The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class and EQS-Class are a line of luxury, electric SUVs. The EQB is now in its second year of production, while the EQS is debuting for the first time.

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Although we are primarily comparing SUVs, the EQS is also available in a four-door sedan. Mercedes-Benz does tend to use some odd naming for its vehicles, but the EQ line is strictly used to indicate its new electric vehicle lineup.

Mercedes-Benz is certainly known for its luxurious vehicles in the EQB, and the EQS class is no exception. Both of these lines offer stunning style and high performance. However, the EQS blows the competition out of the water with power, performance, and amenities.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the new EQS class and compare these two vehicle lines.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class: Side-by-Side Comparison

What’s the Difference Between the EQS and EQB Classes?

Although both the EQB and EQS by Mercedes-Benz are luxury electric vehicles, they are immensely different. To start, the EQB launched as a compact SUV in 2022. It does pack in a lot of features, including room for up to seven people. However, it does lack some features from its more expensive counterpart.

The EQS, on the other hand, also has room for up to 7 passengers, but its interior is extraordinarily advanced. While the EQB looks relatively similar to most other SUVs on the market, the EQS looks more like a spaceship on the inside. The seats are also much more luxurious and the dashboard has a screen from one side to the other.

Driving

The EQB and EQS both share many similarities when it comes to their driving abilities. Both SUVs feature multiple driving modes to customize the feel and experience of your drive. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are well known for their performance, and these two electric SUVs are no different. Every detail is highly engineered to provide both a fun and luxurious experience.

Both the EQS and EQB are available with high-density batteries to provide an extended range to travel longer distances. This can help keep you on the road far longer without the need to stop and recharge. The range on the EQS is significantly longer than the EQB, though, at 305 miles, while the EQB sits at 243.

When you need to recharge, the EQS and EQB can tell you exactly where to recharge on a preplanned route. The ability to predict range is just one of the features of these vehicles’ advanced computer systems.

The EQS was designed from the ground up as an all-electric platform, meaning that the entire structure of the vehicle was built with electricity in mind. Therefore, Mercedes was able to prioritize sound dampening in specific areas to make the cockpit nearly silent.

One of the most impressive features of the EQS, however, is its rear steer. The rear steering wheels allow the car to easily navigate in and out of tight spots. The rear steer works seamlessly and subtly with your regular steering wheel. It requires no further input from the driver. In addition, it also works with the automatic parking system to get you in and out of even the smallest of parking spaces.

Interior Features

The interiors of both the EQS and EQB are loaded with great features. However, the EQS takes luxury to a whole different level with exquisite attention to detail. Each of these vehicles features a heads-up display on the windshield, which keeps important details, such as your speed, always in view. They also have voice recognition so you can speak to the car.

The EQS and EQB also have multiple safety features that come standard. Each vehicle has advanced cruise control, which can detect how far the vehicle in front of you is and match its speed. They also have lane-keeping assistance, which alerts you to stay between the lines. Plus, they both have parking assistance for everything from parallel parking and even the toughest, tightest spots.

The rear seats are also designed to fold easily and provide access to the optional third-row seats. This provides for increased cargo capacity if you need to move large items.

EQB

The Mercedes-Benz EQB has some unique interior features that set it apart from the EQS. The first thing you will notice is the two digital displays. One is for the instrument cluster and the other is for the infotainment system; however, they are connected into a single bezel to create a seamless design.

In addition to the voice controls, which allow you to talk to your car and make inputs for the navigation system as well as control other aspects, there’s a trackpad in the center console. The trackpad allows you to navigate the vehicle’s digital display with ease. Of course, there are also controls on the steering wheel to keep all of the vehicle’s important functions at your fingertips.

EQS

The interior styling and details of the Mercedes-Benz EQS are really what set it apart. Every detail is masterfully crafted, and it really shows. One of the best features you’ll find is it the plush leather seats with built-in massagers. In addition to the voice recognition found in its counterpart, the EQS also offers fingerprint recognition and even facial recognition.

The dashboard features what Mercedes-Benz calls a “Hyperscreeen.” This seamless glass dashboard incorporates multiple monitors to create an interior that looks like it belongs in a spaceship. In addition to the massive dashboard display, there are also rear displays on the headrests. The buttons throughout the car are also heat-sensitive which is a nice departure from standard buttons.

Specifications

Comparing the base models of each vehicle, the EQB can produce 188 horsepower and 284 ft/lbs of torque, compared to the EQS, which is capable of 355 horsepower and 590 ft/lbs of torque. The power of the EQS is clearly unrivaled between the two, but you can upgrade to a higher package which gets up to an extra 100 horsepower.

Power is important, but it isn’t the most important factor between these two SUVs. Both the EQS and EQB have optional third-row seating, which can hold up to seven passengers. So, although they are compact SUVs, they offer plenty of space. However, the EQS comes in at about 15″ longer than the EQB. However, the interiors are very comparable in size, with differences of only a couple of inches either way on each.

Arguably the most important factor for any electric vehicle is its range. The EQB has a battery capacity of 70.7 kWh, providing up to 243 miles on a charge. In comparison, the EQS has a capacity of 108.4 kWh for up to 305 miles. This will obviously vary based on engine size, and you can also upgrade the battery size for an extended range.

Pricing

The price difference between the EQB and EQS is staggering, as the MSRP of the EQS is nearly double that of the EQB. The starting price for the EQB is $52,400 for the base model, the 250+, or $60,200 for the highest tier, 350 4MATIC.

The EQS starts at $104,400 for the base model, 450+, and goes up to $125,950 for the highest tier, 580 4MATIC.

EQB-Class vs. EQS-Class: 7 Must-Know Facts

  • Both the EQB and EQS are considered compact SUVs and are close in size.The EQS has an MSRP of nearly double the EQB, at $104,400.Both SUVs have optional third-row seating.The EQS has significantly more optional features than the EQB.The EQS and EQB have optional all-wheel drive.The EQS is brand new for the 2023 model year.The EQS is available as both an SUV and a sedan.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class vs. EQB-Class: Which One is Better for You?

The Mercedez-Benz EQB and EQS Class are both solid SUVs that have many benefits in their own right. Ultimately, these two vehicles are built for distinctly different buyers. They both share many similarities, including both being luxurious, electric SUVs that are roughly the same size.

However, the EQS stands on its own as one of the best electric SUVs, not just amongst Mercedes-Benz but across the entire electric SUV market. The EQS is perfect for those who demand the ultimate in luxury and performance and do not mind paying a premium price to get it.

Best put, the EQS is much more refined than the EQB. It is by far the better of the two vehicles, but it isn’t an even comparison. The EQB is also a very capable electric SUV that delivers a luxury experience. However, it does so at a price point that is in reach to many more consumers.

Remember that you should look at both options closely, as a more expensive price tag doesn’t always mean a better vehicle. More importantly, the vehicle needs to fit you, your needs, and your lifestyle.