The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV shares some similarities with the EQS hatchback released in 2021, but it is a distinct vehicle in its own right. In contrast to the EQA and EQC, which are merely electric adaptations of their gasoline-powered counterparts, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is the first SUV from the brand to be built on a platform specifically designed for electric vehicles. Before the release of the EQS SUV, the Tesla Model X was the only electric SUV that offered three rows of seating. Today, the EQS SUV is now considered a serious threat to the Tesla, but can it put up a fight?
The Mercedes EQS SUV is a luxurious vehicle that is the same size as the EQS Sedan in terms of wheelbase, but overall it is slightly shorter at 126.4 inches. It’s also equipped with rear-axle steering that can turn up to 10 degrees, making it easy to maneuver in the city. The front of the vehicle features a robust and muscular hood, with the Mercedes star pattern on the grille and digital lights with three dots indicating it is part of the luxury S-class family. The car also has special sensors that monitor the road ahead and the AMG line package, which includes the night package, blacked-out front, and bumpers. The vehicle’s hood cannot be opened, but there is a side opening for the wiper fluid. The car also features sleek lines that flow to the back, and the C-pillar is slightly elevated, with a height of 67.6, higher than the EQS Sedan. The wheels are also remarkable, designed for the EQS SUV, with chrome parts on the outside, indicating off-road capabilities.
Mercedes EQS SUV’s Luxurious Cabin
The Tesla’s interior is practical and minimalistic, whereas Mercedes’ EQS SUV has a luxurious and well-crafted cabin made of high-quality materials such as leather and veneers. It features a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel that is designed with dual trackpads that make it easy for the driver to navigate the cluster and infotainment screen. The controls for the adaptive cruise control with Level 2 autonomy are conveniently placed to make things a lot easier for the driver. It doesn’t feel cramped, and there is ample legroom. The headspace also poses no problems for average-sized people. Additionally, the front seats have soft pillows, which is a new feature. The option to add blinds is also available. The car has various standard interior features, such as the ability to adjust the ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, leather seats, a sunroof that spans the entire roof, and wireless charging options. Five people fit in the standard configuration, but an option for a third row of seats is available, which increases the total capacity to seat seven people. The third row is also roomy enough for two people and equipped with basic amenities such as seat heating and USB-C ports.
An SUV With Well-Crafted Technology
The infotainment system is equipped with a large 17.7-inch screen that utilizes the highly-rated MBUX software and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX features Augmented Reality Navigation and the capability for Natural Language Understanding and activation via a keyword, such as “Hey Mercedes.” Additionally, there is another 12.3-inch screen located in front of the passenger provides entertainment options such as watching movies and browsing the internet and allows them to adjust settings like music and input navigation information. However, the car’s intelligent system can detect if the driver is looking at the screen and will pause the media until the driver looks back at the road. The center console includes a wireless charging pad and traditional controls for the infotainment system. A start/stop button also includes a fingerprint sensor for added security. You can also get the optional Hyperscreen, a highly advanced infotainment system that spans 56 inches across the vehicle and merges three screens into one display. It features haptic feedback in the center and passenger displays, making it easy to interact with. Electric Intelligence navigation is also included, which can plan the most efficient route based on weather, traffic, topography, and driving styles while identifying the best charging stations along the way. The EQS SUV has the option to add a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two 11.6-inch screens. Additionally, there is an option to add a third tablet that can be mounted on the center console and can be taken out of the vehicle within a certain range as a controller. The tablet in the backseat also enables the passengers to change the ambient lighting and audio settings.
Lots of Cargo Space in the Mercedes EQS SUV
The five-seater version has a cargo area up to 31 cubic feet behind the second row. Models with a third row of seats have a maximum cargo area of 28 cubic feet behind the second row. But, this space is reduced to 7 cubic feet when the third row is occupied. As you can see, you’ll have virtually no issues with the EQS SUV’s cargo capacity.
EQS SUV Performance and Power
The base version, EQS 450+ has a single motor that powers the rear wheels and produces 355 horsepower. It’s powered by a 108.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that gives you a driving range of 305 miles per charge, less than the EQS sedan’s and Tesla Model X’s but that’s the highest in the EQS SUV lineup. Meanwhile, the EQS 450 4Matic has two motors, delivers more torque, and is available in all-wheel-drive. Despite being the most ideal trim, the EQS 450 4Matic only gives you 285 miles of range. If you feel like the power you get from the two isn’t enough, you can always go for the EQS 580. The all-wheel drive version is more powerful thanks to the dual motors that give you 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque. The EQS 580 can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds.
When connected to a DC fast charger, the EQS SUV can charge at speeds of up to 200 kW, which Mercedes claims will boost the battery from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. The EQS SUV has a number of intelligent charging functions, such as ECO Charging and charging interruption, which allow drivers to save money and time by reducing the battery load while charging. The standard EQS 450 has 355 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque and can go from 0 to 60 miles an hour in just 6 seconds, with the ability to tow 1,653 pounds. Meanwhile, the more expensive EQS 580 produces 536 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque, clears 0 to 60 miles in 4.6 seconds, and offers a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. Considering its size and weight, the EQS SUV is quite maneuverable. The car doesn’t feel big at all. The EQS 450 is a strong vehicle, and most drivers will find its power to be sufficient. While the handling is stable, it is not particularly exciting and the steering does not provide much feedback, but the overall on-road experience is comfortable and calm, which is suitable for its luxury purpose.
Mercedes EQS SUV Pricing
Because the EQS SUV is a member of the Mercedes S-class family, you can’t expect it to be affordable for the average person. The base model starts at $104,400. Meanwhile, the EQS 450 4Matic will cost you at least $108,550.
Mercedes-Benz also provides a four-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, 155,000-mile warranty on the battery and drive motors. On the other hand, the EQS 580 has a minimum price tag of $127,100.
The Mercedes EQS SUV may not be able to compete with the Tesla Model X in terms of speed or range, but at least it offers exceptional quality, including luxury, craftsmanship, and advanced technology. If those factors are more important to you than acceleration times, then the EQS SUV’s price tag shouldn’t worry you at all.
So, what are your thoughts on the model? Do you prefer it over the Tesla Model X?