BMW i7 vs. Mercedes-Benz EQS: Complete comparison 2026

The BMW i7, the all-electric variant of the seventh generation of the prestigious 7 Series (designated as the G70 generation), embodies the absolute pinnacle of Munich's approach to zero-emission luxury and advanced technology. Its direct challenger is the Mercedes-Benz EQS (V297 generation), the flagship of the EQ family, which brought a revolutionary aerodynamic design to the segment and is often referred to as the all-electric equivalent of the S-Class. In the following comparison, we will take a detailed look at which of these roughly four-year-old premium electric vehicles represents a smarter choice on the used car market and highlight the main differences that should help you in your final decision.

Comparison of External Dimensions: Traditional Majesty vs. Aerodynamic Teardrop

When you park the BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS side by side, you will notice a completely different approach to design and external proportions at first glance. While Mercedes-Benz bets on an aerodynamic teardrop shape with a short front end, BMW maintains a majestic, classic three-box body with a massive and long hood. This difference in concept is also clearly reflected in the specifications. The BMW i7 is literally gigantic in length – it measures 5,391 mm, which is a significant 168 to 175 mm more than the EQS model (which measures 5,216 mm in model years typical for the used car market, and 5,223 mm for AMG versions or newer models).

In terms of width and height, the Munich representative also has the upper hand. With a width of 1,950 mm and a height of 1,544 mm, it surpasses the Mercedes by 24 mm in width and about 30 mm in height. Where both luxury electric limousines surprisingly meet, however, is the wheelbase. Despite the significantly longer body of the BMW, its wheelbase is 3,215 mm, which is only 5 mm more than the EQS model (3,210 mm). Thanks to the radical cab-forward design, Mercedes-Benz managed to extract practically identical space between the front and rear wheels from a slightly shorter car.

What do these values mean for everyday life? Thanks to its taller build and classic roof profile, the BMW i7 offers a more generous sense of airiness and more headroom for rear passengers, which you will especially appreciate when using the car with a personal chauffeur. The price for this comfort, however, is a length of nearly 5.4 meters, which presents a significant challenge in narrow city streets or older underground garages. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is slightly more parking-friendly thanks to its more compact external dimensions, although it is still a very large car. The advantage of the EQS is its practical hatchback (liftback) body with a huge tailgate, which provides incomparably better access to the luggage compartment than a classic sedan.

When choosing a luxury electric vehicle, the volume and accessibility of the luggage compartment play a surprisingly important role, not only for family use but also for everyday practicality. While it is customary in this prestigious class to prioritize rear-seat passenger space, the different approaches of car manufacturers can fundamentally influence how easily you can load golf bags, a stroller, or luggage for a long vacation. Here, two completely different worlds face off – the traditional Munich limousine and the innovative Stuttgart five-door liftback.

BMW i7 (G70 generation) honors the classic three-box sedan body style and offers a base trunk volume of exactly 500 liters. It is worth noting here that the pure electric i7 version has a slightly reduced trunk volume due to the space requirements for battery storage – the internal combustion version of the 7 Series offers a slightly better 540 liters. Even so, the 500-liter value is quite sufficient for transporting luggage for a business trip or a weekend shopping run. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz EQS (297 generation) benefits from its rounded aerodynamic body, which is technically a hatchback with a huge liftgate. Thanks to this solution, it offers a generous 610 liters in its base configuration (some measurement methodologies even state 620 liters), which represents space for several extra suitcases compared to its Bavarian competitor and opens the door to much more versatile family use.

However, the biggest gap occurs when you need to transport bulkier items. In the Mercedes EQS, the rear seats can be conveniently folded down, giving you a massive maximum volume of 1,770 liters – a value that is sufficient for a weekend trip to a DIY store as well as a very long vacation with equipment. The BMW i7, on the other hand, plays the role of a classic sedan for top executives, where the primary focus is maximum uncompromising passenger comfort. Therefore, it does not offer the option of folding the bench flat to maximize volume and relies primarily on a useful ski or snowboard pass-through for transporting longer items. Consequently, the manufacturer does not even state an official maximum volume after folding flat for the BMW i7, and the owner must primarily count on the base trunk capacity.

Luggage Compartment Volume Table

*The BMW i7 has a classic sedan construction focused on maximum rear passenger comfort. Fully folding seats for a flat increase in cargo space are not available as standard; only the center pass-through for long items can be used.

When choosing a luxury electric sedan, towing capacity might not be the first parameter that comes to mind, but trailer weight plays a fundamental role in the car's overall practicality. There are significant differences between the BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS in this area. For used cars around four years old, which are most common on the market (model years 2021–2023), the Mercedes-Benz EQS offers a maximum braked and unbraked trailer weight of only 750 kg across its standard versions. In contrast, the BMW i7 in the xDrive60 motorization (available since 2022) clearly dominates with the ability to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2000 kg, while the standard value for an unbraked trailer for both cars remains at the usual 750 kg.

It should be noted that towing capacities for these electric vehicles can vary significantly depending on the production year and the specific powertrain variant. For newer versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQS (from 2024), the manufacturer increased the limit for all-wheel-drive versions (450, 500, 580, and 53 AMG) to a much more usable 1700 kg, though the base rear-wheel-drive model (EQS 450+) remains limited to the original 750 kg. In the case of the BMW i7, homologated trailer values for the M70 xDrive and eDrive50 motorizations are not standardly listed in technical specifications and do not appear on the market, which is why they are omitted from the comparison below, and the text focuses on the fully defined xDrive60 version.

In practice, this means that the limited 750 kg capacity of older EQS models makes the car more suitable for a small utility trailer or an e-bike rack. Conversely, the high 2000 kg capacity of the BMW i7 offers the driver much greater flexibility. You can easily hitch a heavier caravan or create ideal space for several extra suitcases in a larger lockable trailer, with a load capacity that is more than sufficient for weekend shopping or a long family holiday.

In summary, if towing heavier loads and vehicle versatility are priorities for you—and you are looking at vehicles around four years old—a used BMW i7 is a much more reliable and practical choice than the older Mercedes EQS models of that era, where you would need to seek out the latest facelifted models from 2024 to achieve even partially comparable towing capacity.

When comparing the powertrains of these two flagship electric limousines, a slightly different approach by both manufacturers is evident, which fundamentally influences the choice on the used car market. While the BMW i7 (G70 generation) enters the fray with uncompromising performance even in its base version and focuses on drivers requiring maximum dynamics under all circumstances, the Mercedes-Benz EQS (V297 generation) offers a much wider spectrum of performance levels. This gives customers the opportunity to better choose between absolute range and brutal power. Technically, both models exclusively use single-speed automatic transmissions typical for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries with a huge capacity exceeding 100 kWh (usable) in most versions. For those interested in a car roughly four years old, this means that while with BMW you get over 330 kW even in the base model, with Mercedes you can also opt for more efficient versions with lower power, which conversely dominate the range charts.

BMW i7 Powertrains (G70 generation, 2022–present)

The range of power units for the Bavarian limousine is clear and relies fully on massive performance. The standard powertrain starts with the eDrive50 model with rear-wheel drive, which has a very solid output of 335 kW. If you require all-wheel traction, the xDrive60 version is available with two electric motors and a total output of 400 kW. The top of the range is the M70 xDrive model from the M division. This sport-tuned giant provides 485 kW and a staggering 1,015 Nm of torque, thanks to which this three-ton colossus accelerates to 100 km/h in an incredible 3.7 seconds. All BMW i7 models from these years share a giant battery with a usable capacity of 101.7 kWh, ensuring consistent behavior across the entire range.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Powertrains (V297 generation, 2021–present)

The Stuttgart competitor approaches powertrains with greater variability and focuses much more on customers demanding maximum highway efficiency. The entry point between 2021 and 2022 was the EQS 350 model equipped with a smaller battery with a usable capacity of 90.6 kWh and an output of 215 kW. This variant is no longer produced as new, but you are guaranteed to come across it on the market for nearly-new used cars around four years old. Other models then rely on a giant battery with a usable capacity of 107.8 kWh. Among drivers preferring extreme range, the EQS 450+ version with rear-wheel drive (245 kW) will be particularly sought after, offering one of the best drag coefficients and a phenomenal real-world range. For proponents of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, variants are available with outputs from 265 kW (EQS 450) up to 385 kW for the EQS 580 model. For those who still want more, there is the EQS 53 4MATIC+ variant from the AMG division, whose output can reach 560 kW and a monstrous 1,020 Nm thanks to the optional Dynamic Plus package.

* The EQS 350 model was only offered until 2022.

Choosing the right motorization is critical for used luxury electric vehicles for long-term satisfaction, as it directly affects real-world range, dynamics, and future service costs. The BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS share similarly massive batteries (with a usable capacity of over 100 kWh), but they approach electric propulsion quite differently. While Mercedes bets on radical aerodynamics and maximum efficiency for highway travel, BMW prioritizes a classic majestic presence, uncompromising comfort, and massive power at the expense of absolute range. Our recommendation for roughly four-year-old used cars is based on real owner experiences, actual on-road consumption, and the overall mechanical reliability of the first production years.

For the BMW i7, we recommend: i7 xDrive60 (400 kW / 544 hp)

• Why it's the best choice in the lineup: The xDrive60 model, which formed the backbone of sales right from the start of production (late 2022), represents the ideal balance for the secondary market. Standard all-wheel drive ensures safety in all weather conditions, and the massive 400 kW output perfectly matches the car's substantial character. In used car dealerships and at certified dealers, it is also the most readily available version, making it easy to compare prices.
• Technical advantages: The pair of electric motors ensures a perfectly smooth pull that elegantly masks a curb weight approaching 2.7 tons. Although the official range is quite optimistic, in real-world combined driving, the car can safely cover around 450 to 480 km. A major advantage of the BMW i7 is its excellently managed battery thermal management and the associated charging curve – the car can maintain peak charging power (up to 195 kW) for a relatively long time, which significantly shortens stops on long routes.
• Known risks and weaknesses: You cannot cheat physics with such a large and heavy car. Suspension components and brakes suffer from enormous stress. During a test drive, always check if the tires (often up to 21 inches) are worn on the inner edges, which would indicate worn silent blocks or "misaligned" geometry. Also, pay attention to the behavior of the air suspension – if the car thumps over bumps or "sags" in any way after standing for a while, it indicates an air leak from the bellows or a weakening compressor, the replacement of which is very expensive in the luxury class. Also, expect the car's consumption to rise sharply at highway speed limits and in winter.
• Who it's for: It is perfect for drivers looking for a traditional luxury limousine design, preferring the silence of an isolated cabin, absolute comfort, and a representative appearance. It is not suitable for those who intend to break records in fuel-efficient driving.

For the Mercedes-Benz EQS, we recommend: EQS 450+ (245 kW / 333 hp)

• Why it's the best choice in the lineup: Although the base EQS 450+ models from the first production wave (in production from 10/2021 to 04/2023) do not have 4MATIC all-wheel drive, in the field of used luxury EVs, it is the unsurpassed king of range. This specific single-motor version fully fulfills the EQS model's mission as a tireless highway cruiser without the fear of frequent charging.
• Technical advantages: The uniqueness of the 450+ version relies on the combination of rear-wheel drive, a giant battery (107.8 kWh), and an aerodynamically perfect body (Cx only 0.20). Thanks to this synergy, the car can achieve amazing real-world consumption of around 16–18 kWh/100 km on highways. The actual range very often exceeds 550 km and even approaches 600 kilometers with gentler driving.
• Known risks and weaknesses: Given the car's enormous weight and rear-wheel drive only, drivers may experience reduced traction in challenging winter conditions – high-quality premium winter tires are an absolute necessity here. On early models (2021 and 2022), the giant onboard displays may freeze or slow down, so always ensure the latest software is installed. Additionally, take great care in checking the complex rear-axle steering system; listen carefully for any creaking or "popping" from the rear wheels when cornering slowly at full lock, which often indicates expensive wear on the rear tie rods or servomotors.
• Who it's for: An ideal choice for highway travelers, busy managers, and technology lovers looking for extraordinary efficiency and wanting to comfortably cover extreme distances with an electric vehicle.

Official consumption values provided by manufacturers according to the WLTP standard always look very tempting on paper, but everyday reality on the roads tends to be different. For large luxury electric vehicles weighing well over two tons, aerodynamics, driving style, and weather conditions play a key role. To get a more accurate picture of how much energy these technological flagships actually need to operate, we looked at real user data from the well-known community portal Spritmonitor.de and from long-term independent tests. We took into account data for vehicles of both generations (Mercedes-Benz 297 from 2021–present and BMW i7 G70 from 2022), which are now frequently entering the pre-owned vehicle market.

Looking at the real-world figures, one trend clearly stands out: aerodynamics and the efficiency of the electric drivetrain play an extremely important role for these massive highway cruisers. Thanks to its radical teardrop shape (with one of the best drag coefficients on the market), the Mercedes-Benz EQS achieves top-tier efficiency. In particular, the base EQS 450+ version with rear-wheel drive proves to be an absolute long-distance champion, with its real-world consumption staying relatively easily below the 20 kWh/100 km mark. Surprisingly, however, even the boxier, majestic-looking BMW i7 performs very well – the xDrive60 model is relatively efficient despite its more angular front grille, although it logically loses out slightly to the absolute efficiency of the Mercedes. For both manufacturers, a clear rule applies regarding the top-of-the-line engines. If you choose the extremely powerful Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 or BMW i7 M70 xDrive models, you must expect a significant increase in appetite, which in practice reliably attacks or exceeds 24 kWh/100 km. This confirms that entry-level engines with only one driven axle really do save precious energy and maximize range.

For typical users, this brings several key insights. If you are a highway mile-muncher driving long international routes across Europe, the EQS 450+ will undoubtedly be the most practical choice – its low consumption saves time at chargers and significantly extends the viable range. However, if you use the vehicle for representation more within the city and suburban highway stretches, the difference in aerodynamics does not play such a role at lower speeds. The classically styled BMW i7 will provide you with immense comfort here without its aerodynamic handicap resulting in a frustrating reduction in range. For those looking for a middle ground in the market for three- to four-year-old used cars, models like the EQS 580 or i7 xDrive60 are available – they offer overwhelming dynamics and the traction of all-wheel drive while keeping consumption within reasonable limits.

In conclusion, it can be summarized that for luxury vessels with prices exceeding €82,000, it is naturally not primarily about saving a few cents on electricity, but about the most important thing for every electric vehicle: freedom and time. The Mercedes-Benz EQS wins the consumption comparison thanks to its uncompromising approach to aerodynamics and thus represents a more efficient choice. The BMW i7, on the other hand, sacrifices roughly 1 to 2 kWh per 100 kilometers for its classic and confident design. While this difference means slightly more frequent or longer charging, if you primarily prefer a monumental appearance and a traditional interior without compromises, the BMW's consumption is certainly not so high as to disqualify this model as a full-fledged executive electric vehicle in any way.

Looking at the market for roughly four-year-old luxury electric vehicles reveals interesting differences in residual value. Both flagships, as new cars in well-equipped specifications, commonly approached the €144,000 to €165,000 mark. On the secondary market, however, their price tags are beginning to diverge significantly. It is necessary to take into account that the Mercedes-Benz EQS entered the market slightly earlier (during 2021) than the BMW i7 (not until the end of 2022), which is logically reflected in a wider range of older and more affordable units with the three-pointed star logo.

• Mercedes-Benz EQS (from 2021): Due to its longer presence on the market and often higher mileage on the first corporate vehicles, used versions such as the EQS 450+ or EQS 580 can now be purchased from approximately €58,000 to €74,000. This is a very steep drop in value, which conversely plays into the hands of those interested in a used car. The top-of-the-line AMG 53 sports variants most often appear on the market with a price tag slightly above the €91,000 mark.
• BMW i7 (from 2022): Used i7 cars are still relatively young and quite rare on the secondary market, which helps them hold their value significantly better. Entry-level and most common versions like the eDrive50 or xDrive60 from the first years of production range between €95,000 and €123,000 in classified ads. For the absolute top-of-the-line M70 xDrive specification, you must expect amounts that can climb above €140,000.

When choosing a used electric flagship, the most critical factor for both models is a documented service history and the condition of the high-voltage battery. The good news is that for four-year-old cars, both manufacturers should still easily cover the full warranty on the traction battery, which for these flagships usually amounts to 10 years or an impressive 250,000 kilometres (depending on the specific conditions at the time of purchase).

Overview of used car prices (typically 2022 and 2023 models)

Testing context and the evolution of Euro NCAP protocols

For premium electric limousines, which often serve as a showcase for the most modern technologies, five-star safety is considered an absolute given. However, when looking at independent crash tests, it is crucial to observe the broader context. The Euro NCAP testing methodology is constantly evolving and becoming significantly stricter over the years. The organization regularly introduces new and more demanding simulations for frontal and side impacts, places greater emphasis on sophisticated cyclist detection, and evaluates complex crisis scenarios at intersections. For this reason, percentage results from different years cannot be directly compared – a rating obtained under an older protocol may no longer represent the same level of protection as a rating developed according to the strictest current standards.

Mercedes-Benz EQS: Officially confirmed top performer

The Mercedes-Benz EQS underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2021 and, as expected, took home a full five-star rating. The flagship of the Stuttgart brand excelled exceptionally in adult occupant protection, where it achieved an impressive score of 96%. The car also provided significant support in child protection (91%). Although the testing took place before the introduction of the latest strict methodologies for active accident prevention systems, the model still achieved an excellent 80% in the safety assist category. An extremely rigid body combined with a rich array of radar systems from that time means that even today, the EQS remains one of the safest cars on the road in terms of passive protection.

BMW i7: A more modern platform without a formal label

In the case of the BMW i7, the situation is different. Due to its high purchase price and relatively low production volumes in the context of the general automotive market, this ultra-luxury version has not been officially tested by Euro NCAP to date. This is common practice; testing laboratories usually do not select vehicles with a price tag exceeding a certain threshold for independent testing, and car manufacturers do not supply them at their own expense. Customers must therefore rely on the fact that the Munich brand extensively shares its platform and safety features with smaller models that have completed the tests with excellent results (e.g., the iX SUV model). Since no official data is available for the BMW i7, we indicate the absence of results in the following comparison.

Comparison of key Euro NCAP test parameters

Note: Due to the lack of official Euro NCAP tests for the BMW i7, we do not provide any data for this car in the table.

Final safety evaluation

The Mercedes-Benz EQS provides a huge advantage for a used car in the form of transparent and top-tier data directly from the Euro NCAP laboratories from 2021. While the BMW i7 lacks a formal five-star certificate, it entered the market later on a slightly more modern technological architecture. Thanks to the integration of even newer assistance features, more powerful sensors for semi-autonomous driving, and more advanced predictive systems, the i7 offers a more comprehensive and modern active safety package by current standards. In both cases, however, you are choosing massive electric limousines where the manufacturers have not allowed the slightest compromise in the protection of human life.

Beyond standard equipment, both flagship electric models offer much more than just basic premium luxury, with each having its own, completely different approach to innovation, comfort, and overall added value.

BMW i7: Private Cinema and Crystalline Innovations

This Munich-based electric vehicle focuses on maximum visual impact and transforming the rear seats into a full-fledged living room.

• Rear-seat infotainment: The highlight of the equipment is the BMW Theatre Screen. It is a fold-down 31.3-inch panoramic display with 8K resolution, which, when activated, closes the window blinds and transforms the rear of the car into a private cinema.
• Smart door controls: Passengers control seat functions, climate control, and the rear display itself using small 5.5-inch touchscreens elegantly integrated directly into the rear door handles.
• Innovative dashboard: The front is dominated by the BMW Interaction Bar – a backlit bar with a crystalline appearance stretching across the entire width of the car. It changes colors according to driving modes, warns of hazards, and contains hidden touch buttons for ventilation control.
• Automatic doors: Similar to Rolls-Royce vehicles, the i7 offers the option of fully automatic opening and closing of all doors at the touch of a button, both from the outside and inside.
• Exclusive materials: As an alternative to traditional leather, BMW offers unique seat upholstery combining fine wool and cashmere, highlighting a modern approach to luxury without animal-derived materials.

Mercedes-Benz EQS: Aerodynamic Excellence and Digital Dominance

While BMW focuses on rear passengers, the Mercedes-Benz EQS strikes a chord with futuristic driver-oriented design and extreme technological sophistication.

• Revolutionary dashboard layout: The optional MBUX Hyperscreen replaces the traditional dashboard with a 56-inch curved panel made of tempered glass. It combines three separate displays (including one directly in front of the passenger) and uses artificial intelligence that learns user habits and offers the most frequently used functions on the main screen.
• Advanced chassis and maneuverability: Given the car's massive dimensions, a key feature is rear-axle steering. It can turn up to 10 degrees, giving the more than five-meter-long limousine a turning radius comparable to a compact hatchback.
• Laboratory-clean air: Under the front hood is a gigantic HEPA filter (part of the Energizing Air Control Plus system). It captures fine dust, microparticles, and pollen, and absorbs odors, ensuring air quality inside the car on par with an operating room.
• Aerodynamic design (One-Bow): The EQS boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.20 (one of the best results in the world for production cars). This teardrop shape dramatically reduces energy consumption and ensures absolute acoustic comfort on board.
• Soundscapes and audio: The Burmester surround sound system offers unique soundscapes (e.g., Silver Waves or Vivid Flux) that replace the sound of an internal combustion engine with dynamic and interactive frequencies responding to accelerator pedal input.

The BMW i7 is an uncompromising choice for those seeking a traditional, majestic limousine with an emphasis on absolute luxury and comfort for rear passengers. It will primarily appeal to executives and demanding buyers who require the classic feel of a luxury car brought into the electric era and don't mind a more extravagant exterior appearance.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is ideal for tech enthusiasts and drivers who mostly travel long distances and appreciate maximum range and overall powertrain efficiency. Thanks to its practical trunk and great agility, it makes more sense for daily personal driving, but it does not reach the level of limousine comfort in the rear seats as its Bavarian rival.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, recall records, and independent technical inspection of the car, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for.

BMW i7

The BMW i7 is a technologically exceptionally advanced electric vehicle, whose most common teething problems in roughly four-year-old used cars primarily concern complex electronics and extreme curb weight.

• Infotainment and software: Older software versions occasionally experience iDrive 8 system freezes, connection drops with the mobile app, and jamming of the fold-down rear display (Theater Screen). Most of these issues are successfully resolved by so-called over-the-air (OTA) updates.
• Electronics and sensors: False warnings from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and occasional failures of the ultrasonic sensors for automatic door opening, which can react confusingly in tight spaces, have been reported.
• Chassis and wear: The car's extreme weight (approaching 2.7 tons) leads to excessive and very rapid tire wear. At higher mileages, play in the air suspension components and control arm bushings may appear earlier due to this load.
• 12V battery: There have been isolated cases of the 12V onboard network draining rapidly due to a software error preventing control units from entering sleep mode, which can make it completely impossible to start or open the car.

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz EQS shares a similar fate to its Munich rival – a mechanically robust electric foundation is occasionally overshadowed in early model years by the whims of modern equipment and the toll of a heavy chassis.

• Infotainment and MBUX: Models equipped with the optional giant Hyperscreen panel (standard on higher trims) suffer from occasional slow responses at startup, screen freezes, or complete blackouts of the center display, requiring a manual restart of the entire system.
• Exterior and bodywork: A relatively common and unpleasant problem is the electrically retractable flush door handles. These can get stuck due to dirt ingress or, in winter, due to icing of the mechanism.
• Electric motors and powertrain: In the early model years, recalls were recorded due to faulty electric drive control unit software, which could theoretically cause a sudden loss of power while driving. A thorough physical inspection of a used car is always useful to verify whether the vehicle has undergone all recall actions.
• Interior quality and chassis: Despite its luxury focus, early models (2021 and 2022) saw owner complaints about occasional creaking of harder plastics on the center console when driving on rough roads. High weight, as with the BMW, takes a faster toll on tire tread.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Although electric vehicles are more reliable in many respects from a powertrain mechanics perspective than internal combustion engine cars, both of these premium models have specific weak points due to the vast amount of complex electronics, and a comprehensive car inspection before purchase should be an absolute matter of course.

When choosing a BMW i7:

• Condition and functionality of automatic doors: Many i7 models from the first years of production are equipped with motorized doors that use ultrasonic sensors for safe opening. During the test, make sure all doors open and close smoothly without sticking and that the sensors correctly detect obstacles from the outside. Any defects in these complex mechanisms are usually extremely expensive to repair.
• Testing the rear screen (Theater Screen): If the car is equipped with the massive 31-inch fold-down display for rear passengers, have it lower from the ceiling and fold back up several times. Focus on the smoothness of operation, check the surface for dead pixels, and listen for any rattling or grinding of the electric motors in the mechanism's rails.
• Air suspension and excessive tire wear: The BMW i7 weighs well over 2.6 tons. During the test drive, listen carefully for any knocking sounds from the axles. Visually inspect the tires – such a heavy electric car can wear them down quickly and often unevenly (especially on the inner edges), which may suggest the need for wheel alignment or worn suspension components.
• Stability of the iDrive 8 infotainment: Previous owners of older model years have occasionally reported screen freezes, Apple CarPlay dropouts, or slower system response immediately after starting. During the inspection, click through the system thoroughly and find out which software version is installed in the car. Insist on an "Over-The-Air" (OTA) update if necessary, which solves most of these teething problems.
• Condition of the high-voltage battery: An electric car that is roughly 3 to 4 years old should show only minimal degradation. However, a regular buyer cannot determine the capacity. An independent technical inspection of the car should therefore always include an in-depth diagnosis of the battery's "State of Health" (SOH) to ensure the original range.

When choosing a Mercedes-Benz EQS:

• Operation and condition of the MBUX Hyperscreen system: If the EQS has that massive glass panel stretching across the entire dashboard, check if the system responds with a delay to touch. Pay special attention to the physical condition of the display – look for any delamination (peeling layers), small bubbles at the edges, or yellow sunspots caused by overheating when viewed from different angles.
• Flush door handles: This elegant aerodynamic feature is extremely susceptible to fine dust and freezing in winter. Test all four handles on a used car by repeatedly unlocking and locking the vehicle. They must always extend and retract reliably without mechanical, squeaking, or grinding noises.
• Rear-axle steering system function: The EQS model can be equipped with rear-wheel steering of up to an impressive 10 degrees. During the test drive, perform tight maneuvers in a parking lot or turn in a small roundabout at low speeds. Monitor the smoothness of the rear end's movement and roll down the window to check for any mechanical thuds or squeaks from the rear axle.
• Condition and corrosion of conventional brakes: Thanks to very strong and effective recuperation, EQS owners rarely use mechanical friction brakes. This creates a tendency for surface corrosion on the brake discs and seized calipers. During the test drive (safely and in traffic that allows it), shift to neutral, which turns off recuperation, and brake mechanically several times. The car should not kick back into the pedal or pull to the side.
• Battery cooling and thermal management: The EQS has complex liquid temperature management. However, if the circuits do not function correctly over the long term or if there is even a minor coolant leak, it can lead to overheating and degradation of the battery modules. Before finally signing the purchase agreement, a professional physical inspection of the car focused on fluid leaks around the battery and thermal management diagnostics is definitely worthwhile.

Sources: ADAC, aktualne.cz, denik.cz, dopravniinfo.cz, hybrid.cz, f1sport.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.