The 2022 Mercedes EQS reimagines the luxury car for the coming electric era.

After a couple of false starts, Mercedes-Benz is finally getting serious about electric cars for the North American market. And it’s starting from the top.

The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS sedan is billed by the German automaker as the electric equivalent of its flagship S-Class sedan. The new EQS will itself become the flagship for a line of EQ-badged electric vehicles, which will include an EQS SUV, an EQE sedan and SUV, and a smaller EQB model. For now, the EQS sets the tone for the Mercedes EV lineup.

With sleek, aerodynamic styling and an elaborate infotainment system, the Mercedes EQS certainly makes a strong first impression. It also feels more luxurious than other similarly priced electric sedans such as the Audi e-Tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S. The Lucid Air is shaping up to be a potential rival as well, but it’s only just starting production.

In Canada, the 2022 EQS will be available exclusively in the flagship grade, the dual-motor EQS 580 4MATIC with a starting MSRP of $144,200. (Mercedes-Benz Canada does not disclose destination charges as they vary by region and dealership.) Premium ($7,000), Sport ($4,500), Night ($5,000), and Executive Rear Seating ($7,000) packages are available.