In the last few years, Tesla has been the benchmark for electric vehicle design. With the announcement of the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, how does it compare to the Tesla Model X electric SUV?
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has some innovative features
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Tesla Model X driving on highways | Mercedes-Benz, Tesla
While some companies have been slow to move toward electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has not. The 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV is the newest electric vehicle from the automaker. “The EQS SUV: Redefined SUV luxury,” Mercedes-Benz said in the official press release. Mercedes says the EQS SUV can tackle light terrain without issue with room for seven passengers and all-wheel drive.
Mercedes says it will deliver about 373 miles of range, which is a respectable amount. The EQS SUV shares the same long wheelbase as the EQS Sedan, making it 126.4 inches long. However, it is about 7.8 inches taller, obviously more SUV-shaped. Mercedes-Benz says that four golf bags can fit in the trunk, which is important.
One of the coolest new details of the EQS SUV is the off-road driving mode. “In the OFFROAD driving mode, the all-wheel drive distribution is optimized for unpaved roads, inclines, and terrain,” Mercedes-Benz says. It also lifts the vehicle by 25mm using AIRMATIC air suspension.
What does the Tesla Model X have on the Mercedes EQS SUV?
The newest version of the Tesla Model X gets 348 miles of range as it stands right now. The all-wheel drive Model X is a dual-motor vehicle with room for seven adults. This version gets 670 hp and has a zero to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. Tesla does offer a third row, but it is known not to be that roomy, more for children than adults. The Tesla Model X Plaid has a range of 333 miles and 1,020 hp.
Like the Mercedes EQS, the Model X electric SUV shares a platform with some of the Tesla Sedans like the Model S. It offers “maximum utility” and falcon doors to set it apart from the other SUVs in the parking lot. Plus, it can tow for those instances where you might need it.
However, the Model X is old hat by now. It looks the same as most of the previous years. Even though it has cool doors, those don’t have the same draw that a brand-new vehicle might have.
The electric SUV market is expanding every day
Mercedes-Benz just embarked on the journey that Tesla has been on for a while now. That has both benefits and drawbacks. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is an SUV version of the EQS Sedan, which will allow for customer feedback. Mercedes will likely get things wrong at first and will change and grow as necessary.
The Tesla Model X has already gone through that phase. It has been refined and modified to appease the masses. The Model X Plaid is hard to get ahold of because of its popularity. However, how loyal is the fan base? The electric vehicle manufacturer has been plagued by quality issues and delays in the last year that might send people in the other direction.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV isn’t the first electric SUV to set its sight on the Tesla Model X and it certainly won’t be the last.
Keyword: Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV a Tesla Model X Fighter?