Mercedes-Benz has revealed the latest addition to its EQ family of electric vehicles (EV) – the luxury EQS SUV.

Available with up to seven seats, the EQS SUV shares the same platform as its smaller EQS Saloon sibling and comes in three power option flavours – the EQS 450+, the EQS 450 4MATIC, and the EQS 580 4MATIC – with all variants receiving energy from a 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

All EQS SUVs have an electric drive train (eATS motor) on the rear axle, and the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS on the front axle.

The EQS 450+ variant is rear-wheel-drive and delivers 265kW and 568Nm, the EQS 450 4MATIC (AWD) delivers 265kW and 800Nm, and the EQS 580 4MATIC (AWD)kicks out 400kW and 858Nm. While no performance figures have been made available, those will likely be very tasty. Mercedes claims a range of up to 660km is possible depending on the configuration. A DC fast charging system with a charging capacity of up to 200kW is fitted for fast direct current with a 10-80 per cent charge possible in 31 minutes through this option.

AC charging (for the home) comes via a standard-fit on-board 11kW charger offering a 10-hour charge time, or a 22kW option delivering the same in five hours.

Regenerative braking, which helps to keep the battery charged, is available in several modes from ‘sailing’ to ‘enhanced’ and there is also one-pedal driving where the vehicle is decelerated with the greatest possible energy recovery rate – up to 290kW on all-wheel drive models – until it comes to a standstill.

On the 4MATIC models, a Torque Shift function ensures variable torque distribution between the electric motors as needed.

The chassis of the new EQS SUV has a four-link axle at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. The AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment.

In addition to the Dynamic Select modes of ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL, the 4MATIC versions feature OFFROAD for off-road driving. Rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees is standard. Optionally, a version with up to 10 degrees steering angle is available.

The EQS SUV shares the long wheelbase (3210mm) with the EQS Saloon but is over 20cm taller. Headroom in the first row of seats with sliding sunroof is 1035mm, in the second it is 1030mm and in the third – should a third row of individual seats be optioned – 900mm.

With all seven seats fitted, there is 195 litres of space at the rear. With the five-seat option, that expand up to 880 litres, and with the second row of seats folded, a whopping 2100 litres of space is available.

As you would expect, the EQS comes with all the trimmings when it comes to technology.

Standard equipment is a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central display. Available as an option is the MBUX Hyperscreen – the pillar-to-pillar infotainment display that consists of three displays built as one unit and which is the standout feature of the newest Mercedes luxury vehicles. The MBUX system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) itself uses adaptive software to adjust to its users and make personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.

MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment Plus comprises two 11.6-inch displays with touch controls on the backrests of the driver and front passenger seats. An MBUX rear tablet is also optionally available.

Other equipment highlights include the head-up displays, available in two sizes with the large Augmented Reality Head-up Display (AR-HUD) showing relevant information and actions three-dimensionally in the real driving situation.

Also available is a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air), and a Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos that can deliver ‘Sound Experiences’ for those who want a little enhanced soundscape in their quiet EV.

Driver assistance and safety system features and options are legion and include Active Distance Assist, Blind Sport Assist and exit warning function, Active lane keeping assist, Active steering assist, Evasive steering assist, Active brake assist with cross-traffic function, parking assistance options, and much more.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (May 2022) 

28 May 2022