Mercedes EQS reliability & safety rating
As you’d expect from a Mercedes, the EQS is overflowing with technology and safety systems, the result of which is the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating
| Euro NCAP | Adult protection | Child protection | Safety assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 stars (2021) | 96% | 91% | 80% |
Technologically, the EQS is a worthy flagship for the Mercedes brand. Underneath its futuristic bodywork is an all-new electric-car platform, and inside it’s crammed with the latest technology and safety systems, the result of which is an impressive five-star Euro NCAP rating. Unfortunately, the brand’s dealerships and some of its most popular models didn’t shower themselves in glory in the 2021 Driver Power owner survey.
Mercedes EQS reliability & problems
We’ve yet to get any long-term reliability data on the EQS itself. But Mercedes as a brand recorded mixed results in the most recent Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, coming 13th out of 29 on the list of best manufacturers.
The A-Class hatchback finished 23rd out of 75 in the list of best cars to own, however the brand’s pricier models, like the C-Class and E-Class, finished in 71st and 42nd positions respectively on the same list, and respondents weren’t impressed by the dealer network, which received poor scores for effectiveness of communication and cost of work.
Safety
On the safety front, the EQS was awarded the maximum five-star score after going through Euro NCAP crash testing. Adult and child occupant scores were 96% and 91% respectively and the car's active collision-avoidance technology earned it an 80% score in the safety assist category. Protection of vulnerable road users (i.e. pedestrians and cyclists) was rated at 76%.
Those exceptionally high scores aren’t surprising when you appreciate the wealth of safety features and systems fitted to Mercedes’ electric flagship. Even the entry-level model gets Mercedes’ Driving Assistance Package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, evasive steering assistance and adaptive cruise control.
Mercedes says one of the EQS’ biggest technological advancements is its Drive Pilot system, which makes the car capable of Level 3 'eyes-off' self-driving at up to 37mph. The system is only legal in Germany for the time being; it allows you to carry out small secondary activities while driving – for example, adjusting a setting on the car in slow motorway traffic.
