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Mercedes-Benz is not just any auto manufacturer; it produced the first internal combustion automobile in 1885 and has been credited with numerous remarkable motoring milestones, inventions, and vehicles throughout its long history. One would think it would be well-placed to spearhead the EV revolution, and while it has certainly put all its financial might and motoring know-how into its latest EV offerings, the results have been mixed at best.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan is a prime example of the challenges faced in competing in this ever-changing and evolving segment. Mercedes’ flagship EV is a technological masterpiece, yet it faces strong competition, and sales have been less than stellar. Uncertainty about legislation surrounding EVs is partly to blame, but when we saw what nearly new EQS models were selling for, we had to investigate further.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes’ EQS arrived in late 2021 as a 2022 model to spearhead the brand’s growing range of electric offerings. Instead of fitting an electric drivetrain into a regular S-Class bodyshell (something BMW did with the i7), the EQS was built on the bespoke EVA platform, which also underpinned the EQS SUV and EQE models. The exterior design was also markedly different from its other gas-powered luxury sedans, with a smoothed-off pebble-like design that received mixed reviews.

Mercedes-Benz

Talk about EVs in general raises a lot of questions, so we have structured the rest of the article in a Q&A style format. However, in this case, we will be providing both the questions and the answers. It’s better this way.

What Made It So Special?

Mercedes-Benz

The interior was the EQS’s party piece, especially when equipped with the optional Hyperscreen dashboard. Every conceivable technological feature you could think of was either standard or available as an option. Rear-wheel steering, air suspension on both axles, advanced autonomous driver aids, and an augmented reality navigation system were just some of the many features of the EQS, and you could add several packages to personalize your ride further.

Is It Any Good To Drive?

Mercedes-Benz

Viewed as an overall package, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is spacious, extremely luxurious, offers decent performance, has all the technology you could ever want, and is solidly built. It drives well enough for a big barge, and can be optioned with rear axle steering for extra agility around corners. It’s even got a decent range that matches or beats most class rivals. However, it has been criticized for its strange brake pedal modulation and its steep pricing.

Mercedes-Benz

Show Me The Money

Mercedes-Benz

A new EQS 450+ cost over $100,000 including taxes and destination charges, back in 2022, and still does so today. Adding a few options and a package or two could easily add another $10,000 to that figure, and not many cars left the factory without some optional extras. Just adding upgraded wheels and exterior paint ($1,250), the Pinnacle Trim pack ($8,700), and an augmented reality head-up display ($2,000) results in a final figure of $113,100 for the EQS 450+ model.

And What Do They Cost Three Years On?

Mercedes-Benz

Consider then that you can now buy that same car for as little as $27,000 today. Not a starship mileage branded title car, but a pristine example with under 40,000 miles on the clock. That’s a saving of over 70% compared to a bone-stock new EQS. Delivery mileage cars, and the more powerful EQS 580 4Matic models tend to cost a bit more than the average prices listed above, but there are insane deals out there for what is essentially a nearly-new electric Mercedes-Benz flagship.

What’s The Catch?

Mercedes-Benz

The reason for the massive depreciation comes down to several factors. Sedans have fallen out of favor with most consumers, especially in the ultra-luxury segment. Uncertainty around Federal EV regulations going forward has cooled the market for electric vehicles, too. Despite this, many manufacturers are still offering expensive luxury EV sedans, which means supply is now outstripping demand.

The data above shows a gradual drop in sales figures for both the S-Class and the EQS model years, but overall figures are far lower for the EQS, and 2025 has been a disaster so far. Against this backdrop, dealers are offering rock-bottom trade-ins for these EVs. Bad news for the original buyer, but great news for the next person in line.

What If Values Drop Even Further?

Mercedes-Benz

Your next question may be whether a used EQS is the automotive equivalent of catching a grenade with its pin out. Will the deal blow up in your face before you hand it over to the next person? Buying a 2024 model for $85,000 is not advisable, but a 2022 car for $30,000 or less is a different prospect altogether. Yes, you may lose a few thousand more over the next few years, but at this level, the EQS represents more car for the money than almost anything else out there. You have more questions? Okay, let’s answer them…

Why Not Choose Another Used EV?

Lucid

What About Those Cool EV Start-Ups?

So the EQS is a technological marvel on four wheels, but the Lucid Air is a better drive, you say. Yes, we love the Lucid Air; it is both quicker and has better range than the EQS, but this is the company’s first-ever vehicle, and despite having secured some solid investments, start-up auto manufacturers rely on external funding and strong sales just to survive. It’s also way more expensive second-hand.

Do you want to add further uncertainty to your EV sedan purchase?

Fisker

Over 30 EV startups have failed in the past decade, including some very promising companies like Canoo, Nikola, and Fisker Automotive. Tesla is the exception to the general rule here, but it, too, is going through turbulent times, and if you are looking for a great deal, a 2022 Model S costs between $40,000 and $60,000, much more than the EQS, which is in a completely different class.

Yes, the Model S delivers a knock-out 0-60 mph time, but it can’t match the EQS’s standard spec list or its luxury and comfort levels. With the EQS, you also have a warranty backed by the oldest auto manufacturer out there.

How About An EV From An Established Manufacturer?

BMW

The BMW i7 may look like a school project gone wrong from the outside, but in every other regard, it is a superb drive. It matches or eclipses the EQS in just about every area, and objectively, it is the better buy.

But, used examples hold their value better, which makes them less of a good deal, and there is no telling what will happen in five to 10 years when you sell them. The same applies to cars like the sporty Porsche Taycan, which is a good deal pricier but is smaller and less comfort-oriented. Pay less and lose less. That’s the smart move here.

How About A New EV For The Same Money?

Hyundai

New EVs are better, right?

Well, no. You may get a longer warranty, but if you are looking for a car in the $30,000-$35,000 price range, then you are limited to base offerings like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Equinox EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric. All fine vehicles in their segment, but none come close to matching the EQS in anything but purchase price. Another consideration is the depreciation you will have to bear on a new EV, even if the EQS continues losing value; at least you will be losing value in opulent luxury. Just the way rich people do.

Sources: AutoTempest, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla,, Lucid