The EQS SUV packs the firm’s most advanced EV tech into a high-riding luxury flagship, but it doesn’t come cheap
The EQS saloon represents the pinnacle of what Mercedes can achieve in a luxury electric car, and now those ingredients have been repackaged into a large 4×4. Meet the EQS SUV; the tech laden seven-seater that costs from £129,170.
For now, customers can choose between two core models – the EQS 450 or the EQS 580, each equipped with four-wheel drive albeit with differing power outputs. A single motor, rear-wheel drive version of the EQS 450 has also been developed, but this model is currently unavailable in the UK.
In due course, Mercedes will release an additional pair of dual motor EQS SUVs, along with a luxuriously appointed Maybach model which we’ve seen in concept form. High-performance AMG versions haven’t been announced though.
The EQS SUV shares its EVA2 all-electric platform, motors, battery systems and on-board tech with its limousine namesake. All EQS SUVs boast a 107.8kWh (usable) battery, and it’s the rear-wheel drive 450 currently absent from the UK line-up that makes the most of this large capacity – Mercedes claims a maximum range of 410 miles. It has an electric motor rated at 355bhp and 568Nm. There are no plans to give the SUV the smaller 90kWh battery from the EQS saloon.
Kicking off the range in Britain, the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC version of the 450 provides the same 355bhp output from two electric motors – one on the front axle, the other on the rear – but with torque stepping up to 800Nm. Range takes a hit, at 365 miles from a full charge. Mercedes claims the 450 4MATIC will do 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds.
The most potent version from launch is the EQS 580 4MATIC. Its motors produce 537bhp and 858Nm, launching the SUV from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. Maximum range stands at a claimed 364 miles. Weight also increases for the 580+ to 2735kg from the 450’s 2620kg.
All versions feature 200kW rapid-charging capability, meaning a 10-80 per cent recharge takes 31 minutes. The car comes equipped as standard with 11kW AC charging for three-phase units, too.
All versions of the EQS SUV have Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers. Its settings can be toggled via the drive-mode selector as on other models using the system. However, on four-wheel-drive EQS SUV models there’s an extra mode alongside the Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual settings: Offroad, which can raise the ride height by up to 25mm. A yaw reading can also be displayed to help with off-roading.
Four-wheel steering is fitted as standard, enabling the rear wheels to turn by as much as 4.5 degrees. This gives greater agility and a tighter turning circle at low speeds, and improves stability in high speed corners. One of several over-the-air upgrades that can be bought via the infotainment system enables up to 10 degrees of movement on the rear axle.
The EQS 450 and 580 are available in two trim levels – AMG Line Premium Plus and range-topping Business Class spec, which is new to the Mercedes range.
The entry-level model still offers a vast array of kit, including black nappa leather upholstery, anthracite wood trim, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera and Mercedes' Energising package. The latter provides a range of presets for the ambient lighting, seat heating and in-car fragrances to suit different moods. A cabin air filter and ionisation system is also included.
Elsewhere, the AMG Line Premium Plus receives a Burmester stereo, a panoramic glass roof and a head-up display, along with an augmented reality navigation system. The “Hey Mercedes” MBUX voice assistant is also available across all models, allowing the user to control car functions without delving into the touchscreen.
The standard-fit infotainment setup comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.8-inch portrait touchscreen, but for an extra £7,995, buyers can opt for the Hyper Screen pack. This transforms the dashboard into a vast touch-sensitive screen, and includes an augmented reality head-up display.
The flagship Business Class model is more generously equipped, and features the Hyper Screen setup as standard. Those in the front are treated to massaging seats, and the Rear Comfort package is also included, bringing heated seats, wireless charging and additional cup holders.
A seven-inch rear touchscreen – coupled with two 11.6-inch displays – provides access to media functions, climate controls and internet apps for those in the back, and an onboard TV receiver adds to the entertainment suite.
At 3,210mm, the SUV’s wheelbase is the same as the EQS saloon’s, but not as long at 5,125mm. Still, the SUV is around 200mm taller, and the traditional two-box SUV profile allows for a third row of seats, giving the EQS passenger-carrying flexibility to rival the Tesla Model X.
Now read our list of the best electric SUVs…
Keyword: New 2022 Mercedes EQS SUV on sale now priced from £129,170