Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz EQS: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the Tesla Model S is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $750 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (Model S, 124 MPGe combined), against $930 for the Mercedes-Benz EQS (EQS 450 Plus, 98 MPGe combined). That is $180 a year, or $900 over five years.
A frequently cross-shopped pair of rivals. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.
The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.
- Electric
- Large cars
Tesla Model S
Lowest fuel cost configuration
Model S
$5.00 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
410 mi EPA range · 27 kWh/100 mi
3 configurations in MY2026
- Electric
- Standard SUVs
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Lowest fuel cost configuration
EQS 450 Plus
$6.20 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
390 mi EPA range · 34 kWh/100 mi
6 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- Tesla Model S$750 a year · $5.00 per 100 mi
- Mercedes-Benz EQS$930 a year · $6.20 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$180
Tesla Model S costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$900
$180 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | Tesla Model S | Mercedes-Benz EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | Model S | EQS 450 Plus |
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Combined rating | 124 MPGe (better) | 98 MPGe |
| City rating | 132 MPGe (better) | 98 MPGe |
| Highway rating | 116 MPGe (better) | 98 MPGe |
| EPA range | 410 mi (better) | 390 mi |
| Electricity use | 27 kWh/100 mi (better) | 34 kWh/100 mi |
| Annual fuel cost | $750/yr (better) | $930/yr |
| Cost per 100 miles | $5.00 (better) | $6.20 |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $750–$990 | $930–$1,180 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 3 | 6 |
| EPA class | Large cars | Standard SUVs |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | Tesla Model S | Mercedes-Benz EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 124 MPGe · $750/yr Model S | 98 MPGe · $930/yr EQS 450 Plus |
Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.
Where each one comes out ahead
Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.
Tesla Model S
- Lower annual fuel cost: $750 vs $930
- Higher combined rating: 124 MPGe vs 98 MPGe
- Higher city rating: 132 MPGe vs 98 MPGe
- Higher highway rating: 116 MPGe vs 98 MPGe
- Longer EPA range: 410 mi vs 390 mi
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Not ahead on any measure listed here.
Year by year
| Model year | Tesla Model S | Mercedes-Benz EQS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 93–124 MPGe | $750–$990 | 79–98 MPGe | $930–$1,180 |
| 2025 | 93–124 MPGe | $750–$990 | 76–98 MPGe | $930–$1,200 |
| 2024 | 96–122 MPGe | $760–$970 | 76–96 MPGe | $960–$1,210 |
| 2023 | 120 MPGe | $770 | 77–103 MPGe | $1,070–$1,170 |
| 2022 | 101–120 MPGe | $770–$920 | 77–97 MPGe | $960–$1,210 |
Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to fuel, the Tesla Model S or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
The Tesla Model S is cheaper: about $750 a year against $930 for the Mercedes-Benz EQS, a difference of $180 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.
How much would the Tesla Model S save over five years?
About $900 ($180 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.
Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Tesla Model S or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
The Tesla Model S is rated 124 MPGe combined against 98 MPGe for the Mercedes-Benz EQS. City: 132 MPGe vs 98 MPGe. Highway: 116 MPGe vs 98 MPGe. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.
How is the annual fuel cost calculated?
Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.
Are the Tesla Model S and the Mercedes-Benz EQS in the same class?
The EPA classes the Tesla Model S as Large cars and the Mercedes-Benz EQS as Standard SUVs, so they are listed as rivals.
Explore these cars
- Tesla Model S: ratings, trims and every model year
- Mercedes-Benz EQS: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 Tesla Model S: all configurations
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS: all configurations
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