Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, luxury electric mobility welcomes a new contender

Electric mobility has also taken hold at Mercedes, shaking the foundations of premium brands. And it is no wonder: these brands also want to preserve their history in the new era we have already entered. The foundations look promising, as we have seen with the EQS saloon, targeting brands well established in electric mobility such as Tesla, but also their traditional rivals, who will have to get their batteries charged too so as not to lose the thread.

Now, after several drip-fed teasers that showed different parts and revealed new details, Mercedes has finally presented the EQS SUV, a fully electric alternative to the already imposing GLS. The new Mercedes EQS SUV would not be any less, and its dimensions tell us that we are facing an SUV with personality, measuring 5,125 mm in length and 1,959 mm in width, while its height is set at 1,718 mm (200 mm taller than the EQS saloon).

The lines of the new Mercedes EQS SUV are smooth and refined, sharing style and many details with its saloon sibling, such as a front end with slim headlights joined by an illuminated strip on a black-painted background, the same colour reserved for the large blanked-off grille with the brand star in a tiny size to add a note of contrast. Lower down we find the bumper, with side and central air intakes that mimic those needed in combustion-engined vehicles.

From the side profile of the Mercedes EQS SUV we can clearly see the aerodynamic work carried out by the brand, with a curve that starts at the base of the front windscreen, rising almost to the central area before sloping down towards the rear, resulting in a drag coefficient of up to 0.24 Cd. This is also helped by the design of the exterior mirrors, the narrow wheel arches and the flush-integrated door handles. At the rear, the design of the front end continues, with a light unit that blends perfectly into the sculpted lines and runs across the full width of the large tailgate.

Inside the Mercedes EQS SUV the brand’s work is clearly recognisable, maintaining the style, luxury and exclusivity that characterise it. Upon entering, what will undoubtedly catch your attention is the MBUX infotainment system, which can optionally be upgraded with the MBUX Hyperscreen, made up of three screens under a single pane of glass, giving the impression of a single display stretching across the dashboard in its full width, allowing the front passenger to enjoy content on the move as well. Pending more specific equipment details for our market, occupants of the EQS SUV will feel comfortable and have room in its five seats, although there is also the option of a third row of seats, increasing its capacity to seven.

Mechanically, the Mercedes EQS SUV inherits the same electric motors as the saloon version, so the entry-level powertrain is the EQS 450+ with a single electric motor producing 360 hp and 568 Nm of torque, sending power to the rear axle. Just above it sits the EQS 450 4MATIC with two electric motors that deliver the same 360 hp but increase torque to 800 Nm, sent to all four wheels. Finally, we have the EQS 580 4MATIC, also with two electric motors, delivering 544 hp and a torque of 858 Nm, likewise sent to all four wheels.

As for the battery fitted to the Mercedes EQS SUV, customers opting for the five-seat version will get two lithium-ion batteries mounted between the axles, with a maximum capacity of 107.8 kWh, allowing a maximum range of 660 km that will vary depending on the version and equipment chosen. Customers opting for the seven-seat version will have a nickel, cobalt and manganese battery. To recharge either battery we will need the standard 11 kW charger, which takes it from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, although a 22 kW charger will also be available as an option.