doesn’t quite get there.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

Since the AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the only trim offered in the US for 2022, the real decision comes down to options packages rather than trim levels. The AMG Dynamic Plus package is standard equipment, so owners already get the Race Start launch control function without paying extra. Where it makes sense to spend is on the Executive Rear Seat package for those who frequently carry passengers, and the Night package for anyone who wants the exterior to lean into a more aggressive visual identity. Skip the priciest Manufaktur customization options unless personalization matters more to you than value, since they add cost quickly without meaningfully improving the driving experience.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS?

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS makes the most sense for drivers who want flagship luxury and startling acceleration in a single package, without needing that speed to come with a raw, unfiltered edge. If you’re cross-shopping a Porsche Taycan Turbo S because you want to feel every input through the steering wheel, this isn’t your car. But if you want a sedan that pampers you on the daily commute and then floors you with acceleration whenever you ask for it, the AMG EQS delivers on that promise better than almost anything else on sale.

It’s expensive, it’s heavy, and its steering won’t win over driving purists. But as a first attempt at translating AMG’s engineering DNA into a fully electric package, this car succeeds far more than it stumbles. For the right buyer, it’s an easy recommendation.

FAQ

How much horsepower does the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS have?

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS produces 649 horsepower standard, with the standard AMG Dynamic Plus package’s Race Start function temporarily boosting output to 751 horsepower for short bursts only.

What is the range of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS?

The official EPA-estimated range is 277 miles on a full charge, a figure that can drop in cold weather or during aggressive driving.

How fast does the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS go from 0 to 60 mph?

Mercedes rates the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS at approximately 3.4 seconds from zero to 60 mph when using the Race Start launch control feature.

How much does the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS cost?

Pricing for the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS starts around $148,550 before options, with fully loaded examples easily surpassing $160,000.

Is the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS a good daily driver?

Yes. Despite its performance focus, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS prioritizes ride comfort, cabin quietness, and interior space, making it one of the more livable performance EVs for daily use.