Mercedes has taken the EQS 450 and pushed it into a more athletic territory. The most obvious change is the addition of the AMG Line trim – previously reserved for the flagship EQS 580. The AMG‑styled front bumper, rear diffuser and 21‑inch alloy wheels give the sedan a lower, wider stance that looks purposeful even when it’s standing still. That matters because first‑impression bias still drives a large share of luxury buying decisions in India.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by a 5.6‑inch HyperScreen that spans the driver’s instrument cluster, central infotainment, and a secondary passenger display. The screen isn’t just larger; it’s split into three independent zones, letting the driver keep navigation, speed and media separate. This changes things for tech‑savvy buyers who expect a seamless digital experience.
The AMG Line isn’t a cosmetic after‑thought. Mercedes re‑engineered the front fascia with a deeper splitter and a more aggressive grille, while the rear receives a diffuser that improves airflow at higher speeds. The 21‑inch AMG‑specific alloy wheels are not only larger but feature a new spoke pattern that reduces drag by a few percent – a tiny but measurable gain for an electric powertrain.
Side‑profile cues include a subtle roof‑line dip that hints at a sportier stance, and a rear spoiler that adds a visual anchor without compromising rear‑window visibility. These design tweaks help the EQS shed its “executive sedan” image and compete with the sleek lines of the Tesla Model X and Audi e‑tron GT.
Under the hood, the EQS 450 now houses a dual‑motor setup that pushes 360 hp and 800 Nm of torque. The larger 122 kWh battery pack gives a WLTP‑rated range of 820 km on a single charge – a modest bump over the previous 780 km figure. The EQS 580 retains its 544 hp and 858 Nm, with a range of 809 km.
Both variants support up to 150 kW DC fast‑charging, filling the battery from 10 % to 80 % in roughly 30 minutes at a 250 kW charger. That matters for Indian buyers who worry about charging infrastructure gaps on long highway trips.
Mercedes didn’t just add a bigger screen; it layered the interior with premium touches. Four‑zone automatic climate control, a wireless charger, and ambient lighting that can be set to multiple colours create a personalized environment. Rear seats are ventilated, a first for the EQS line‑up, and the cabin is insulated with acoustic glass to mute road noise.
Safety is anchored by a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System that includes adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, and automatic emergency braking. A 360‑degree camera feeds a bird’s‑eye view to the central screen, while 9 airbags protect occupants in a collision. The 15‑speaker Burmester premium audio system rounds out the experience, delivering concert‑hall clarity at highway speeds.
Mercedes predicts the EQS will become the best‑selling luxury electric SUV in India by 2025. The brand is betting on a combination of premium branding, a strong dealer network, and a growing high‑net‑worth customer base that is increasingly environmentally conscious.
Pricing starts around INR 1.2 crore for the 450‑trim, putting it slightly above the Tesla Model X entry price but below the top‑end Audi e‑tron GT. This positioning gives Mercedes a sweet spot: enough prestige to justify the premium, yet accessible enough to attract buyers who might otherwise stay with a gasoline‑powered flagship.
Infrastructure remains a hurdle. India’s fast‑charging network is expanding, with major operators promising 10,000+ DC chargers by 2026. Mercedes plans to partner with these providers, offering owners a bundled charging subscription that includes home‑install kits. If the network rollout stays on schedule, the EQS could indeed capture the market share Mercedes forecasts.
Q: What is the price of the Mercedes EQS 450 in India? A: The base EQS 450 with the AMG Line starts at roughly INR 1.2 crore, though final pricing may vary with optional packages and state taxes.
Q: When will the EQS be available for delivery in India? A: Mercedes has slated deliveries to begin in Q3 2024, with bookings opening in early 2024.
Q: How does the EQS 450’s range compare to the Tesla Model X? A: The EQS 450 offers a WLTP‑rated range of 820 km, slightly higher than the Tesla Model X Long Range which is rated at around 800 km.
Q: Does the EQS 450 support fast charging? A: Yes, it can charge at up to 150 kW, reaching 80 % in about 30 minutes on a 250 kW charger.
Q: What safety features are included in the EQS? A: The sedan comes with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance, 9 airbags, a 360‑degree camera, and a 15‑speaker Burmester audio system, among other features.