2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 Plus
Luxury Electric Sedan · RWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Below average for 2024 EV Sedans (class avg 69)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 12 days ago
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 Plus puts down 355 hp, 352 miles of EPA range and a 96 kWh battery, and a worth-pursuing score, but only after a hard inspection and a fair price.
Score read
A 68/100 makes this a records-first inspection. Software and driver-assist score is 88/100, but owner feedback score is only 46/100. On Reddit, owners keep flagging the same two issues: software tech and owner satisfaction. Treat missing repair records as a price problem, not a footnote.
Price context
This trim started from $104,400 new. Used examples have come down since launch, but pricing varies by miles, condition, and how the model is moving right now; pull a current KBB Fair Purchase, an Edmunds True Market Value, or an active dealer listing for this exact trim, and anchor your offer there. Walk if the seller will not move off new-car-style pricing.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
- ↦ Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
✗ Avoid if you are a
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
Gotchas
- Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.
Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.
- Verify Owner feedback is the part to read carefully (46/100).
Mitigation Read the complaint themes and ask whether this VIN has already had those issues repaired.
- Verify Current market pricing is not confirmed well enough for this trim.
Mitigation Compare KBB, J.D. Power, and live listings for the same trim before treating price as a buying signal.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
- 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 352-mile rating after a full charge.
- 3 Confirm how much of the 10-year/155,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 5 Read the complaint themes, not just the count, and ask the seller whether those issues have shown up on this VIN.
VIN status first This model has 3 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 8 NHTSA complaint records (5.7 per 10K VINs, near industry average). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price anchor Current market range is $81,249-$101,150. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
Score Breakdown
What matters most to you?
Drag the sliders to prioritize what you care about. Your TrimIndex Score recalculates instantly.
Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $73.0K–$109.4K market value (±20% of $91.2K). 4 outscore · 2 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
EQS
- ✓ Happier owners overall
- ✓ Stronger safety record
- ✓ Better build quality
Model S
- ✓ +58 mi more range
- ✓ Stronger safety record
- ✓ Happier owners overall
i7
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Notably better build quality
- ✓ Better safety score
Taycan
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Better build quality
RS e-tron GT
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ Happier owners overall
EQS
- ✓ Happier owners overall
- ✓ Better build quality
- ✓ Better safety score
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$20,179 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
That's 15 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (3)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 S-Class, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV and EQS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Software in the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) may cause an incorrect external pedestrian warning sound while reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid Electric Vehicles."
A vehicle that makes an incorrect sound may fail to alert pedestrians of a reversing vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 EQE 350 4MATIC, EQE 350+, EQE 500 4MATIC, EQS 450 4MATIC, EQS 450+, EQS 580 4MATIC, AMG EQE 53 4MATIC, AMG EQS 53 4MATIC, 2023-2025 EQE SUV 350 4MATIC, EQE SUV 350+, EQE SUV 500 4MATIC, EQS SUV 450 4MATIC, EQS SUV 450+, EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, 2024-2025 EQS SUV 680 4MATIC, and AMG EQE SUV 53 4MATIC vehicles. The battery management system software may cause the high-voltage battery to shut down, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govNHTSA Complaints (8 total · 5.7 per 10K US vehicles · near industry average)
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] PDT, a 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450+ caught fire at an intersection in Irvine, California. The vehicle was being driven normally. It was NOT charging. It was NOT in a collision. It was stopped at the intersection when the fire began. There was no warning. Four occupants were inside: the driver (age [XXX] ), two minor children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ), and one elderly passenger (age [XXX] ). All four escaped, but narrowly — the rear child safety locks barely released in time for the children to exit. The vehicle sustained catastrophic cabin burn-through and is a total loss. Smoke and flames appeared to originate from beneath the vehicle, consistent with a thermal event in the under-floor high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, pending expert investigation. This vehicle is within the population of NHTSA Recall 24V-372 (Mercedes-Benz battery management system software defect, 14,912 2023-2025 EQE/EQS units, including 551 units of the 2024 EQS SUV 450+). Mercedes documented in its Part 573 report that it received field reports of this defect in October 2023 and waited approximately seven months before filing the recall. Mercedes acknowledged fire risk in the EQS platform in NHTSA Recall 24V-115, stating "a risk of fire cannot be ruled out." In February 2026, Recall 26V-073 ordered full battery replacement in EQB vehicles after Mercedes admitted prior software remedies were failed remedies. On [XXX], a Mercedes EQE caught fire spontaneously in a parking garage in Incheon, South Korea while parked and not charging, damaging 140 vehicles. The fire in this vehicle occurred at zero mph with two young children and an elderly grandmother trapped behind child-locked rear doors. The fire department and police responded. The vehicle is preserved pending expert inspection. I request NHTSA ODI open a formal investigation into spontaneous battery fire risk in the Mercedes EQ platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] PDT, a 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450+ caught fire at an intersection in Irvine, California. The vehicle was being driven normally. It was NOT charging. It was NOT in a collision. It was stopped at the intersection when the fire began. There was no warning. Four occupants were inside: the driver (age [XXX] ), two minor children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ), and one elderly passenger (age [XXX] ). All four escaped, but narrowly — the rear child safety locks barely released in time for the children to exit. The vehicle sustained catastrophic cabin burn-through and is a total loss. Smoke and flames appeared to originate from beneath the vehicle, consistent with a thermal event in the under-floor high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, pending expert investigation. This vehicle is within the population of NHTSA Recall 24V-372 (Mercedes-Benz battery management system software defect, 14,912 2023-2025 EQE/EQS units, including 551 units of the 2024 EQS SUV 450+). Mercedes documented in its Part 573 report that it received field reports of this defect in October 2023 and waited approximately seven months before filing the recall. Mercedes acknowledged fire risk in the EQS platform in NHTSA Recall 24V-115, stating "a risk of fire cannot be ruled out." In February 2026, Recall 26V-073 ordered full battery replacement in EQB vehicles after Mercedes admitted prior software remedies were failed remedies. On [XXX], a Mercedes EQE caught fire spontaneously in a parking garage in Incheon, South Korea while parked and not charging, damaging 140 vehicles. The fire in this vehicle occurred at zero mph with two young children and an elderly grandmother trapped behind child-locked rear doors. The fire department and police responded. The vehicle is preserved pending expert inspection. I request NHTSA ODI open a formal investigation into spontaneous battery fire risk in the Mercedes EQ platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving, the vehicle’s lane keeping system applied an unintended and aggressive steering input during a lane change. I was merging left when the system suddenly forced the steering sharply to the right without driver command. This was not a gentle correction—it was a strong, unexpected movement that could have caused a collision if another vehicle was nearby. In addition, the vehicle has ongoing intermittent ADAS malfunctions, including false forward-collision warnings, proximity sensors activating with no obstacles present, and Park Assist activating while the vehicle is moving on normal roads. I’ve also received messages such as “camera obstructed/visibility blocked” and “content unavailable in current vehicle position,” with ADAS features disabling themselves temporarily. These issues have occurred multiple times and continue to reappear even after several repair attempts by the dealer. Because the defects happen randomly and cannot be reliably reproduced, the vehicle feels unsafe to operate and unpredictable. The steering, sensors, and driver-assist systems do not appear to function correctly or consistently. The vehicle is available for inspection.
While driving, the vehicle’s lane keeping system applied an unintended and aggressive steering input during a lane change. I was merging left when the system suddenly forced the steering sharply to the right without driver command. This was not a gentle correction—it was a strong, unexpected movement that could have caused a collision if another vehicle was nearby. In addition, the vehicle has ongoing intermittent ADAS malfunctions, including false forward-collision warnings, proximity sensors activating with no obstacles present, and Park Assist activating while the vehicle is moving on normal roads. I’ve also received messages such as “camera obstructed/visibility blocked” and “content unavailable in current vehicle position,” with ADAS features disabling themselves temporarily. These issues have occurred multiple times and continue to reappear even after several repair attempts by the dealer. Because the defects happen randomly and cannot be reliably reproduced, the vehicle feels unsafe to operate and unpredictable. The steering, sensors, and driver-assist systems do not appear to function correctly or consistently. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Driving approx 45mph on a highway without any cars nearby. Sunroof spontaneously exploded. All of the sunroof glass instantly demolished without anything hitting it.
Driving approx 45mph on a highway without any cars nearby. Sunroof spontaneously exploded. All of the sunroof glass instantly demolished without anything hitting it.
My Mercedes EQS 580 Sedan has had numerous "phantom" braking issues since purchase on [XXX]. While driving on Interstate the vehicle has hard braked multiple times like it was sensing an imminent collision though no collision was imminent. This puts the lives of other motorists and myself in danger. In addition to Interstate driving, the "phantom" braking has occurred several times when leaving a 4way stop. It again appears to sense an imminent collision when none does not exist. i have reached out to the Mercedes Benz Corporate USA offices several times. I was told a resolution to my request to terminate my lease due to safety concerns would be reached 6-8 weeks after September 26, 2024. It is now 10 weeks and 4 days after September 26 and they have still not responded to my multiple communications.
My Mercedes EQS 580 Sedan has had numerous "phantom" braking issues since purchase on [XXX]. While driving on Interstate the vehicle has hard braked multiple times like it was sensing an imminent collision though no collision was imminent. This puts the lives of other motorists and myself in danger. In addition to Interstate driving, the "phantom" braking has occurred several times when leaving a 4way stop. It again appears to sense an imminent collision when none does not exist. i have reached out to the Mercedes Benz Corporate USA offices several times. I was told a resolution to my request to terminate my lease due to safety concerns would be reached 6-8 weeks after September 26, 2024. It is now 10 weeks and 4 days after September 26 and they have still not responded to my multiple communications.
Signs of arcing on high voltage charge port. The issue was first identified and reported to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership (Pleasanton, CA) at approximately 41,000 miles. Despite the safety implications, the dealership chose not to perform a repair has denied warranty coverage, claiming Electrify America charging station for the caused.
Signs of arcing on high voltage charge port. The issue was first identified and reported to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership (Pleasanton, CA) at approximately 41,000 miles. Despite the safety implications, the dealership chose not to perform a repair has denied warranty coverage, claiming Electrify America charging station for the caused.
The EQS450's delivery was taken from the sonic walnut creek CA dealer on [XXX], the vehicle has ACC and brake assists malfunctioning issues. Phantom braking issues. On [XXX], I was traveling on Interstate at 70-75 mph with no nearby vehicles when the car suddenly braked as if there was a pending collision. It was very scary, it was so violent I thought I had hit something in the road, but it was a clear, dry, sunny day with no road hazards, obstacles or anything else that would have caused it. My wife’s head whipped back and forth, resulting in an enduring headache for her through the rest of the evening. MB Naperville serviced vehicles twice in the past three months, updated software often and again in the next three days, we experienced a sudden and hard stop while driving around 65 mph up a hill. It was a violent and sudden jolting stop. We feel hazardous and untrustworthy to drive the EQS450. MBUSA Case #[XXX] (6/18th),CASE [XXX] (6/19th - Opened by Mercedes Benz Naperville IL dealer). Appreciate your help, and options available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The EQS450's delivery was taken from the sonic walnut creek CA dealer on [XXX], the vehicle has ACC and brake assists malfunctioning issues. Phantom braking issues. On [XXX], I was traveling on Interstate at 70-75 mph with no nearby vehicles when the car suddenly braked as if there was a pending collision. It was very scary, it was so violent I thought I had hit something in the road, but it was a clear, dry, sunny day with no road hazards, obstacles or anything else that would have caused it. My wife’s head whipped back and forth, resulting in an enduring headache for her through the rest of the evening. MB Naperville serviced vehicles twice in the past three months, updated software often and again in the next three days, we experienced a sudden and hard stop while driving around 65 mph up a hill. It was a violent and sudden jolting stop. We feel hazardous and untrustworthy to drive the EQS450. MBUSA Case #[XXX] (6/18th),CASE [XXX] (6/19th - Opened by Mercedes Benz Naperville IL dealer). Appreciate your help, and options available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Trunk opening and closing without warning. First incident occurred when sunroof was open and wouldn't close. Trunk would randomly open even when the car was parked and locked. Trunk opened when car was off and parked and pinned my 5 year old son between the trunk and our garage door. Trunk closed without warning and almost decapitated my husband and son Additionally, the door handles on the exterior of the car are constantly closing on our hands, pinching fingers and hands.
Trunk opening and closing without warning. First incident occurred when sunroof was open and wouldn't close. Trunk would randomly open even when the car was parked and locked. Trunk opened when car was off and parked and pinned my 5 year old son between the trunk and our garage door. Trunk closed without warning and almost decapitated my husband and son Additionally, the door handles on the exterior of the car are constantly closing on our hands, pinching fingers and hands.
Sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while driving. No rocks or other vehicles were around
Sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while driving. No rocks or other vehicles were around
What Owners Are Saying
">The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ covered 422 miles on Edmunds' real-world EV range loop, blasting past its EPA-estimated range of 350 miles. >The EQS 450+ is Edmunds' new real-world EV range leader by 77 miles. >Recharging the EQS's sizable 108-kWh battery pack took about 20 hours on our Level 2 charger."
"Seems like they are low-balling it like Porsche with the Taycan. There are real world tests of the EQS where they drove ~590 km from Munich to Berlin on the Autobahn and still had ~50 km range left (source) That's ~400 miles of real world driving."
"Mind I do wonder how that worked on their early doors models. The EQS is at the end of the day the first 'real' full on EV out of MB. Sure a few reworked ICE floorplans moded to house an EV environment and a rework that folks seem happy with. All good. But EQS I think I'm right in saying is the first full product. I think it would be hard to conceive that the first gen product would be fully rounded in this regard. I bought mine fully expecting some degree of learning curve. And sure enough I got that. OTA updates do occur. From memory I think I've seen maybe 5 or 6 (without checking) ... but it's also true to say that many many more have been seen as a result of service work and learning on our side. Some are obvious things that's it's fair to say, should be a little better developed. Some are very odd ball and highly likely would not be across board model upgrades by either make. They have been controller specific. I have test drove Tecla's and I have to say some 20k miles in and approximately 11 months of usage, whilst I can find small design frustrations and certainly a number of improvement opportunities, the core product still remains night and day for me ... in favour of the EQS #26· Sep 12, 2023"
"Hi Odysssus, tend to agree with Robert about the power side. It's quite enough for me but then it's down to choice. And equally I have to confess, would I pay the extra for the SW power upgrade? On the right red wine fuelled Friday evening, I could press the buy now button. Also while conceptually I always like the thought of 4WD (and have had a few) I cannot really say as there have been many hours/days where I've benefitted much from it. And the range that the 450 affords is better. And to qualify that, the range that the 450 provides has already become the new norm. I cannot imagine doing without that as a minimum. I guess the years to come will see that adjust upwards. But I am curious as to what the cool and useful software features are? Would be very interesting to hear about those for sure. #15· Jan 11, 2023"
"#6· Dec 28, 2022 When I was looking to replace my 2014 Model S85 last April, I had the opportunity to test drive the EQS 450+. I liked the ride and fit and finish but missed the responsiveness of my Model S. Shortly thereafter I was called by my dealer to try an EQS580. I was more than satisfied with the perfromance and put a deposit down on the vehicle that very afternoon. No regrets except I wonder why I have to go to the dealer for a software update? Why no OTA updates? They seemed very normal with the Tesla. #8· Dec 29, 2022 Strange the SW upgrades we do see OTA here. There was one last week. Maybe a less critical one, I'm not sure. I do need take mine in for some work which sounds like it's SW based but not an upgrade as such. #9· Jan 3, 2023 Just picked up EQS 580 couple days ago, my first EV, i love the car, but surprised that it came with out any charging cables."
"See more #2· Dec 16, 2025 It is the 12v battery it is referring too….if it does not clear in a day or two you need to take the car to the dealer and they will perform the download we have had 2 stall in that way in a 23 model….think the later models are much better at OTA . #20· Jan 25, 2026 I have a 2023 EQS Suv and I have had several multiple install failures."
"Sep 7, 2025 \| 11:02 PM # **25** I have a 2023 EQS 580 SUV, and the latest update is still not installing even after replacing the battery. The app shows the battery as fully charged and in good health. I did receive my last OTA update in May 2024, but since then, all updates up to version 2.6.1 have been performed at the dealership. The update appears both in the app and in the car, but the ‘Continue’ button is always grayed out. Mercedes support has been, at best, unhelpful, and since my car is now out of warranty, my SA told me that updates are provided directly by MB USA and that he can no longer update my car free of charge. 0 View Public Profile"
"Originally Posted by **jcapotos** View Post For me, I couldn't get better than "Partially Charged"and that's why I needed a new 12v battery I’m on my second 12v battery because of similar issues. The current battery has always read as good battery health so I would expect it should charge up fully. 0 Find More Posts by Radman991 Sep 5, 2025 \| 08:52 PM # **12** Originally Posted by **jcapotos** View Post"
Showing 8 of 32 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)