Current prices for a used Mercedes-Benz EQS EV are lower than or equal to the prices of a new Tesla Model 3 LR

Mercedes-Benz finally introduced the next-generation battery-powered S-Class to the public 2.5 years ago. When officially unveiled, the wind tunnel-friendly EQS had incredible specs. The 108-kWh battery pack demonstrated its superior performance in real-world scenarios compared to the EPA’s testing protocols. It can now be purchased for less than half the original cost.

Let’s say you’re the head of Mercedes-Benz and the time has come to develop an all-electric S-Class. It’s crucial to the company’s future. Would you ditch the wide selection of engines and replace them with an alternative setup of motors and batteries, or would you try a different model first?

However, the brand chose the latter option. It’s admirable that they made this decision, as the battery-powered S-Class and the aerodynamically efficient Mercedes-Benz EQS are in decline on the used market.

When the Mercedes-Benz EQS first hit the market, it was a luxurious, high-tech car meant to prove to the world that the man who invented the automotive machine had what it took to convince wealthy customers that a change could be worthwhile. Despite its unusual size and weight, the car won over many with its great interior quality, long-range, powerful engine, and great innovations.

However, it was a big risk to introduce a battery-powered, luxurious vehicle that’s expensive and has poor ground clearance in a world where CUVs, SUVs, and pickup trucks were commonplace for sale. Some potential customers were put off by the bulbous design, and the rear-wheel-drive 450+ was the best available model. The MSRP for that one was nearly $105,000.

Although rear-wheel steering was included in the price, it wasn’t enough. It was still necessary to add extras to make it a true Mercedes-Benz. As a result, many buyers paid around $120,000 for one.

Expensive and fussy

But don’t worry! Not many existed. For example, in the third quarter of last year, only 1,100 examples were purchased by Americans. In terms of sales, things didn’t look promising even in early 2024. In the US, the brand sold just over 12,000 EVs. In contrast, Tesla shipped over 140,000 units, to put things in more context.

But just because a premium automobile doesn’t look great on the outside doesn’t mean it has to be a sales champion. The inside can also be criticized. Although it appeared to be a product of a futuristic, dystopian society, the cabin was poorly constructed. Several trim pieces began to creak as customers took delivery.

No matter who you are or how much money you have, hearing unpleasant noises coming from the dashboard of your six-figure car will always bother you. This is especially true for a fully electric car since it can’t benefit from too much background noise.

However, Mercedes-Benz didn’t manage to gain the popularity it planned with the Mercedes-Benz EQS for reasons other than these. Unlike Tesla, which was able to take advantage of a crazy auto market and raise prices in 2022, the Stuttgart-based brand launched its luxurious vehicle in a market where the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air were already fighting for wealthy consumers’ money.

Next, BMW got in on the action with the i7, which looked like a tiny Rolls-Royce and included a giant touchscreen that lowered from the roof for rear passengers.

Not just busy, but surprisingly cruel

Even worse, Tesla started cutting prices as if it didn’t care about profit margins, which somehow forced all other automakers to adopt a similar strategy.

Thus, people who want an electric vehicle had four great options, including the highly powerful Model S Plaid and the highly practical Air Grand Touring. They could then wait for Tesla to release another unexpected discount or meaningful incentive, such as free fast charging, or they could shop around for a better offer.

For those who don’t care about the interest-free loan or MSRP, it would have been easier to get the i7, which is undoubtedly more luxuriously equipped and better built.

All things considered, the carmaker not only picked the wrong date, but also had a questionable exterior design and a clearly compromised interior build. The fact that the EQ brand appears to be extinct at this point is not surprising. For example, the all-electric G-Wagen is not referred to as the EQG. Mercedes-Benz did not want to attach that disadvantageous name to its recognizable, rugged SUV.

Even the 2023 model-year vehicles cost less than $42,000. Most of them have less than 30,000 miles (48,280 kilometers) on the clock! This indicates that the high-voltage battery must be in reasonable condition.