97 MPG combined is very efficient for a vehicle like the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 Plus. This isn’t a compact hatchback or a stripped-down commuter car; it’s a flagship electric sedan prioritizing luxury, technology, and a quiet driving experience for those who value lower fuel costs without sacrificing opulence. Owners aren’t primarily driven by cost savings; instead, they seek the prestige and advanced engineering that the EQS embodies, and its remarkable efficiency is a welcome bonus.

City and highway performance

The EQS 450 Plus achieves an EPA-estimated 97 MPG in both city and highway driving. This parity shows the effectiveness of its drivetrain and regenerative braking system, which captures and reuses energy typically lost during deceleration, making it especially potent in stop-and-go urban settings. On the highway, aerodynamic optimization and efficient motor management help maintain this impressive efficiency. For drivers who frequently encounter both city streets and open freeways, the EQS 450 Plus delivers consistent and predictable energy consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 Plus at $800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a predetermined mix of city and highway driving, at the national average electricity prices. While individual charging costs will vary based on utility rates and driving habits, the $800 figure provides a valuable benchmark for prospective owners. The minimal investment at the “pump” underscores the financial benefit of driving an electric vehicle. While the cost of electricity fluctuates, it generally remains far more stable and predictable than gasoline prices, further enhancing the EQS 450 Plus’s appeal to financially savvy buyers.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a solid baseline, real-world MPG in the EQS 450 Plus can change based on several factors. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of climate control, and cold weather can all impact efficiency negatively. Conversely, gentle driving, preconditioning the cabin while plugged in, and using the car’s efficiency-maximizing driving modes can help owners approach or even exceed the EPA ratings. The EQS has an extensive suite of technology designed to help maximize efficiency. Drivers who actively engage with these features will experience the best possible real-world economy.

How it compares

The EQS 450 Plus stands out among other luxury electric vehicles for its efficiency. The Tesla Model S Long Range, a direct competitor, achieves an EPA-estimated 120 MPGe combined, slightly exceeding the EQS, but without the same level of lavish interior design. The Audi e-tron GT achieves a combined 82 MPGe, demonstrating the EQS’s better efficiency within the premium EV segment. Even among plug-in hybrids, which benefit from gasoline assistance, it is rare to find vehicles offering comparable combined MPG figures to the EQS. Buyers considering the EQS are making a statement about prioritizing zero-emission transportation, and the vehicle’s efficiency underlines that commitment.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the EQS’s regenerative braking system, which allows you to recover energy during deceleration. Selecting a higher regeneration level in the vehicle’s settings maximizes energy capture while coasting, and the system can anticipate traffic conditions automatically, further optimizing efficiency.

Precondition the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in. This heats or cools the interior using grid power instead of battery power, which is especially important in cold or hot climates. This simple step can significantly reduce energy consumption during the initial miles of each drive from EQS MPG across all years.

Use the available drive modes wisely. The EQS 450 Plus typically offers several modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Eco. Eco mode usually optimizes various vehicle systems for maximum efficiency, potentially sacrificing some responsiveness. Choosing the right mode for the driving conditions maximizes battery use.

Maintain optimal tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, improving overall fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels specified in the owner’s manual or on the door jamb. Rolling resistance is an area where even small differences can add up over thousands of miles.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Remove any heavy items from the trunk that aren’t needed regularly. Extra weight increases the energy required to accelerate and maintain speed. Less weight means more range for all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data and a reduced impact on the vehicle’s energy consumption.