Mercedes bets strongly on electric luxury SUVs with the impressive EQS SUV

Mercedes-Benz continues to deliver on its ambitious electrification plans.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
31 March 2023 Friday 03:01
17 Reads
Mercedes bets strongly on electric luxury SUVs with the impressive EQS SUV

Mercedes-Benz continues to deliver on its ambitious electrification plans. Its first major launch in 2023 is the EQS SUV, a model that is defined as an SUV that offers plenty of space, comfort, and connectivity for up to seven passengers, in an avant-garde and luxurious interior.

It shares a long wheelbase with the EQS limousine -3,210 mm-, but its height is 20 cm higher. The length is 5.12 m, with a width of 1.95 m and a height of 1.71 m. These dimensions translate into particularly pleasant interior dimensions that allow you to enjoy a spacious second row of seats with electrical adjustments and, as an option, a third row with two individual seats. For its part, the trunk can accommodate up to four bags for golf clubs.

The EQS SUV is available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, technology that provides progressive and intelligent distribution of drive torque between the front and rear permanently excited synchronous electric motors. These motors stand out for their high power density, high performance and great stability of power delivered.

The range consists of two options. The EQS 450 4MATIC, with an output of 265 kW (360 hp) and 800 Nm, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds. For its part, the EQS 580 4MATIC, with 400 kW (544 hp) and 858 Nm, reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.6 seconds. Both approve a range of up to 507 km, which can be extended to over 600 km in urban driving.

It is possible to activate new vehicle functions through Over-the-air wireless updates. For example, the trailer maneuvering assistant or the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) augmented reality navigation system can be activated afterwards.

The undercarriage has a four-link axle at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. The AIRMATIC air suspension is equipped as standard with ADS progressively adjustable damping, thus making it possible to increase the height of the vehicle by several centimetres. Together with the Dynamic Select Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes, the Off road program is ideal for driving off-road.

The EQS SUV comes standard with rear-axle steering with a wheel steer angle of up to 4.5 degrees. This equipment improves maneuverability in the city and agility on roads and highways. As an option, also available via a subsequent OTA update, a version of this headset is offered with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees.

The new electric SUV features a rigid passenger compartment, special controlled crumple zones and restraint systems. It is the first Mercedes Benz model capable of recognizing if the rear seats are occupied. If one of the occupants of these seats has not fastened the seat belt, an indication is displayed in front of the driver. Also new is a feature called people presence reminder.

Navigation equipment with Electric Intelligence evaluates numerous factors to plan the quickest and most comfortable route to the destination, including stops to recharge the battery, and reacts dynamically to various events, such as traffic jams, or changes in driving style. This includes a display on the MBUX infotainment system indicating whether the battery charge is sufficient to return to the starting point without recharging. Charging stations added manually by the driver are given priority in the route calculation. It is also possible to exclude the charging stations suggested by the system and calculate the foreseeable costs of charging at each stop.

The Energizing Air Control Plus system serves to improve indoor air quality. The equipment is based on several pillars: filtering, sensors, visualization concept and air treatment. The HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) purifies the outside air that enters the cabin with a very high level of filtration, retaining fine dust, microparticles, pollen and other substances.

Through the use of learning software, MBUX adapts to the preferences of its users and presents them with personalized proposals for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. The most important apps are always offered in the driver's field of vision on the top plane of MBUX, the so-called “Zero-Layer”.

New is the MBUX Hyperscreen available as an option, a large curved screen that extends between the two front pillars. Three screens arranged under a common cover glass make up an optical unit. The 12.3-inch diagonal OLED display in front of the passenger seat provides its occupant with their own viewing and operating area.

The passenger can also enjoy dynamic content while driving. To do this, Mercedes uses an intelligent blocking logic scheme, based on cameras. If the camera recognizes that the driver is looking at the front passenger display, the system automatically dims the dynamic content.

The Dolby Atmos sound system elevates the listening experience to a new level. Among other functions, it allows you to position individual instruments or voices in the audio mix around the acoustic area. This makes possible a new type of sound animation. Unlike conventional stereo systems, which tend to use left-right dynamics, Dolby Atmos can use the entire area, creating a 360-degree experience.

The range of the new EQS SUV comes standard with the AMG Line outside inside, which can be combined with various packages such as Advanced Plus, Premium, Premium Plus and Business Class. The exclusive Night package is also available.