Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.

The Gavler Review.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Review: The Quietest Electric Luxury on Three Rows

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV sits at number three on our Best Electric 3-Row SUVs list with an 8.5, and it's Edmunds' top-ranked super-luxury electric SUV at 8.0 out of 10. For 2026, Mercedes made a genuinely better deal out of it: standard all-wheel drive, a standard NACS port, more equipment, and a base price cut of more than $15,000. Buy it if refinement, quiet, and in-cabin technology top your priority list. Skip it if cargo space or cornering agility matter more, because both take a back seat to comfort here.

What it actually is

What buyers are paying for with the EQS SUV is refinement, full stop. Edmunds calls the cabin supremely comfortable, notes the ride glides over broken pavement, and the dash-spanning MBUX Hyperscreen — with standard wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system — earned a 9.7 out of 10 for in-cabin tech, matching the best scores on this list from any manufacturer.

It's also more capable than its comfort-first positioning suggests. The EQS 400 4Matic reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and while it's EPA-rated at 312 miles, Edmunds' own range test returned 373 miles at a frugal 36.2 kWh per 100 miles. Fast charging peaks above 200 kW, adding 100 miles in about 12 minutes, and an available third row makes it a genuine seven-seater rather than a five-seat SUV with a token extra bench.

In use

Edmunds' language on the EQS SUV's core character is consistent and direct: "the EQS SUV delivers supreme comfort and serenity." That's the whole thesis of the vehicle in five words, and independent testing keeps confirming it rather than complicating it.

On range, the real-world numbers exceed expectations in a way that matters for a six-figure luxury vehicle where road-trip confidence is part of the value proposition: "our test EQS SUV (with 21-inch wheels) blew past that, covering a total of 373 miles on a single battery charge, an impressive result." A 61-mile gap above the EPA rating is a larger margin than most EVs on Gavler's lists manage, luxury or otherwise.

The technology and luxury-heritage blend draws specific praise too: "it's supremely comfortable and blends modern technology with traditional luxury appointments in a way that few other electric SUVs can match." That's a meaningful distinction from tech-forward rivals like the Model Y, which lean harder into screen-centric minimalism than traditional luxury cues.

And the 2026 pricing change earns its own callout: "now that Mercedes has reduced the EQS SUV's starting price and added plenty of standard equipment and standard all-wheel drive, it seems like an unbeatable deal." Coming from Edmunds, that's a notable shift in framing for a vehicle that previously drew criticism mainly for its price relative to the experience.

Where it shines

• Class-leading in-cabin technology. A 9.7/10 tech score built around the MBUX Hyperscreen and standard wireless CarPlay/Android Auto sets a genuinely high bar within the segment.
• Real-world range that beats the EPA number. 373 miles tested against a 312-mile rating is a meaningful positive surprise, and one that matters directly for road-trip confidence.
• A dramatically better 2026 value proposition. Standard AWD, a $15,000-plus price cut, and more standard equipment turned a previously price-criticized vehicle into what Edmunds now calls an unbeatable deal.

The trade-offs — who should skip it

• You need serious cargo space. At 23 cubic feet behind the second row — and as little as 7 cubic feet behind a raised third row — this is a below-average hauler for its size and price class.
• The Hyperscreen's reflections bother you. Edmunds flags distracting glare off the dash-spanning display as a recurring real-world annoyance, not a one-off test-drive quirk.
• You want genuine off-road or performance capability. The EQS SUV is tuned entirely for comfort; buyers who want their three-row EV to also be capable off-pavement should look elsewhere on this list.

How it compares

On the same list, the Rivian R1S sits at number one and takes the opposite approach entirely — genuine quad-motor off-road capability and a 2.5-second 0-60 for over $30,000 less, at the cost of the EQS SUV's cabin refinement and Hyperscreen technology. The Kia EV9 splits the difference on price and practicality, undercutting both while still offering adult-friendly third-row seating that the EQS SUV, with its space-constrained third row, can't match.

The Gavler verdict

An 8.5, reflecting a genuinely improved value proposition layered on top of segment-leading refinement. The EQS SUV is the one to beat for buyers who put comfort first: Edmunds' top-ranked super-luxury EV, supremely quiet and comfortable, and — after a price cut of more than $15,000 with standard all-wheel drive — a far better value than it was. You trade for it in cargo space, a below-average 23 cubic feet, and in Hyperscreen glare. If comfort and technology outrank cargo and cornering, nothing electric does it better.

Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV worth it in 2026?

Yes, for buyers who prioritize refinement over cargo space or price. Edmunds ranks it its top super-luxury electric SUV at 8.0/10, and the 2026 model year cut the starting price by more than $15,000 while adding standard all-wheel drive. The honest trade-off is below-average cargo space at 23 cubic feet.

How much range does the Mercedes EQS SUV actually get?

More than its EPA rating suggests. It's rated at 312 miles, but Edmunds' own range test returned 373 miles at 36.2 kWh per 100 miles — a meaningful positive gap that matters for road-trip confidence in a six-figure luxury SUV.

Mercedes EQS SUV or Rivian R1S?

Choose the EQS SUV for cabin refinement, the MBUX Hyperscreen, and a genuinely quiet ride. Choose the R1S for real off-road capability, quad-motor performance, and a lower entry price — the R1S starts over $30,000 below the EQS SUV. The two serve very different buyers within the same three-row EV category.

Did the Mercedes EQS SUV get cheaper for 2026?

Yes — Mercedes cut the base price by more than $15,000 for 2026 while adding standard all-wheel drive, a standard NACS port for Supercharger access, and more standard equipment, making it a notably better value than the outgoing model.