2022 HYUNDAI ELANTRA N

 

HYUNDAI PUNCHES UP THE POWER 

FOR ELANTRA WITH NEW N MODEL

Disguised as a compact econo sedan appealing to shoppers looking to squeeze every possible mile out of every drop of fuel, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is a performance beast offering a driving experience commonly found in performance makes bearing luxury labels.

New for this year, the N version of the Elantra, which earned top honors as 2021 North American Car of the Year in its traditional mild-mannered form, sits at the top of the food chain in the South Korean automaker’s compact sedan portfolio.

Instead of a 147-horsepower 4-banger mated to a CVT or gas-electric hybrid drivetrain, however, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that sends 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque to its front wheels. Various reports give it a zero-to-60 mph clocking of around 5 seconds, which is at least 3 seconds quicker than a standard Elantra. 

Want a shot of more power? Click on the red button below the steering wheel crossbar marked NGS. It stands for “N Grin Shift” and works sort of like the “push-to-pass” in today’s Indy cars, giving the Elantra N a 20-second boost of 10 horsepower, not to mention a quick sound blast out the large-bore dual exhaust pipes.

Of course, you are not going to get the low fuel mileage figures you see with the lower Elantra trims, but the N’s numbers of 20 miles-per-gallon city, 30-highway, and 23 combined with an automatic transmission are not outrageously thirsty considering what you get in the way of performance. The downside is that premium fuel is recommended for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and an 8-speed dual clutch automatic is available for an extra $1,500. Starting MSRP for manual models is $32,150 and for the automatic $33,650.

That is a pretty good premium over the over the traditional Elantra, which starts in the lower $20,000 range, but the good thing is that the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N comes with such a long list of standard features little has to be added on to enjoy all it has to offer.

Among standard equipment in the roomy cabin (42 inches of legroom up front, 38 in the rear) are a navigation system with a 10.25-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bose premium sound, dual automatic climate control, heated front sport bucket seats with leather trim and suede inserts and N markings, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, voice recognition, and a wireless charging pad.

Safety systems on the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N include Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Warning, Lane-Keepimg assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit and Driver Alert warnings.

Parking Distance Warning and Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car Services also are standard along with LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lamps. and rear-wing spoiler. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof  comes with models with the automatic transmission. 

If you insist on adding anything, port-installed options like a cargo net and wheel locks can be had, none adding more than $215 to the bottom line and most costing under $100. The freight charge is $1,095, which means you have a very good chance of getting out of the showroom for under $35,000.

An alert is in order here. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is not to be confused with the N Line model Hyundai added to the Elantra lineup for 2021. The 2022 Elantra N Line (reviewed here last February) is a very solid alternative if the N’s $30,000-plus price tag scares you off.

But if you are averse to compromises, the Elantra N is the way to go.

What I liked about the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N: The throttle response is breathtaking and fuel mileage won’t set records but is still pretty good considering what you get in the way of performance. The handling is crisp. Even when pushed, cornering is very steady.with little body roll. Infotainment functions are plentiful and very user-friendly. The roomy restyled cabin is very comfortable, though those with tender ears may not fully appreciate the full-throated dual exhaust. Trunk space is good for its class. The exterior gets distinctive styling touches like a red underline around the body and snazzy wheels that give it a sportier look than your typical Elantra.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N: Whatever you do, don’t drop your key fob between the front seat and the center console. It takes someone with long, very skinny fingers to retrieve it, assuming you can even see where it has wound up. The only issue I have with the tech features is that there is no knob to turn to surf the radio dial. You have to push and hold arrow buttons to change stations.

Would I buy the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N? Yes. Stylish looks, lots of standard features, and great performance all combine a very attractive package.

TECH FEATURES

 

TECHNOLOGY CAN BE YOUR FRIEND OR IT CAN OVER-COMPLICATE YOUR AUTOMATIVE LIFE

A friend of mine recently bought a new SUV and told me that he loves it, except for possibly one thing.

It’s not for “old people,” he said. “Too many dials and buttons.”

I can relate. Manufacturers understandably want to attract buyers with as many “gee whiz” features as they can come up with, but that comes with a downside, especially for an entire generation who grew up on cars that came only with AM radio and an analog clock that quite often didn’t run, of which I am a member of.

Getting used to all the console knobs, dials, and touchscreen icons on new vehicles can be a process that takes much longer than the week reviewers at my level get with a new model.

Some of these features and operating systems, however, really aren’t all that necessary. Some even may be on their way out if you pay attention to some automotive “experts,” replaced by other technological advances. Others just need tweaking.

Here is my personal list of the foibles of tech systems in today’s automobiles:

Adaptive Cruise Control: There’s nothing more irritating when cruising along at a set speed than coming up behind a slower vehicle with a faster one in the adjacent lane coming up behind you and requiring you to tap the brake to deactivate your standard cruise control system. Adaptive, or “Smart” Cruise Control as some automakers call it, automatically slows you until you can move safely into the passing lane and get around the slow poke in your lane. Though I haven’t had an issue with any car with ACC not slowing automatically, I wouldn’t advise engaging it when in heavy traffic.

Automatic headlights: I can’t remember the last vehicle I had for reviewing that didn’t have this feature. I like it, but I simply don’t trust the timing of systems that automatically lower your high beams. Auto-dimming mirrors, however, are a nice feature.

Automatic hold: This is a feature that surprisingly hasn’t caught on enough to become universal. My wife’s 15-year-old VW Passat has it, for instance, but the latest six-figure sedan I reviewed didn’t. When activated by pushing a button on the console or dash, it keeps your vehicle from creeping ahead at intersections so you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake. South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia also have related systems on their models that are nice additions. One alerts you with a “ping” when a vehicle stopped ahead of you moves away in case you aren’t paying attention. The other is a camera that shows in your instrument cluster any traffic approaching your blind sides when you activate your turn signal. 

Gesture control: Did anyone ever say “Gee, I wish I could just wave may hand to turn up my radio. Turning this knob is just so tiring”? At least if gesture control is included in standard equipment it won’t cost you anything, but I doubt you’ll use it much. Voice control, on other other hand, provides a nice way to operate some overly complicated infotainment systems, though I don’t use it that much. It can be frustrating to say “call Betty” and the system responds, “Do you want to call Benny?” 

Navigation: The emergence of Smart phones that allow you to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination has led some reviewers to label built-in navigation systems as unnecessary. But if you are in heavy traffic and want to find an escape route, the larger map on your dash gives you a much clearer picture of what options you might have. I would concede that the $1,500 to $2,000 factory-installed navigation could cost you as an option may not be worth it but several manufacturers (and not just of luxury makes) are including it among their standard features.

Paddle shifters: I love it when a car shows up in my driveway with a manual transmission, but unless you are going to take your personal vehicle onto the track, there really is no good reason for paddle shifters. If you want to keep your vehicle in third gear, say for towing, you can usually do that via the shifter on the console.

Power liftgate: If your arms are loaded down with packages, you will appreciate being able to open the back of your SUV or wagon by pressing a button on your key fob or, with some vehicles, waving your foot under the rear bumper.

Surround view camera: Backup cameras are now mandatory in the U.S. for new vehicles, but if the car you have your heart set on offers a surround view camera as an option, go for it. You’ll thank me later. It’s a godsend for maneuvering in tight quarters. Rear camera systems with dynamic guidelines also are nice.

Safety systems: Recent developments like automatic braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, and lane-departure warning/prevention are well worth the money if they are not included in the basic MSRP. Fortunately, many such systems are trickling down from luxury models every year it seems so you may not have to pay extra for them.

Tire pressure monitor: Admit it. You don’t check the air pressure in your tires nearly as often as you should. A tire monitoring system can help you maintain the correct pressure and warn you when one or more is too low or high. More recent systems even indicate which tire may need attention.

Touchscreens: Many infotainment functions in today’s automobiles operate off a touchscreen. The problem is that the screen quickly fills up with fingerprints that can make the screen more difficult to see when bright sunlight hits it. Plus they are just messy. Worse, some luxury manufacturers (“Hey, Mercedes”) have systems that require you to swipe the screen or a pad on the console much like a laptop computer, which can be very distracting. Some touchscreens aren’t all that responsive either. A rotary dial on the console or hard set buttons below the touchscreen is better. Finally, I like the double-screen setup offered on a select few models (Infiniti is one) with the navigation map above the display for other functions like audio. 

This list is by no means complete. You probably have your own personal likes and dislikes about the technology found in today’s cars. Keep in mind, too, that I once was a holdout against power windows because I thought them just something else that could go wrong. Now it has been years since I drove a vehicle without them and I like them. So allow for the grumpiness factor here.

2022 MERCEDES-BENZ S 580 4MATIC

MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS GOES RIGHT 

TO TOP OF ‘SUPER LUXURY’ SEGMENT

The S-Class has long been the flagship vehicle for the Mercedes-Benz luxury lineup and a case can be made that it also sits at the top of its class in the auto world period.

The magazine U.S. News & World Report, which doesn’t do original automotive reviews but bases its rankings on an analysis of critiques from several sources, rates the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class No. 1 among vehicles it classifies as “Super Luxury Cars.”

It’s a small but elite group that includes vehicles from Teutonic colleagues (Porsche Panamera and BMW 7-Series), as well as Japan (Lexus LS). The S-Class assumed its lofty perch with the 2021 redesign that kicked off its seventh generation.

With Mercedes having dropped coupe and convertible versions from its S-Class models, the sedan remains the configuration of choice for the S-Class.

The 2022 Mercdes-Benz S-Class is offered in two trim levels, the S 500  and S 580. (Also joining the lineup for 2022 is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, a 12-cylinder behemoth.) This review is based on the S 580. 

The 2022 Mercedes S 500 comes with a V6 engine, but with the S 580 you get V8 power and a mild hybrid system that adds up to 21 horsepower for short stretches. Not that you really need it. The biturbo 4.0-liter V8 in the 2022 Mercedes S580 pumps out 480 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to move it from zero-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds or .4 seconds quicker than the S 500.

The engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and both models also get Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard. EPA fuel ratings for the S 580 4MATIC are 16 miles-per-gallon city, 25 highway, and 19 combined. The turbocharged V6 S 500 4MATIC improves on those figures with numbers at 21/30/24.

The power is a bonus and much needed to move get the 2022 Mercedes S 580 4MATIC’s heft going, but it is the interior that puts the S-Class at the top of its its class.

From Nappa leather seats with side bolsters that gently squeeze in to coddle you as your negotiate turns to powered sunshades on rear windows, the 2022 Mercedes S 580 4MATIC is all about pampering passengers. A panoramic sunroof and Burmester 3D surround sound soothes the senses while a multi-functional massage system takes away the aches of travel stress.

The front headrests feature pillows lest you bump your head on a quick stop, and the four-zone climate control allows occupants to personalize their own settings. The ride is so smooth and quiet it gives you a feeling of almost floating down the highway.

Technological features borders on overkill. Do you really need a high definition image of the intersection ahead of you projected on the 12.8-inch center display while you are waiting at a stoplight? Not really. After all you can just look through the windshield. But the system is there.

Other standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, six USB ports and rear 115-volt power supply, and Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with navigation and “Hey, Mercedes” voice command control. The suite of systems in the MBUX does come with a downside, however. It takes a steep learning curve to take advantage of all of them.

Safety systems like a surround view camera system, active parking assist, brake assist, blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, and a Driver Assistance Package that adds such features as adaptive cruise control, attention assist, and active steering and brake assist are including in the starting MSRP of $117,700. (Starting MSRP for the 2022 Mercedes S 500 is $111,100.)

My test 2022 Mercedes S 580 also included “no charge” items like a wood leather-wrapped steering wheel, all-season tires, a porcelain cloth headliner, and a black, crystal-look finish for the center console.

Yes, of course, there were many extras, the big ones being a rear-seat package (special rear-seat lighting were among the numerous features), a rear-seat executive package that included upgraded contour seats with neck and shoulder heating, and a warmth and comfort package.

Among stand-alone options were rear axle steering (for up to 10 degrees) that add to the crisp handling of the 2022 Mercedes S 580 4MATIC, 20-inch wheels (over standard 19s), and active ambient lighting.

All that ran the final bottom line to $135,990 including the $1,050 destination and delivery charge.

What I liked about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC: The V8 engine packs plenty of power for sure. The interior is ultra quiet and luxurious, and the ride is smooth. The massage function is a nice feature to have.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz  4MATIC: At just under 13 cubic feet, the trunk is a big small for a vehicle  this size.  Technology functions can eat up a lot of attention, and learning them all is a considerable task. The touchscreen can quickly fill up with fingerprints. 

Would I buy the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC? Definitely, though it would take winning a multi-million dollar lottery for me to put it on my list. 

2022 BMW X4 M COMPETITION

NO MATTER IT IS CALLED, BMW X4 M OFFERS DRIVING THRILLS IN A LUXURIOUS PACKAGE

Typically, an “X” in BMW’s branding designates an SUV in the German automaker’s luxury fleet, but not, apparently, when it comes to the new X4 M.

The company refers to the 2022 BMW X4 M as a “Sports Activity Coupe,” which conflicts the way many auto enthusiasts, even those the the reviewing business, look at the coupe.

No. 1, it has a four doors while most consider coupes two-door vehicles. In my memory, only two manufacturers, BMW and its Teutonic colleague Mercedes-Benz, currently have endorsed the concept of a four-door coupe.

No. 2, though no specs really defines a coupe’s size, the 2022 BMW X4 M is pretty hefty for what we usually think of for a coupe. It seats five passengers and is 187.6 inches long, 75.5 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall. The BMW 3-Series sedan is about 2 inches shorter in length and 7 shorter in height.

No. 3, the 2022 BMW X4 M also comes with a tailgate that lifts to provide access to a spacious cargo area much like a hatchback or crossovcr SUV.

All that said, however, since they are paying the bill I guess BMW can call it whatever it wants, though you are usually going to find it thrown in with luxury SUVs when doing an Internet search.

All quibbling aside, what there is no doubt about is that the 2022 BMW X4 M is one hot vehicle, especially when equipped with the $7,000 Competition package such as the vehicle this review is based on came with.

The 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine iin the 2022 BMW X4 M is rated at 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque while the X4 M Competition model ups that to a whopping 503 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft., moving it from zero-to-60 mph in a lightning quick 3.3 seconds.

An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and you can program it in a coupe of different modes to suit your driving style via red buttons marked M1 and M2 on the crossbar of the steering wheel.

While the performance is remarkable, the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition does have its downsides. Fuel consumption is at the rate of 15 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway, and 17 combined and uses approximately 5.9 gallons of premium fuel per 100 miles.

The emphasis on performance also is reflected it handling for the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition. Its firm suspension can make for a stiffer a ride which helps in cornering but at the sacrifice of some passenger comfort despite the luxurious surroundings.

Standard features on the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition “coupe” include a Harmon Karden premium surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, full LED lights, keyless entry and push-button start, 3-spoke leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with navigation, multi-zone climate control, heated power front seats, and active driving assist safety features like frontal collision warning as well as front and rear parking assist.

As noted, the Competition Package adds $7,000 to the starting MSRP of $73,400, but included in the starting MSRP on my test vehicle were such items as carbon-fiber trim, a wi-fi hotspot, and Connected iDrive services, wireless charging, and roof rails (making it even more SUV-like; just saying).

An Executive Package (heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, head-up display, M Competition package (M Sport Exhaust, M Seat Belts and M Seats, and 21-inch wheels), and M Driver’s Package (which includes a day on the company’s performance driving course) ran the final bottom line to $86,145 including the $995 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2022 BMW X4  M: The performance is exhilarating. The cabin is very plush as you might expect from BMW. The sport front seats are supportive and comfortable. Several infotainment features work off of hard buttons, which is good. While the overall system is not overly complicated, performing some functions via the touchscreen can be take some work.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 BMW X4 M COMPETITION: The ride is on the harsh side and the slanting profile intrudes on rear head space for taller riders. You also lose considerable vertical cargo space from the that  slanting roofline and even more when the security cover is in place. The term “fuel economy” is an oxymoron when it comes to the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition model.

Would I buy the 2022 BMW X4 M COMPETITION? Certainly not in this greenish yellow color. (Sorry, BMW. You may definite as a shade of yellow, but many others call it “green.”) I’m not into getting cheap thrills by blowing away unsuspecting performance cars at intersections, but if that is your thing, this is the vehicle for it. You have to be serious about taking this vehicle on track to spend $7,000 on the Competition package, however.

2022 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

NEW MODEL DEBUTS FOR SANTA FE, BUT CALLIGRAPHY TRIM STILL TOPS PORTFOLIO



The Santa Fe has been a staple in the Hyundai lineup for just over two decades, but this is just the second year that the Calligraphy has served as the top-of-the-line trim for non-hybrid/plugin models.

Though a bit larger than the Tucson, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe offers seating for only five occupants in a spacious and upscale cabin that has a spacious storage area (36.4 cubic feet) behind the second row of seats.

In addition to the Calligraphy, a new trim debuts for 2022 with the XRT slotted in between the SEL and Limited editions. The SE continues to serve as the base model with a starting price of $27,700 of including destination and delivery. 

There are standard hybrid and plugin hybrid Santa Fe models, but this review is based on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD gas-fueled model. It carries a hefty starting price of $43,885 with freight charges included, but the list of included equipment is so long as to make expensive options unnecessary. The only things added to my test vehicle were the calypso red paint ($400) and carpeted floor mats ($195) bringing the total to $44,480.

Among comfort and convenience features included were Nappa leather seating surfaces, a perforated leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, exclusive Calligraphy headliner, 8-way driver and 6-way adjustable power passenger seats, dual climate control with rear air vents, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, proximity key with push-button start, hands-free Smart liftgate, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, and 3-year complimentary Hyundai Blue Link connected services.

Safety features include a surround-view camera system, blind-spot warning, forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, lane-following and highway driving assist, and navigation-bases Smart cruise control. The latter is also standard on Limited trim.

LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, privacy rear glass, front and rear parking sensors, and roof rails also are included. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy rides on 20-inch wheels.

A 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is standard on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are included for manual gear selection  SE, SEL, and new XRT Santa Fes get naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder.

The turbo is rated at a max 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, a significant jump over the 191/181 from the naturally aspirated 2.5L on the lower trims 

Fuel figures for the turbo 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy with front-wheel drive are 22 miles-per gallon city, 28 highway, and 25 combined while optional all-wheel propulsion, available on all trims, knocks the numbers down to 21/28/24.

Regular octane fuel is recommended.

It’s easy to see why the Santa Fe has been a consistent seller since its introduction as the company’s first SUV in 2001. It hit six figures in sales for the first time in 2014 and reached its all-time high of 133,171 three years later, according to figures from goodcarbadcar.net.

In the Covid year of 2020 sales dipped to 101,513 but bounced back to 112,705 in 2021. Through April of this year Hyundai reports sales at 36,656, a slight drop from the the 39,040 from the same period the year before. Some of that likely can be attributed to the bump in sales for the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson.

What I liked about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: The interior is roomy and upscale. Infotainment features are plentiful and also user-friendly. The turbo-charged version is very peppy. There is generous legroom front (44.1 inches) and back (41.1) and well as plenty of stowage space in the rear.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: There’s not really much of anything not to like about the Santa Fe. It’s not a high-performance SUV such as some of the luxury models coming from Europe but you’re not going to be embarrassed pulling away from an intersection either.

Would I buy the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy? Definitely. This is a very good-looking SUV that also is very functional. If you don’t need 3-row seating it is ideal. (If you do need 3-row seating, check out the Hyundai Palisade or the Sorento from its South Korean colleague Kia.) The SEL trim, however, offers a better bargain than the Calligraphy with a starting price of $29,450 for FWD models but gets the less powerful engine.

2022 MERCEDES EQS 580 4MATIC

MERCEDES DIVES INTO EV MARKET 
IN A BIG WAY WITH EQS SEDANS

Mercedes may be late to the party, but it makes a grand entrance to the all-electric vehicle market with the 2022 EQS 580 4MATIC sedan.

Spectacular is a word that just doesn’t do it justice. It’s not just a luxurious electric vehicle, it is luxurious vehicle period with a prominent profile and opulent interior. You can even get pillows for the  headrests!

Equivalent to the gas-powered S-Class flagship sedan, the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC is rife with technological features. In fact, I recommend that you get at least a 3-year lease so you have a chance at learning how to learn them all before you turn it back in. Either that or take computer science lessons. 

It is available in three trim levels with the well-equipped Premium carrying a starting MSRP of $119,110 (not including a $1,050 destination and delivery charge). With it you get heated and ventilated front seats, a power panoramic sunroof, Bermester Premium Sound, and leather upholstery throughout for a start.

Exclusive trim for the 2022 Mercedes EQS 4MATIC adds a massage function to the front seats, head-up display, and four-zone climate control and is tagged with a starting MSRP of $122,510.

The top-of-the-folio Pinnacle carries a starting price of $125,310 and adds power rear seats that are heated and ventilated, comfort rear headrests, and additional rear USB ports as standard features.

The most distinguishing feature of the interior is the 56-inch  curved glass panel that runs across the entire front and houses what are traditionally separate screens for the instrument gauge cluster and infotainment systems. There are not only no knobs to interfere with the smooth look. There aren’t any buttons either. Everything is done either by touch or “Hey, Mercedes, voice command.”

Mercedes calls it a “Hyperscreen” and it provides a clean, flat look to the front dash area. Well, clean is a relative term here since it collects fingerprints when touch functions are used to operate the MBUX system (what Mercedes calls the “brains” of the car.

Passenger comfort also is augmented by the smooth, quiet ride of the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580.

The dual electric motors are rated at 516 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of instant torque that propel its considerable heft (5,888 pounds) from zero-to-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Just put it in Drive and it scoots.

Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is standard on all EQS 580 models with RWD available on 2022 EQS 450 models that feature only one electric motor.

Range for daily commutes is not a critical issue with the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC. Mercedes tags it at 340 miles on a full charge, though some sources have reported slightly longer results. The computer showed available mileage at 341 when my test vehicle arrived with a 91 percent charge.

Of course, that doesn’t address the issue of longer trips like say a jaunt of 400 miles. But I’m guessing here that if the budget for your automotive purchases is in the six-figure range you’e not likely making many 400-mile road trips, if any. You’ll simply fly to faraway vacation spots.

In addition to the standard comfort and convenience features, the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC also included are standard driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, active parking assist with a surround view camera (a godsend in tight parking lots), brake assist, and forward collision warning.

Extras on my test 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC included the diamond white exterior paint and black/gray Nappa leather interior,  black microfiber headliner, an upgraded MBUX system with head-up display, multicolor front seats with massage function, and 21-inch wheels over the standard 20-inchers

That ran the final bottom line to $133,670 including the $!,050 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 Sedan: “Extreme opulence” are the words that come to mind for the futuristic interior. The display for the navigation map is by far the largest I have ever seen. (Frankly, maybe too big.) The ride is smooth and, as with electric power, top torque is instantly available. Cargo space is a generous 22 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 Sedan: The glass Hyperscreen collects more fingerprints than a CSI technician on overtime. Technology is plentiful but fussy to operate, and if you like sports or talk radio you’re pretty much out of luck as there is no AM radio option. (Why? Electric motors can cause static on the AM band. And remember. The 2022 EQS 580 4MATCI has two electric motors to drive all four wheels. Range is good for daily/weekly use, but what if you want to take a 400-mile trip?

Would I buy the 2022 Mercedes E)QS 580 Sedan? Nope. Nothing against the car because it is a beautiful vehicle. I’m just not comfortable buying an all-electric vehicle until charging stations become as common as gas pumps across the U.S.