The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV represents what Mercedes believes a luxury full-size family SUV should be. The EQS slots at the very top of the Mercedes EQ SUV range and is most similar to the flagship Mercedes EQS sedan. In this article, we will tell you all about 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and why you should potentially consider one in the future.
As mentioned in the beginning, the EQS SUV is loosely based on the EQS sedan. This means that these two share most parts with each other, but the EQS SUV is a seven-seater and has more interior space in general. It is also higher off the ground which enables it to tackle mild to moderate off-roading.
The range includes the EQS 450+ and the more powerful EQS 580, both of which use the same powertrain as the EQS sedan. Design-wise, the EQS SUV resembles the compact EQC, but its dimensions are significantly larger. The interior is cladded with higher-end materials and familiar impressive Mercedes widescreen displays.
The driving experience is rather chilled and comfortable, but a low center of gravity does make the EQS SUV more dynamic than the GLS SUV. It may be expensive and the looks might not be to everyone’s taste, but the EQS SUV certainly is a through-and-through full-size luxury electric SUV.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – The Powertrain
The EQS450+ offers a 335hp single electric motor that powers the rear wheels and makes the EQS SUV a rear-wheel-drive SUV. The more powerful EQS580 increases that output to 536hp and 630lb-ft of torque thanks to an additional motor that is powering the front wheels thus making the EQS580 an AWD SUV.
Both versions come with the rather familiar 108kWh battery, but thanks to added weight and more drag, the EQS SUV is not as efficient as the EQS sedan. Therefore, you can expect the EQS450+ to last around 305 miles on a full charge while the more powerful EQS580 is only good for around 285 miles on a full charge.
The good thing is that both versions support a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 200kW which means that you recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. 0-60mph takes around 4.5 seconds with the EQS580 which is more than enough for such a large vehicle.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – Design and Driving
It is rather obvious that the EQS sedan and the EQS SUV share most of their parts with each other the moment you lay your eyes on them. The EQS SUV is noticeably taller, wider, and sits much higher off the ground which gives it a standard SUV stance whereas the EQS sedan is even more streamlined and looks like a sedan.
You can get the EQS SUV with specific SUV touches such as running boards, plastic protection around the wheels, and other smaller accessories. The interior is very much the same, but that is a good thing because the “Hyperscreen” kind of makes sense in a car as cavernous as this one. Everything is trimmed in nice leather, aluminum, wood, or black piano plastic.
When it comes to driving, the EQS SUV does not feel dynamic at all, it is a chilled-out SUV with amazing sound insulation and a really comfortable ride. It is designed to be a pleasant place to be which means that it does not try to be a performance electric SUV by any means.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – Reliability and Common Issues
As far as reliability is concerned, there is really nothing we can say about the EQS SUV yet because it is not yet on the roads. We do need to mention that the EQS sedan on which this SUV is based was recalled for steering system issues which could potentially cause issues with the EQS SUV as well.
Some have also complained about certain structural components, collision avoidance systems, or the central infotainment screen. We will have to wait and see if any of these issues translate to the EQS SUV.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – Value and Practicality
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV should start at around $105,000 for the entry-level 450+ model. The cheapest EQS 580 costs $127,100 which is $13,000 more than a fully-equipped EQS450+ Pinnacle trim model. At the very top end stands the EQS580 Pinnacle trim model which starts at $134,000 and is packed with everything.
Practicality is really good as there is enough space for up to seven people in the EQS SUV which is perfect for larger families. The trunk space is also large measuring 31 cubic feet behind the 2nd row of seats and that space shrinks by up to 7 cubic feet when someone is using the 3rd row of seats.
FAQ Section
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV worth it?
A starting price north of $100,000 is something that needs no introduction, but not everyone is sold on how the EQS SUV looks from both the outside and the inside. The maximum range of 305 miles also isn’t something perfect. However, if you like the Mercedes EQ-Series design, and you want a luxury EV SUV, the EQS SUV might as well be your best choice.
On the other hand, if you don’t need the 3rd row of seats, I’d go with the EQS sedan because it looks a bit more acceptable and it offers more range.
Is the Mercedes EQS SUV out yet?
Yes, the Mercedes EQS SUV is fully out right now with all of its powertrain options and trim options. This means that you can pre-order the EQS SUV today and most customers are going to get their hands on the EQS SUV in late 2022 and early 2023.
Can the Mercedes EQS SUV drive itself?
Mercedes says that all EQS models come with Level 3 autonomous driving and Mercedes is offering these in Germany for a price of around €7,000. As such, the EQS can indeed drive itself very much the same as Tesla can, but no car out there is fully automated as that is illegal.
