Mercedes-Benz released the first of several new electric vehicles (EVs) in North America in the EQS sedan. Now, the German luxury automaker is back with a family-friendly SUV based on the same platform. The new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV features a slippery, aerodynamic shape, available third-row seating, and strong electric range numbers.
The ultra-advanced family hauler will go on sale in the summer of 2022. Mercedes will build the all-new SUV at their Tuscaloosa, Alabama, production facility. When it lands later this year, the EQS SUV will face a growing class of premium, high-dollar luxury EVs, including the BMW iX and Tesla Model X.
Not surprisingly, the EQS SUV borrows styling elements from the EQS sedan, including a large black grille insert that Mercedes calls a "Black Panel" unit. It hides sensors for the SUV's driver-assist systems and houses an available illuminated tri-star logo.
Like the EQS sedan, aerodynamics guide the SUV's shape. The overall body shape is swept back, and a desire for slickness drives several exterior design elements, Mercedes says. The 20- or 21-inch wheels feature aerodynamic shapes, and the SUV's door handles are recessed when not in use. Mercedes also offers a running board option for the vehicle, which surprisingly improves airflow.
The SUV's interior is nearly a mirror image of the sedan's posh cabin. Mercedes says the curved wood accents, ambient interior lighting, and unique color combinations give the space an exclusive nightclub feel. The automaker says it mounted the seats up high to create a more natural interior feel.
Mercedes offers leather upholstery in the EQS SUV, and the seats feature intricate stitching patterns. The center console features a unique floating design, but variants not equipped with a Hyperscreen get a slightly different console with a large armrest.
Seven color schemes are available for the SUV's interior and combine contrasting colors for a more attractive interior look. The wood trim elements feature laser etching with the Mercedes-Benz logo, and the SUV's ambient interior lighting plays a special welcome and goodbye sequence when entering or exiting the vehicle.
The new EQS SUV is available with two powertrain options. The rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ comes with 355 hp and 419 pound-feet of torque, and the top EQS 580 4Matic gets 536 hp and 633 pound-feet. Mercedes says the base 450+ returns a WLTP range of 373 miles, translating to an EPA rating somewhere around 300 miles.
Mercedes promises 10-80-percent charging times of just 31 minutes when using a 200-kW connection. According to the company, using a 240-volt home plug or a home charging station, the SUV can charge from 10 to 100 percent in 11 hours and 15 minutes.
Rear-wheel steering comes standard, with up to 10 degrees of movement on the rear axle. According to Mercedes, the system improves maneuverability and makes the SUV much easier to handle in tight spaces. Air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is standard, and it's capable of raising or lowering the vehicle by several centimeters. The SUV also gets selectable driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Individual, and a 4Matic-exclusive Off-road mode.
Mercedes equips every EQS SUV with extensive advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and a surround-view camera with automatic parking assist. Mercedes' Distronic adaptive cruise control system uses navigation data and the SUV's electric drive system to adjust vehicle behavior. Mercedes says it improved the system for use in the EV with better lane-detection abilities and stronger centering on highways. Mercedes also says it's much better at following roads where no markers are clearly visible.
The EQS SUV's infotainment system comes in two versions: The base 450+ gets a 12.8-inch display, while the 580 comes with the Hyperscreen system. It's available for the entry-level trim, though, so buyers aren't required to step up to get it.
Mercedes' latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system features a zero-layer design, which puts critical functions closer to one-touch access. Mercedes says the most popular applications rise to the top of the field of vision, depending on the situation.
The EQS SUV's range calculator factors in traffic jams, road conditions, weather, and more to determine the most accurate state-of-charge information using the navigation and electric drive systems. When mapping a route, the system can guide the driver to charging stations and give them guidance on charge times to optimize range.
The Alabama-built Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV competes against the BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla Model X, and others in the high-end electric SUV market.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 19, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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