Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first advanced EV, the EQS sedan last year underpinned on its modular EVA2 platform, capable of spawning various body styles. We have already seen the smaller EQE sedan and now the luxury automaker has introduced the three-row EQS SUV.
Although the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV is taller than its sedan sibling, it features almost the same facilities we find in other EVs by Mercedes. Particularly, the automaker’s “one-bow” design theme is more obvious in this posh SUV thanks to the aerodynamic leaning front end and an elongated greenhouse. The automaker offers it in two main trim levels – EQS 450 and EQS 580 – offering a driving range of up 373 miles on a generous WLTP cycle.
2023 Mercedes EQS SUV Preview
Exterior Design
On the front, the first thing we notice is a futuristic gloss-black grille panel and triangular headlights with three lighting elements. Mercedes offers Electric Art and AMG-Line body stylings to choose from. The Electric Art has a smooth front bumper while the AMG-Line body is obviously more assertive with corner air curtains and a chin spoiler. At the back, we see full-width taillights with helix-style signature lighting.
Powertrain
As stated earlier, there are two variants available – EQS 450 and EQS 580 – with the base model featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive as an option, and the flagship model gets it as standard. Whether you pick the EQS 450 in a single-motor or dual-motor setup, the powertrain generates 355 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque which is 26 hp and 13 lb-ft more than the EQS 450 sedan. Similarly, the EQS 580’s dual-motor setup creates a combined output of 536 hp and 633 lb-ft, which is 20 hp and 22 lb-ft more than its sedan sibling. Both the variants get juice from a 107.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery fixed on the floor.
Drive Range
Mercedes has rated the EQS 450 at an inspiring 600 kilometres (or 373 miles) on the WLTP cycle. It could be around 300 miles on the EPA. While we do not have a range estimate for the stouter EQS 580, it should be able to cover 275 miles between charges.
Charging
Mercedes says the EV SUV will be able to charge at up to 200-kW charging speeds. On a DC fast charger with an average output of 110 kW, the SUV’s battery can juice up from 10 to 80 per cent in only 31 minutes. A 240-volt wall box will give a 10-to-100-per cent charge in 11 hours and 15 minutes.
Handling
Regarding its handling, its standard four-corner air suspension with adaptive damping, in addition to 10-degree rear-axle steering should offer superior low-speed maneuverability and enhanced highway stability. We believe the EQS SUV will drive much like its sedan sibling, which is astonishingly composed, quiet, and stable at speed, while also rendering some sort of sportiness courtesy of its well-damped suspension and instant electric torque. We also believe it will take over the EQS sedan’s intuitive intelligent regenerative braking system.
Price and Availability
While we intend to cover the gorgeous interior in another post, we want to tell you that the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will be available before the end of summer. The pricing isn’t out yet but we expect it to be pricier than its sedan sibling, which starts at $103,360 for EQS 450 and $126,950 for EQS 580.
Source and Images: Motor1