Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts from $278,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS opens at $209,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQS the more affordable entry point by $69,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $306,790 and $230,890 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQS packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS counters with power tailgate that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses a Petrol producing 320kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS responds with a Electric making 245kW and 568Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class measures 5,179mm long on a 3,106mm wheelbase, 37mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS at 5,216mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 610L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS a 100L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m to 12.4m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the cheapest at $209,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by $69,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the largest boot at 610L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes the most power at 320kW. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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