The Tesla Model S might be grabbing most of the headlines in the world of electric vehicles (EV), especially the Plaid model and its wicked acceleration times, but the Mercedes-Benz EQS beats its Tesla rival in what is arguably the most important aspect electric mobility: range.

While the Mercedes-Benz EQS isn't the brand's first EV, it's their first in the United States. Roughly the same size as the S-Class of the EQ range, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) rates the EQS at 350 miles (563 kilometers) on a full charge. Surprisingly, Edmunds was able to get much more range out of the EQS based on their real-world testing.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS was driven through a 12-hour loop through Los Angeles, and it's also the same driving route where they test other EVs. Over that period, the EQS managed to travel for 422 miles (679 kilometers) before needing a charge. This is an impressive feat, especially considering that it's 72 miles (115 kilometers) more than what the EPA rates it.

As a result, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has the furthest range among the EVs that Edmunds has tested. This beats the 2021 model year Tesla Model S Plaid and Model 3 Long Range by a whopping 77 miles (124 kilometers) when driven at the same Los Angeles loop.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS that was tested was the EQS 450+, which comes with a 107.8 kWh battery pack. This is slightly larger than the Model S Plaid's 100 kWh battery pack.

Red Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla 

While the Model S Plaid is a powerhouse with its three-motor setup that produces, 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, the EQS 450+ that was tested is far more conservative. A single motor drives the full-size luxury sedan's rear wheels to the tune of 329 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. As a result, 0-60 mph takes a more leisurely but still decent 5.9 seconds, while the Tesla does the same job in less than two seconds. 

Mercedes does have an answer to the Model S Plaid, though it's still nowhere near Tesla's figures. It's called the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53, and it has 751 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque, propelling this large electric sedan to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Edmunds points out that their real-world results are far more accurate than what the EPA releases. There's certainly truth to this, especially since the EPA tests vehicles in a controlled environment with constant variables.