After the EQS luxury sedan and the sporty EQE business sedan, Mercedes-Benz is now presenting the EQS SUV, the third model series to be based on the EVA2 platform. Mercedes equips the flexible EVA2 architecture with an electric drive train (eATS) on the rear axle as standard.
The all-wheel-drive version called “4Matic” by Mercedes will also have an eATS on the front axle. A special off-road driving program then also ensures driving fun on easy terrain.
The Design
From the front, the SUV is dominated by a deep black dummy radiator, behind which some sensors of the driver assistance systems are hidden. The upper edge of the "black panel unit" connects the headlights with a light strip.
When viewed from the side, the strongly inclined A-pillar and the C-pillar placed far to the rear are striking. This creates more space in the interior. The roof section and the rear spoiler are always black. Together with the 20 to 22-inch wheels, it doesn't make the EQS SUV look particularly bulky.
A running board is optionally available, which also offers aerodynamic advantages thanks to the airflow. In the non-visible area on the underside, it is pulled down. This directs the air flow behind the wheels and, according to the developers, results in a measurable aerodynamic advantage.
Flush door handles are standard. The service flap for cleaning water was integrated into the left fender. The front hood is only opened by the workshop for maintenance work, such as replacing the cabin air filter.
The Interior
Mercedes builds up to seven seats in the 16.8 ft long luxury liner. The second row of seats can be adjusted electrically by up to 5 inches forwards or backward as standard. The luggage compartment can be infinitely expanded from 645 liters to 880 liters, depending on whether you need more legroom or more space for shopping.
You can do a lot of shopping when the second row of seats is folded down. Up to 2,100 liters can then be loaded. If all seven seats are used, there are still 195 liters behind the third row of seats.
As in the EQS sedan or the smaller Mercedes EQE, the MBUX hyper screen will be on the options list. The entire dashboard is then a single, ultimate widescreen. which extends almost over the entire width of the vehicle. The shared cover glass seamlessly connects the high-resolution screens.
The second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) operating software will be used in the EQS SUV. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), all the necessary operating options should be offered at the top level, depending on the situation, without having to scroll through different menus.
For example, when approaching a charging station that enables Plug & Charge, the charging module appears automatically. The driver can then start charging immediately. The AI should also learn the habits of the drivers. If the user regularly switches on the steering wheel heating in addition to the seat heating, it will be suggested to him as soon as he activates the seat heating.
The passengers in the second row have up to two rear-seat screens plus a tablet and a wide range of intuitive operating options. The voice assistant can also be operated from the rear in the EQS SUV.
The filter system, which also includes a large HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, is housed under the front hood. According to the manufacturer, the reduction in pollutants achieved by the filter is comparable to that in clean rooms and operating theaters.
The Power
The EQS SUV should be able to drive up to 410 miles (according to WLTP) with one charge of the 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The electric motors on the front and rear axles are permanent magnet synchronous machines (PSM) and deliver between 265 and 400 kW, depending on equipment.
The recuperation can be adjusted in three stages from coasting to one-pedal drive on paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. When the navigation is activated, the battery should also be able to be optimally tempered – i.e. preconditioned – before reaching the charging point.
For the SUV, the developers have expanded the over-the-air updates (OTA) introduced with the EQS sedan. For example, the trailer maneuvering assistant or "MBUX Augmented Reality" for navigation can also be activated later.
The OTA functions are available in the Mercedes me Store . In addition to a classic purchase of individual functions for one or three years, subscriptions, temporary activations, and free test phases are also planned.
Conclusion
This is another one of those cars that will make you indecisive. Would you like to get a driver and sit at the backseat or would you want to drive the powerful EV yourself. It is for you to decide and whichever you choose, you can’t be wrong.
Mercedes has not yet announced details about prices or the exact market launch. But, we know that this car is coming soon and it will be a great addition to the already good EQ line. After all, Mercedes as a company have always been a pioneer about new technologies.
Mercedes EQS SUV will need protection just like the car you are driving right now. We highly recommend checking out the Coverking’s catalog for custom covers and accessories, your car will thank you for it!
Resources
- https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/passenger-cars/eqs-suv/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/eqs-suv
- https://www.carwow.co.uk/mercedes/news/4891/new-mercedes-eqs-suv-electric-car-price-specs-release-date#gref
- https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/eqs/354747/new-2022-mercedes-eqs-suv-arrives-410-miles-range
- https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictures/2023-mercedes-benz-eqs-suv-debut/
- https://www.motor1.com/news/580632/2023-mercedes-eqs-suv-livestream/
- https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/19/23030202/mercedes-benz-eqs-suv-electric-ev-specs
- https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/19/mercedes-benz-eqs-suv-us-market/
- https://www.mbusa.com/en/eq-electric-cars
- https://topelectricsuv.com/news/mercedes-benz/everything-mercedes-eqs-suv/
- https://www.hotcars.com/heres-how-the-mercedes-benz-eqs-suv-compares-to-the-bmw-ix/
- https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/new-seven-seat-mercedes-eqs-suv
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.