The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the electric S-Class the world was waiting for. Origin: Germany. First Generation: Launched in 2021 (V297). Current Generation: 1st Generation. This is the earliest full model year available for import. It is not just an S-Class with batteries; it is a dedicated EV platform built from the ground up. It features the lowest drag coefficient of any production car (0.20 Cd), allowing it to glide silently across continents.

Two key models define the range:

• EQS 450+ (RWD): 329 HP. LONG RANGE Single motor, rear-wheel drive. This is the efficiency champion, capable of real-world Nairobi driving for a week on a single charge.
• EQS 580 4MATIC (AWD): 516 HP. Dual motors, all-wheel drive. 0-100 in 4.3 seconds. This model usually comes standard with the Hyperscreen.

• MBUX Hyperscreen: A 56-inch curved glass panel that spans the dashboard. It is actually three screens (Driver, Center, Passenger) bonded together. It is optional on the 450+, standard on the 580.
• Hatchback Boot: Unlike the S-Class sedan, the EQS is a liftback. The entire rear glass lifts up, revealing a massive 610-litre boot. It is surprisingly practical.

• Charging: Accepts 200kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 31 minutes). In Kenya, you will rely on an 11kW AC wallbox at home (10-12 hours for full charge).
• Service: Minimal. No oil changes. Regenerative braking saves brake pads. However, suspension components and tyres (heavy vehicle) will need attention.

Airmatic Standard: The air suspension can raise the car by 25mm to clear speed bumps. However, the battery sits low in the floor, and the wheelbase is very long (3.2m), so "beaching" on high bumps is a risk. Drive it like a sports car, not a Prado.

5-Star Euro NCAP. It is one of the safest cars ever built. The 107.8 kWh battery has a 10-year/250,000km warranty from Mercedes (verify transferability). Reliability of the EV drivetrain is high, but check for software updates.

The following prices represent the cost of buying a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS in Kenya. These prices reflect showroom asking prices in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The visionary leader who wants the absolute pinnacle of electric luxury and has a dedicated charger at home. Who is it NOT for? Traditionalists who think an S-Class should have a grille and a 6-cylinder thrum.