How the new Mercedes EQS compares to the Tesla Model S

Mercedes isn't quite done revealing its new EQS luxury electric sedan, but while the final design remains hidden by camouflage for now, the performance and range statistics have been announced – and they should give prospective Tesla buyers something to think about.

More specifically, anyone considering a Tesla Model S might want to hold off that purchase for now, as it looks like the new Mercedes could pose a major threat.

Here is a quick look at how the two cars compare, based on what Mercedes has announced so far about the EQS.

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Mercedes EQS vs Tesla Model S: Range and battery size

While rivals like Audi and Jaguar have struggled to get close to the range capabilities of Tesla, Mercedes is squaring up to Tesla like no one else. The German automaker says its EQS has a range of up to 478 miles, when using the European WLTP test cycle. This test tends to produce slightly better results than the more strict EPA alternative used in the US, but even still that number is mighty impressive.

Once translated to an EPA equivalent, we expect to still see around 430 miles from the Mercedes EQS. This puts it in direct competition with the Tesla Model S Long Range, which has an EPA-estimated range of 412 miles. The Model S Plaid clocks in at 390 miles, while the Plaid+ is set to offer a claimed range of over 520 miles, but isn't due to arrive until the middle of 2022.

As for battery size, the Mercedes EQS is being offered with two options of 90kWh and 107.8kWh. For comparison, the current Model S is fitted with a 100kWh battery pack.

Mercedes EQS vs Tesla Model S: Charging and architecture

Mercedes says the EQS can charge its battery at a rate of up to 200kW and the car uses an 800-volt architecture, as seen on the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT and Kia EV6. Tesla still uses the more common 400 volt architecture for its vehicles.

The latest Model S can charge at a slightly higher maximum rate of 225kW, but in both cases this depends on the car being connected to the fastest-possible charger, such as one provided by Electrify America or Tesla's third-generation Supercharger.

Mercedes says the car can gain up to 186 miles of range in 15 minutes when using a 200kW charger.

Mercedes EQS vs Tesla Model S: Power and performance

Tesla has always been the king of EV performance, and that remains true with the latest version of Model S. The regular Long Range car has a 0-60mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. The Model S Plaid slashes the 0-60 time to a claimed 1.99 seconds while upping the top speed to 200mph, faster than any mass-production EV to date. The Plaid+, due out in mid-2022, is claimed to have a 0-60mph time below 1.99 seconds, but Tesla hasn't given a precise number yet. However, it has said the Model S Plaid produces 1,020 horsepower from its three motors, and the Plaid+ increases this to over 1,100 horsepower.

Mercedes is being more conservative with the EQS, which has a total output of 516 horsepower and can hit 62mph (100km/h) in 4.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 130mph. Mercedes says a more powerful version will be along later, and there will also be a less powerful, single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with around 330 horsepower.

An interesting detail of the Mercedes is its two-speed gearbox. This is a rarity among electric cars, with the vast majority having a single gear. The Porsche Taycan also has two gears, with the first used when accelerating from standstill, before automatically switching to the second gear for all other driving.

Mercedes EQS vs Tesla Model S: Interior

Tesla recently updated the interior of its Model S and X, with the biggest changes being a yoke-style steering wheel, a central display switched from portrait to landscape orientation, and a new display between the seats for rear passengers.

The new main display measures 17 inches and has a resolution of 2200 x 1300. IT is connected to a sound system with 22 speakers and 960 watts of power, and other features include USB-C charging for all occupants, and a gaming computer as powerful as a PlayStation 5.

The interior of the Mercedes EQS debuts the company's new MBUX Hyperscreen. This is a 55-inch unit fronted by curved glass and housing three OLED displays. These screens act as the instrument cluster for the driver, the central infotainment and climate control display, and a third display for the front passenger. The unit also houses a pair of air vents and is framed by LED mood lighting.

Mercedes EQS vs Tesla Model S: Price

Tesla increased the prices of its Model S with the 2021 face lift, with the Long Range now starting at $78,490. This increases to $118,490 for the Plaid and $148,490 for the Plaid+.

Mercedes is yet to announce a price for the EQS, but we suspect to see it priced at around $100,000. We will update this article once the car is fully revealed on April 15.