Competes with: Audi e-tron, Tesla Model X, Volvo C40 Recharge, Jaguar I-Pace
Looks like: A higher-riding version of the EQS sedan
Powertrains: 107.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack; 355-horsepower, single motor and rear-wheel drive (450 Plus) or 536-hp, dual motors and all-wheel drive (580 4Matic)
Hits dealerships: Late 2022
Following in the tracks of the all-electric Mercedes-EQ EQS sedan is the brand’s first all-electric EQS SUV. While the first SUV from Mercedes-Benz’s EQ sub-brand — the EQC SUV — never made it to the U.S. market, the 2023 EQS SUV is expected to arrive later this year with a single-motor RWD base model and a more powerful dual-motor AWD variant.
According to the automaker, the battery-powered EQS SUV offers more space for occupants than its sedan counterpart, an aerodynamic exterior design and an interior that promotes relaxation, even encouraging power naps during driving breaks. While the automaker only provides specs for the European model, the SUV promises a generous range that should outperform the competition.
Exterior
The EQS SUV shares a long wheelbase with the EQS sedan, but the SUV sits nearly 8 inches taller. The all-electric SUV is comparable in size to its gas-powered counterpart, the GLS-Class SUV, which is slightly taller and longer but has a 3-inch shorter wheelbase. The vehicle’s adjusted dimensions give it a wagonlike exterior appearance compared to the more traditional exterior of the GLS-Class.
The EQS SUV sports a smooth exterior with minimal creases and flush door handles; Mercedes says the vehicle’s shape, wheels and mirror placement were designed for aerodynamics. The vehicle’s front and rear end take cues from its EQS sedan sibling. In front, the EQS SUV sports a dark faux grille with the headlights and daytime running lights incorporated as well as various sensors used for the driver-assist functions. The rear features a single curved light bar that encompasses the SUV’s LED taillights. The SUV comes with a panoramic moonroof and rides on 20- or 21-inch wheels.
Interior and Tech
Inside, the EQS SUV features a standard two-row, five-seat configuration and an optional third row with seating for up to seven. According to the automaker, the SUV’s long wheelbase and tall height make for a spacious interior with above-average headroom and shoulder room. High-quality materials including leather, leatherette and a new wood-aluminum hybrid trim are used throughout the interior with neutral trim color options including gray, brown and beige.
Mercedes’ large available Hyperscreen seen in the EQS sedan and smaller EQE also makes its way into the automaker’s first electric SUV. Stretching across the entire width of the dashboard, the 56-inch screen, which comes standard on the AWD model, combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 17.7-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display. There’s also an available rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch screens.
An available wellness system that includes ambient lighting with seven colors, three acoustic nature themes and a new power-nap function for driving breaks — such as waiting at a charging station — encourages relaxation. The power-nap function reclines the front seats, closes the windows and blinds, and adjusts the sound and ambient lighting to facilitate rest.
Performance, Range and Charging
2023 Mercedes EQS SUV | Manufacturer image
Two variants of the EQS SUV will be available at launch, both utilizing a 107.8-kWh battery pack. The base 450 Plus offers a single-motor RWD system for 355 hp and 419 pounds-feet of torque. The dual-motor AWD 580 4Matic model increases horsepower to 536 with 633 pounds-feet of torque. A standard air suspension offers four driver-selectable modes — Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual — and 580 4Matic models add an Offroad mode for mild off-pavement pursuits.
According to Mercedes, the EQS SUV will get approximately 373 miles of range on a single charge, but that estimate is based on the European test cycle, which is different from the U.S.-based EPA ratings. If it can match the range prediction for the U.S. market, the EQS SUV will be well positioned among its rivals: The 2022 Audi e-tron gets an EPA-estimated 222-mile maximum range; the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge travels 223 miles, according to EPA estimates; and the Tesla Model X gets an EPA-rated maximum 348-mile range.
Using a 240-volt/32-amp home charging system, the estimated charge time for the EQS SUV is 11.25 hours. The SUV can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes using DC fast charging at 110 kilowatts and up to 200 kW at compatible DC fast charging stations. Two complimentary years of DC fast charging from Electrify America’s charger network is included.
Safety
The EQS SUV includes a standard driver-assist suite with adaptive cruise control, hands-on lane-centering steering assistance, blind spot warning with collision intervention, automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian and cross-traffic detection, and more.
A standard Parking Package works with a 360-degree camera and the vehicle’s other driver-assist technologies to monitor surroundings, automatically guide the vehicle into a parking spot and warn the driver of possible collisions and limit the driving speed.
The EQS SUV’s head-up display is offered in two sizes, including an available augmented reality display with three-dimensional images. A new safety feature — occupant presence reminder — alerts drivers to check the rear seats to ensure passengers aren’t left behind.
Pricing and Release Date
2023 Mercedes EQS SUV | Manufacturer image
The 2023 Mercedes EQS 450 Plus and EQS 580 4Matic will be available in late 2022, and pricing is expected to be announced closer to their on-sale date; the 2022 EQS sedan starts at $103,360.
Keyword: Electric 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV Debuts With Promising Range