Mercedes EQS flagship
Lexus Fanatic
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CL Community Team
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The Model S is the benchmark in this segment. It's also one of the few EV's that come with a 100 KWH battery like the EQS, therefore it's very much a fair comparison.
The specs of the EQS are inferior to the Model S. The only range numbers we have so far are for the RWD version. The AWD will have a lower range, probably around 350 miles on the EPA scale. Acceleration, as mentioned before, doesn't come close to the Model S.
It's also very odd that the battery uses a 400V charging architecture and not the 800V as adapted by Porsche/Audi and Hyundai/Kia. The "S-Class" of EV's and it can't even match the tech of a Kia?
The EQS will no doubt be better as a luxury car than any other EV, but you don't need an EV to have a luxury car at that price range.
The specs of the EQS are inferior to the Model S. The only range numbers we have so far are for the RWD version. The AWD will have a lower range, probably around 350 miles on the EPA scale. Acceleration, as mentioned before, doesn't come close to the Model S.
It's also very odd that the battery uses a 400V charging architecture and not the 800V as adapted by Porsche/Audi and Hyundai/Kia. The "S-Class" of EV's and it can't even match the tech of a Kia?
The EQS will no doubt be better as a luxury car than any other EV, but you don't need an EV to have a luxury car at that price range.
CL Community Team
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Mercedes makes a ton of hard-riding and noisy AMG's- pretty sure they're still considered luxury cars. 
The Tesla Model S costs over $70K. That alone should leave no question as to whether it's a luxury vehicle. It's true that compared to other $70K cars or even cars half its price like the Avalon, it's lacking in areas such as noise insulation and certain amenities, but it also has features and performance that almost no other car at that price can provide.
The Tesla Model S costs over $70K. That alone should leave no question as to whether it's a luxury vehicle. It's true that compared to other $70K cars or even cars half its price like the Avalon, it's lacking in areas such as noise insulation and certain amenities, but it also has features and performance that almost no other car at that price can provide.
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I don't really consider Tesla luxury vehicles. Its more of a premium / tech sports vehicle vs. a true luxury brand. Its similar to Porsche in that it has luxury elements but Porsche focuses on the sport way more. Tesla focuses on the tech and power aspect way more than the luxury but does include nice amenities and materials (again some luxury elements). I guess its how you define luxury cars...if you consider Porsche a luxury brand, then I guess you'd label Tesla the same. However, I can see how some wouldn't see Porsche or Tesla as luxury brands which is also a fair perspective.
Their emphasis is on performance, the software ecosystem (including the phone application and charging network), autonomy, and setting a benchmark for EV technologies. IMO, the goal with the S was to do a lot of things well enough to get the ball rolling on the EV transition, not to set a benchmark with luxury appointments. The EQS and Lucid are very clearly aiming for the latter, but past a certain price range, there will be some overlap.
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Lexus Test Driver
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The model S is marketed a bit like a luxury car but it is not a luxury car. let me know when it gets massaging seats, reclining rear seats, better insulation, pillow headrests, ambient lighting, more exotic trim and color options, head up display, and I’ll change my mind about it.
I don't disagree that the Tesla is missing a few features one would expect from a $70K luxury car, but like I said before, it also has features and performance that almost no other car at that price can provide. If you can give me a list of other $70K cars that can drive themselves to you on a parking lot and hit 60 in 3 seconds, I'd love to see it.
Last edited by Motorola; Apr 16, 2021 at 12:27 PM.
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I don't disagree that the Tesla is missing a few features one would expect from a $70K luxury car, but like I said before, it also has features and performance that almost no other car at that price can provide. If you can give me a list of other $70K cars that can drive themselves to you on a parking lot and hit 60 in 3 seconds, I'd love to hear it.
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Lexus Test Driver
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I am glad you understand that Mercedes-Benz is not just a luxury brand.
Lexus Test Driver
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I think when most people think of Tesla, they don't equate it with luxury but with technology and performance. I can see why a lot of Lexus fans wouldn't be interested in Tesla at all because Lexus owners value reliability and build quality which is exactly opposite from what Tesla offers. Thats why BMW has been hit harder by Tesla as their brand represents performance and technology and luxury...the two are more in-line as competitors. I think Mercedes hasn't been hit nearly as hard as it represents luxury to most buyers.
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