Mercedes-Benz has refined its EQS SUV lineup for 2026, introducing the EQS400 4Matic with an attractive starting price of $91,200. This new entry-level model is a significant $15,200 less than the previous base model and $18,200 below its 2025 equivalent, the EQS450 4Matic. Despite the reduction in nomenclature and price, the EQS400 maintains the same electric motors, 118-kWh battery, and 312-mile range as its predecessors. It also boasts enhanced standard features, including heated rear seats, rear side airbags, wireless phone charging, and luxury rear headrests, making it a more appealing package for consumers.
A standout enhancement for the 2026 EQS400 is the inclusion of North American Charging Standard (NACS) support, which grants access to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network. Our tests confirmed seamless functionality with the included NACS adapter, achieving peak charging speeds of 200 kilowatts, well within Tesla Supercharger capabilities. The vehicle also retains its Combined Charging System (CCS) port, demonstrating a charge from 10 to 90 percent in just 43 minutes, with an average rate of 139 kilowatts, showcasing its versatile charging options.
Performance-wise, the EQS400 4Matic retains the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering 355 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This propels the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 99 mph, mirroring the performance of the 2023 EQS450. A major improvement is the braking system; Mercedes-Benz has addressed previous complaints regarding brake pedal feel. The revised system offers a firm, consistent pedal, capable of stopping the 6344-pound vehicle from 70 mph in an impressive 161 feet.
While the luxury electric SUV excels in many areas, its ride comfort presents a mixed experience. In Comfort mode, the vehicle tends to float excessively and can be jarring over potholes due to insufficient damping. Switching to Sport mode introduces a firmer, somewhat fidgety ride. Despite these handling quirks, the EQS400 offers a spacious and luxurious interior, featuring ample headroom and legroom, heated and massaging seats, and a high-fidelity Burmeister stereo system with Dolby Atmos support. However, the prominent 56-inch Hyperscreen display, a fingerprint magnet, still requires too much interaction for routine functions, detracting from an otherwise refined cabin experience.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS400 4Matic SUV offers an exceptional value proposition. By bundling the robust performance and luxurious features of its predecessors with significant price reductions and key enhancements like NACS charging compatibility, Mercedes-Benz has made this electric SUV more accessible and competitive than ever before. While minor issues like ride quality and Hyperscreen usability persist, the overall package represents a compelling choice for luxury EV buyers.