As electric vehicles enter the luxury mainstream, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW iX represent the state-of-the-art for premium EV SUVs. How do these brand new offerings compare, and which model is the better choice for you?
This comprehensive guide contrasts the Mercedes and BMW‘s key specifications, real-world performance, charging capabilities, interior space, advanced features and more. Read on to gain deeper insight into these impressive electric SUVs.
At a Glance: EQS vs iX Specs
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz EQS | BMW iX |
| Battery (kWh) | 107.8 | 111.5 |
| Power Output | 329hp (450+) / 516hp (580) | 516hp (xDrive50) |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 5.9s / 4.1s | 4.6s |
| Top Speed | 130mph | 124mph |
| EV Range (EPA) | 350 miles / 340 miles | 324 miles |
| Max Charging Speed | 200kW | 195kW |
Data Source: EPA, BMW USA, Mercedes-Benz USA
As you can see, both EV SUV models deliver stellar performance along with 300+ mile battery ranges. But beyond the numbers, how do these ultra-luxurious, high-tech electric vehicles compare when you scrutinize their features and capabilities?
Design and Styling: Striking vs Subdued Luxury Cues
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so styling preferences will depend on your personal taste. The EQS design stands out from any SUV with its dramatic, coupe-like sweeping lines and avant-garde aesthetic inside and out. By contrast, the iX sports a more conventional upright SUV profile, yet with distinctively modern styling cues specific to BMW‘s electric models.
The EQS marries aerodynamic flowing lines with Mercedes luxury styling cues.
Mercedes makes a radical styling statement with the EQS that screams "electric vehicle of the future". BMW plays it safer with the iX but still pushes styling boundaries compared to gas-powered BMW siblings like the X5.
Inside, the EQS likewise embraces an otherworldy ambiance with its enormous floating glass Hyperscreen and "3D" finishes on renewable wood surfaces. Expect exotic materials like open-pore grey oak wood, crystal white magno paint and microfiber cloth upholstery.
The iX cabin leans towards Scandivanian-inspired simplicity with responsibly sourced natural wood or carbon fiber finishes. Surfaces showcase crafted clarity to let the precision workmanship shine. Unique textiles like microfiber seat covers give an upscale feel while meeting eco standards.
So Mercedes pulls off revolutionarily opulent styling both inside and out, while BMW keeps an identity closer to its core SUV heritage – just transported seamlessly into a high-tech, sustainable EV future.
Acceleration and Handling: Surging Vs Balanced Athleticism
Step on the throttle of either luxury SUV and prepare for surging, near-supercar acceleration. The most powerful EQS 580 4Matic model rockets you from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds thanks to over 500 horsepower and sportscar-like weight distribution. Even the base 450+ trim posts a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds. Adaptive air springs, rear axle steering and innovative E-Active Body Control counter body roll and improve agility when pushing the EQS hard through corners.
The BMW iX proves equally game in straightline speed with its 516hp pairing good for 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Torque split perfectly between axles gives the iX incredible traction off the line. Combined with balanced weight distribution from the floor-mounted battery pack, the BMW feels more natural and responsive attacking winding backroads compared to other large SUVs. Standard adaptive air suspension keeps the iX poised and progressive in curves despite its heft.
So it‘s a close matchup when accelerating flat-out. The EQS may win outright for power, but sharp handling gives the iX an athletic edge through the turns. Both prove stellar overall performers belying their high weight and sizable dimensions – but the BMW seems engineered more for driving enthusiasts.
EV Range and Charging: Long-Legged Electric Cruising
One key advantage of dedicated EV architectures like the EQS and iX is expansive battery capacity and charging performance. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ carries an EPA-rated range of up to 350 miles (563 km) – rivaling the 378-mile Tesla Model S. The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 is EPA-rated at 324 miles (521 km).
Real-world range depends heavily on speed, climate settings and terrain but expect between 275 to 320+ miles mixed driving. Delivering over 300 miles usable range vastly reduces stops to recharge on longer road trips. When plugging in, both support the latest ultra-fast charging:
- Mercedes EQS: 200+ kW charging adds 180+ miles in 15 minutes
- BMW iX: Up to 195 kW charging adds ~80 miles in 10 minutes
So if maximum mileage per charge is paramount, Mercedes still leads the pack. But BMW‘s battery tech enables great efficiency – with 70+ MPGe EPA rating vs 99 MPGe for the EQS 450+. Both recharge quickly by EV standards, with the EQS holding an edge up to current 200 kW public charging infrastructure.
The BMW iX accepts up to 195 kW DC fast charging to replenish range rapidly when road tripping.
I rate range and charging capabilities almost equal between the EQS and iX, with Mercedes just ahead for outright mileage per charge. In practice, either model lets you cover hundreds of miles smoothly between top-ups.
Interior Space and Passenger Experience
As luxury flagships, both German automakers lavish passenger space and comforts throughout the EQS and iX cabins. You can comfortably seat five adults with room to spare. From advanced safety systems to sustainable luxury materials to captivating interfaces, rear seat riders enjoy an executive experience similar to front passengers. Let‘s compare the ER interior experience highlights:
The Mercedes-Benz EQS cossets occupants with:
- Over 40-inches of rear legroom and ample headroom
- Double bonded glass for whisper quietness
- Optional executive rear seats with leg rests
- Immersive audio and 12-speaker Burmester 4D surround system
- Glide-out touchscreen tablets and personal displays
- Extravagant cabin lighting schemes and themes
BMW iX passengers enjoy perks like:
- 36.5-inches rear legroom and flat floor for spacious feel
- Acoustic glass windshield and cabin insulation for quietness
- Heated/cooled cupholders and interior surfaces
- Natural speech and touch control of vehicle settings
- Panoramic sky lounge LED roof lighting
- Customizable flow of air vents for optimal comfort
Both SUVs mimic luxury airline first-class cabins with reclining seats, personal climate zones and absolute sound insulation. The EQS has a more avant-garde ambiance befitting its spaceship aesthetic, while the iX feels crisply high-tech yet comfortable. It‘s a split between dazzling entertainment immersion or refined, sustainable luxury – what better suits your tastes?
Safety and Autonomous Driving Technology
As traditional leaders in automated driving aids, Mercedes-Benz and BMW continue competing to enhance assisted and autonomous technology. Their flagship EVs both debut new generations of sensors and system intelligence to enable smoother automated driving.
Mercedes DRIVE PILOT system offers hands-free driving at up to 40 mph where approved, plus:
- 32 sensors scanning vehicle surroundings
- Driver-facing interior camera and attention warnings
- Up to Level 3 conditional automation in traffic
BMW iX Drive Assist kicks engagement up a level by:
- Fusing radar, cameras, ultrasound and lidar mapping
- Expanding assisted driving capabilities like highway merging
- Centering the vehicle smoothly at lower speeds
- Proactive speed adjustments based on route data
Both SUVs perform automated parking, summon features and lend second sets of eyes to avoid accidents in more situations. Mercedes edges BMW in capabilities like hands-free traffic jam piloting on approved highways. But BMW counters with more intuitive and uniform operation of its driver aids.
Mercedes DRIVE PILOT debuts advanced hands-free and self-parking automation
For those wanting to stretch their EV‘s autonomous-driving muscles further, Mercedes DRIVE PILOT leads for breadth and seamlessness of its automation based on camera-mapped route data.
Cost of Ownership: Luxury EV Affordability Is Relative
There‘s no skirting the reality that these cutting-edge flagship SUVs command luxury vehicle pricing with base models starting around $95,000 to $105,000 before options, incentives or taxes. But calculated cost of ownership might sway buyers between the EQS or iX.
At launch the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ opened at an MSRP of $103,360 in the US which nets potential federal tax credits around $7,500. Going for the 580 4Matic bumps MSRP to approximately $126,900.
BMW iX xDrive50 pricing starts at $95,095 in Canada, making it eligible for both federal and provincial EV incentives potentially worth $13,000+ for buyers in Ontario. Stepping up to the iX M60 will push pricing to $106,095 when it debuts.
Factor in your regional electric vehicle incentives along with projected 5-year retained value forecasts, insurance rates, expected maintenance costs and electrical costs per mile driven. Both brands offer complimentary public charging packages to further reduce running costs. The EQS likely carries higher insurance premiums but retains value better.
All said, neither vehicle delivers affordability unless you have six-figure luxury car budgets. But BMW iX costs marginally less upfront assuming you qualify for the maximum incentives where offered. Plug-in SUV shoppers with dynamic performance, advanced technology and 300-mile range as priorities will find strong ROI value despite their rarefied pricing.
