Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Lotus Eletre
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz EQS

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Lotus Eletre

—

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Rolls-Royce Spectre (bev)

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

2024 Lotus Eletre

By Tom White

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

587 km

Electric range

535 km

Energy consumption

23.0 kWh/100km

—

Battery capacity

107.80 kWh

112.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Tech extravaganza
Astounding performance
Superb range and fast charging

Head-turning looks
Competitively priced, for a premium SUV
Sharp handling, for a large SUV

Dislikes

Interior might be too much for some
Controversial styling
Rear seats could be more luxe

Not like any previous Lotus
Limited cabin practicality
Generic performance

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Summary

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a car faced with multiple momentous responsibilities.

Not only is it the latest purely electric offering from Mercedes-Benz, but it also has to represent the future of the historic S-Class limousine, and in the AMG-spiced 53 trim we’re reviewing, it has to represent the future of the brand’s driving experience, too.

So can this oddly-shaped EV really take it all on and succeed? Read on to find out.

View full pricing & specs

2024 Lotus Eletre Summary

This is a Lotus - but it’s not like any Lotus you’ve ever known.

In fact, forget everything you know about Lotus, the British brand previously famous for small, lightweight sports cars is now evolving into something very different. Very, very different.

Under the control of Chinese automotive giant Geely since 2017, Lotus will shed its past and focus its future on all-electric, luxury vehicles like the Eletre we’re testing here.

The Eletre is a full-size luxury electric SUV designed to take on the likes of the Audi SQ8 e-tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-AMG EQE on the electric side, while also trying to lure buyers away from the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.

So, how does this radically different Lotus measure up to the brand’s reputation and stack up against its would-be competitors? Read on to find out…

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 2024 Lotus Eletre

Verdict

It’s unquestionably fast, certainly luxurious, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think the EQS is going to be for everyone. The styling will be challenging for some and the glittery interior tech offering might be a bit much, even for the more rusted-on Benz traditionalists.

Then again, shouldn't an electrified flagship be all about challenging the status quo, trying new ideas, and bringing new fans to the brand? If anything, I think that might be what the EQS does best.

Verdict

So, how does this radically different Lotus measure up to the brand’s reputation and stack up against its would-be competitors in the final summation? It doesn’t reset the benchmark in any area or stand out head and shoulders above its competition, but crucially for Lotus (and its overlords at Geely) it doesn’t feel behind its rivals.

For the Lotus diehards this is an unrecognisable addition to the brand’s legacy of great sports cars. But this new version of the brand is looking to reach fresh customers and the Eletre will likely grab their eye with its dramatic looks.

It’s a highly competitive luxury, performance SUV that should have anyone considering a similar sized Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, or even the Lamborghini taking it for a test drive. It has both elements - luxury and performance - that will appeal to those looking for something special.

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Lotus Eletre What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Lotus Eletre
What's the difference?