Overview: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS is an all-electric SUV designed as an alternative to the EQS luxury sedan. Both models share the same platform and many other components, including identical wheelbases. However, the EQS SUV has a third row and can seat up to seven passengers, providing a roomier feel than the sedan, especially in terms of headroom. The interior design and materials are of high quality and luxury, similar to the sedan. The vehicle is also available with Mercedes' new 56-inch Hyperscreen, which runs across the entire dashboard, creating a futuristic Starship Enterprise look. However, some may find the lack of physical controls off-putting. The lineup offers two models: the EQS450+ with 355 horsepower and a range of 305 miles per charge, and the EQS580 with 536 horsepower and a range of 285 miles per charge.

Price and Variants: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

Mercedes has announced the release of the 2023 EQS SUV, expanding their range of electric vehicles under the EQ sub-brand. This SUV is the first to be constructed on Mercedes' modular electric vehicle platform, which is also used for the EQE and EQS sedans. The EQS SUV is set to be available for purchase later this year, with a starting price similar to that of the EQS sedan. However, it is expected that most customers will opt for the more powerful EQS580 4Matic models instead of the base EQS450+ model. Nonetheless, the EQS450+ still comes with many desirable standard features such as an adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a high-quality Burmester sound system. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the EQS580 4Matic Exclusive model is recommended, which includes an all-wheel drive powertrain, as well as additional features such as a head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, and massaging front seats.

Model	Price	Recommendation
EQS450+ Premium	$105,550	Good choice for budget buyers
EQS450 4Matic Premium	$108,550	Suitable for all-weather driving
EQS450+ Exclusive	$109,800	Luxury features at a reasonable cost
EQS450+ Pinnacle	$111,800	High-end features for the price
EQS450 4Matic Exclusive	$112,800	Luxury features and all-weather driving
EQS450 4Matic Pinnacle	$114,800	Top-of-the-line features for the price
EQS580 4Matic Premium	$127,100	Powerful engine and luxury features
EQS580 4Matic Exclusive	$131,350	Exclusive luxury features and power
EQS580 4Matic Pinnacle	$133,350	Ultimate luxury and performance

Power and Performance: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS SUV is a luxury electric vehicle with impressive performance specs. It's built on the same platform as the EQS sedan, but with a higher ride height and more spacious interior. The powertrains of both vehicles are similar, but not identical. The EQS450+ has a 335-hp electric motor that powers the rear wheels, while the EQS580 features a front- and rear-mounted electric motor that provides all-wheel drive and produces 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque. The SUV comes with an adjustable air suspension and rear-axle steering system, making it surprisingly agile. It also has an Off-Road drive mode that raises the suspension and changes the powertrain's behavior, providing impressive capabilities on rough terrain. During a prototype model ride-along, these features were experienced first-hand and found to be impressive, although most owners may never attempt such activities. On the production model's first test drive, the EQS580 demonstrated much perkier acceleration, with an estimated 4.2-second run to 60 mph. However, the EQS450+ is also more than adequate in terms of power. While the handling is confident, it may not be particularly satisfying, and steering feedback is minimal. Nevertheless, the EQS SUV's on-road demeanor is comfortable and relaxing, which is in line with its luxury mission.

Range, Charging and Battery: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS SUV shares the same battery pack as the EQS sedan, but its estimated driving range is not as remarkable. The EQS450+ model, which is the base variant, boasts a claimed range of 305 miles per charge, while the all-wheel-drive EQS450 4Matic and EQS580 4Matic provide approximately 285 miles of driving before requiring a recharge. Nevertheless, the EQS SUV can charge at an impressive speed of up to 200 kW, enabling the battery to go from 10 to 80 percent in only 31 minutes when connected to a compatible DC fast-charger, which is an excellent feature.

Interior: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS SUV boasts a contemporary Mercedes-Benz style, complete with luxurious materials and advanced technological features. The interior includes a range of amenities as standard, such as adjustable ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. Opting for the 56-inch Hyperscreen is also possible. The build quality is exceptional, and the cabin provides ample storage compartments, including a large bin underneath the center console. The EQS comes with two rows of seating that can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers, with the option to add a third row for two extra passengers. With the five-seater model, there is up to 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, while models with the third row have a maximum of 28 cubic feet. However, this space decreases to 7 cubic feet when the third row is in use.

Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS SUV from Mercedes offers an impressive blend of information and entertainment features along with advanced connectivity options. One of the main highlights of this vehicle is the Hyperscreen, a 56-inch digital display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. It incorporates a 17.7-inch touchscreen that handles most infotainment tasks, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger. Although the glass-covered dash may appeal to some, the lack of physical buttons may be a downside for others. However, even those who choose not to go with the Hyperscreen option will still have access to a digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen. Standard features in the EQS SUV include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and a Burmester audio system. These impressive connectivity and entertainment features make the EQS SUV an exciting option for tech-savvy buyers.

Safety and Warranty: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS SUV boasts a plethora of advanced driver-assistance technologies, in addition to standard safety equipment like automatic high beam headlamps and adaptive cruise control. The self-parking feature is just one of the many ways that the EQS SUV prioritizes driver safety and convenience. You can find comprehensive crash-test results for the EQS SUV on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Notable safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Mercedes' warranty packages for the EQS SUV align with those offered by other luxury automakers such as Audi and BMW. However, unlike these competitors, Mercedes-Benz models don't come with any complimentary maintenance. Here's what the EQS SUV's warranty and maintenance coverage looks like:

• Four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty
• Four-year or 50,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 10-year or 100,000-mile coverage for electrical components
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance