The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has been revealed, sharing the same platform as the EQS saloon. The new EQS SUV will be the flagship electric equivalent to the GLS in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup. Let’s take a look at what’s new in the new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
The EQS SUV follows the same design language established by the EQS saloon for Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles. The design is smooth and curvy like a pebble, and includes a large blacked-out grille that is filled with LED lighting. The headlights and taillights share their design language with the EQS saloon as well, being more stretched out than those on the GLS, although they look a tad anonymous on Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric SUV. Although the design is divisive, Mercedes claims that the EQS shares its aerodynamic properties with the EQS saloon, which already has one of the lowest drag coefficients in a production car in the world. Because the SUV is built on a dedicated electric platform, space has been increased, making a 7-seater variant possible.
Mercedes-Benz cars in recent years have one dominating feature in their interiors, and that is the enormous hyper screen that spans across the length of the dashboard, combining three different displays seamlessly. The EQS SUV has one of the largest iterations of this screen, spanning a massive 55-inches. This also includes the 12-inch screen that is dedicated to the passenger side. There is also a 77-inch head-up display. The EQS SUV also benefits from a Dolby Atmos surround sound system, which is the same technology that is used in cinema halls. Perfect car for a movie night, then. The MBUX system returns along with an advanced and highly efficient HEPA filter that purifies air within the cabin. Another interesting quirk that Mercedes-Benz has given the EQS SUV is its own scent. Yes, you read that right. The No. 6 Mood mimosa fragrance fills the cabin in the EQS SUV, exclusively made for use in the SUV. As mentioned, the EQS SUV also has a 7-seater variant available as an option. The EQS saloon was noted for having very limited interior space, especially in the rear seats. The taller height of the EQS SUV will help in this area, and according to Mercedes, the EQS SUV has been packaged very efficiently.
The EQS SUV shares its dual-motor powertrain with the EQS saloon and comes with varying levels of power depending on the three variants. The base EQS450+ variant is the rear-wheel-drive version with one motor, which produces 355bhp and 568Nm of torque. However, the single motor enables it to go up to a range of 660kms (claimed WLTP). The other two variants both get dual-motors as well as Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The EQS450 4Matic produces the same power levels as the EQS450+, while the EQS580 4MAtic produces a massive 536bhp and 858Nm of torque, while the range drops to 610kms (claimed WLTP). The fast charging speed from 10-80 per cent is just 15 minutes, while normal charging speeds are around the 5-10 hour mark.
The EQS SUV also has air suspension and adjustable damping. On the GLS, this system created a magical ride quality that made it feel like the SUV was floating on the road. The addition of air suspension to the electric flagship is a good move to replicate that feeling of comfort. There are four driving modes, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, while the 4Matic versions feature an Offroad mode as an additional option. However, Mercedes itself admits that the EQS SUV is meant more as a soft-roader than to handle any intense off-raoding tasks. This suits the kind of buyer this SUV is meant for, who will mostly use it for on-road driving.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius said, "The EQS SUV is the third vehicle on our new all-electric platform. It has everything our customers love about the EQS - and combines this with the strengths and versatility of an SUV that can seat up to seven people. With the EQS SUV, we are continuing to consistently implement the strategy of making our vehicles more sustainable and digital - with the goal of building the most desirable electric cars in the world."
Looking at the electric revolution currently taking place, the Mercedes EQS SUV has many rivals that go against it. The most consequential of these will be the Tesla Model X and the BMW iX. The Tesla is the benchmark, with the top-spec variant reaching almost 1000kms of range. However, its minimalist cabin does not hold a candle to the features that the EQS SUV has, and will lose on pure luxury and comfort. The BMW iX on the other hand, is from an established rival, and has a similar focus on comfort and ride quality. There are also many upcoming SUVs that will rival the EQS SUV, such as the Lucid Gravity. Against these, the EQS SUV stands as the most luxury and comfort-focused of the lot. However, as we’ve seen with the EQS saloon, Mercedes has not yet optimised this electric platform to its fullest potential. We will have to wait and see if the EQS SUV has fixed the issues that were present in the EQS saloon and if it is a genuine threat to the establishment.