If the EQS liftback is an electric counterpart to the S-Class, think 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV like an electric GLS, complete with available third-row seats.
This is the third model built on the Dedicated Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA), following EQS and EQE sedans. An EQE SUV will follow.
The EQS SUV has been confirmed to arrive in Australia, with the first ones expected to arrive in the first half of 2023.
Three EQS SUV models will be offered at launch: EQS 450+, EQS 450 4Maticand EQS 580 4Matic.
It is not yet clear which models will launch, with pricing and specifications to be announced at a later date.
Like the EQS liftback, the entire EQS SUV range features 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Although the SUV range has the same battery size as the EQS liftback, the claimed range for the EQS SUV is lower across the board with max. 660km range in the WLTP test cycle more difficult, instead of up to 784 km.
The EQS SUV line starts with the EQS 450+ rear-wheel drive, powered by a single electric motor produced 265kW power and 568Nm of torque.
The mid-range EQS 450 4Matic is set up with all-wheel drive for a total system output of 265kW and 800Nm.
The top-spec EQS 580 4Matic also features a dual full-time four-wheel drive setup with a total system output of 400kW and 858Nm.
All models are capable of receiving up to 200kW of power from an ultrafast DC charging station, and the entry-level EQS 450+ is capable of increasing range by 250km in 15 minutes.
An 11kW integrated AC charger is standard across the range and a 22kW unit is optional.
The new EQS SUV also shares the same 3210mm wheelbase as EQS liftback, but 20cm taller.
That measure 5125mm Long, 1959mm wide, and 1718mm tall, making it 91mm shorter than the EQS back lift but 33mm wider.
For context, Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 5207mm long, 2157mm wide and 1838mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3135mm.
Visually, the EQS SUV has a very similar design to the EQS liftback.
The well-established Mercedes-EQ design cues are present here: curvaceous silhouette with straight lines at eye level; a flat, black finish area where the grille would normally be; full-width daytime running lights at the front and wide light strips at the rear.
LED headlights are standard, with the option of adaptive headlights with digital lighting.
Inside, the EQS SUV comes standard with five seats, but it’s optional with a third row with two additional seats.
In the standard five-seat guise with all seats raised, the bootable EQS is 645Lexpand to 2100L with the second row of seats lowered. With the optional vertical third row seats, boot space is reduced 195L.
Like the EQS liftback, the EQS SUV can be optionally fitted with a curved MBUX Hyperscreen panel that spans the width of the dashboard.
With a size of 141cm wide, the car has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central touch screen and a 12.3-inch passenger touch screen.
Regular models without the MBUX Hyperscreen have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch portrait touchscreen.
Other interior options include dual 11.6-inch screens on the backrests of the front seats, as well as power-adjustable second-row seats with foldable second-row center armrests containing computers. rear MBUX board and wireless phone charger.
Two different head-up displays, including an augmented reality variant, are also optionally available.
As standard, the EQS SUV has a HEPA filter under the bonnet to filter the air entering the cabin. An active aroma system is optional.
All EQS SUVs get Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers, with four-link axles at the front and independent multi-link suspension at the rear.
Selectable driving modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, with 4Matic all-wheel drive models adding an Off-road mode.
In addition, standard equipment is a rear-wheel steering system with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees.
A version that allows 10 degrees of steering angle can be added with purchase or later through an over-the-air (OTA) update.
Other features that may be added later via OTA updates include trailer control support, beginner driving mode, parking service mode, dash cam, kit AMG Track Pace lap timers, gameplay, light animations and driving sounds.
Standard safety equipment on the EQS SUV includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, safe exit warning, lane keep assist and a reversing camera.
Active steering assist, avoidance steering assist, active blind spot assist, forward and rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist and a surround view camera are optional.
As detailed beforeThe soon-to-be-revealed EQS SUV and EQE SUV will be built at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant alongside the GLS and GLEand will use batteries made in “the most modern plant in Bibb County.”
Mercedes-Benz says the North American battery plant will be one of eight worldwide that will increase its annual battery production capacity to 200 Gigawatt-hours which is expected by 2030.
This increase in battery production follows Mercedes-Benz’s announcement that it will fully electric by 2030, wherever market conditions permit.
Most likely Mercedes-AMG versions of the EQS SUV, with a Mercedes-Maybach version likely to be badged EQS 600 SUV.
Mercedes-Benz already offers three electric SUVS, two of which are currently on sale here: EQA, EQB and EQCbased on internal combustion engine GLA, GLB and GLCcorresponding.
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