The 2022 and 2023 model years are serving as a launching pad for the electrification of Mercedes’ lineup with the introduction of several EV models, including the automaker’s new SUV flagship, the EQS SUV. Not to be confused with the EQS sedan, which debuted in 2022, the ’23 SUV version rides on Mercedes’ new EQ platform and is an all-new offering that, unlike the EQB, was created as an electric-only model from the ground up.
The EQS SUV is a technological tour de force, and in Mercedes fashion, it coddles passengers with a truly sumptuous cabin and impressive road manners. While the new EQB was underwhelming, the EQS SUV is an all-electric triumph.
- Model: Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV
- Engine:: Dual Motors
- Power Output: 536 HP
- Torque: 633 LB-FT
- Driveline: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
- Transmission: Single Stage
- Surprisingly Nimble Performance
- Ultra-posh and tech-loaded Interior
- Whisper Quiet Cabin with Seating For 7
- Range Not On Par With Rivals
- Exterior Styling Is a Hit Or Miss
- Third-row Is Tight
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 Powertrain
The EQS SUV is available with two powertrains. The 450 model uses a single motor serving 335 horsepower to the rear wheels while the 580 delivers an impressive 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque with dual motors and all-wheel drive. I have not yet had a go in the 450 model, but the 580 is undoubtedly more attuned to enthusiasts with over 530 ponies available from its total output of 400 kW.
The EQS’ notable power specs are necessary to move its staggering 6,228-pound curb weight, but just how rapidly the 580 gets on the move is impressive. As expected from its EV powerplant, acceleration is near-instantaneous, bolstered with a heavy-duty truck’s worth of torque at the driver’s disposal. The Benz hustles from a stop to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The EQS SUV may be a family hauler on paper, but its lightning-quick acceleration practically ensures you’ll never be late dropping the kids off again.
Motor | Dual front/rear motors |
---|---|
Output | 400 kW |
Horsepower | 536 HP |
Torque | 633 LB-FT |
Transmission | Single stage |
0-60 | 4.5 seconds |
Top speed | 130 mph |
Range and charge times
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 profile
The 580’s extra grunt does limit its range to a rated 285 miles, about 20 fewer than the less powerful 450 model. Charge times are generally on par with the competition. The EQS SUV will re-energize from zero to 100 percent in 12.5 hours with a 240V connection, with DC fast charging juicing the batteries from 10 to 80 percent takes just 31 minutes.
To maximize range, four regenerative braking settings are offered and altered by paddle shifters. Drivers can opt to turn off regeneration completely, or select modes, including normal, aggressive, or “intelligent,” which uses onboard computing to factor in outside elements like traffic and geography. The system is hardly noticeable in normal mode, and the “strong” setup doesn’t invoke the typically harsh forward lurch.
All electric range | 285 miles |
---|---|
240V charge time (0-100 percent) | 12.5 hours |
DC Fast Charging (10-80 percent) | 31 minutes |
Ride quality
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 rear 3/4 view
The supreme comfort of the EQS’ ride quality is fantastic. I have been more uncomfortable sleeping in hotel beds, than while piloting the electrified Benz over an average road. The standard Airmatic suspension and continuously adjustable dampers don’t just soak up the lumps and bumps of the road, they seemingly negate them altogether. Mercedes explanation for achieving this sublime ride quality is about as thrilling to read as the manual for a kitchen toaster, but it all works beautifully.
Restraining the EQS’ heft is no small task, but the suspension does well to limit body roll. The Benz stays mostly planted through corners and quick directional changes. The steering isn’t overly communicative — this is still a family hauler after all — but neither is it completely devoid of feel. It is well balanced for its purpose — quick and light enough for parking lot maneuvers, helped by standard rear-wheel steering, with enough heft to help wrangle the SUV’s weight.
Exterior Styling
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 front fascia
The EQS SUV illustrates the general shape of future family haulers, namely styling cues that put aerodynamic efficiency at the forefront. The EQS Sedan has the lowest drag coefficient of all production cars. Meanwhile, the SUV’s tall greenhouse means it can’t compete with the sedan for slipperiness through the air, but its rounded front fascia, sharply rising hood, and raked windshield help to mitigate drag. A smooth underbody, aerodynamic wheels, flush door handles, and a closable radiator shutter also help extend the Merc’s range.
In profile, the rising beltline accentuates the rearward flow of the EQS. The rear isn’t thrilling to behold, but the solid lightbar breaks up the monotony, and the transition from the greenhouse to its haunches gives an animal-ready-to-pounce appearance.
Wheelbase | 126.4 in. |
---|---|
Length | 201.8 in. |
Width (w/ mirrors) | 84.9 in. |
Width (w/o mirrors) | 77.1 in. |
Height | 67.8 in. |
Ground Clearance (max load) | 7.28 in. |
Curb weight | 6,228 lbs. |
Interior
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 cabin view
The 580’s cabin is ultra-modern and super-posh, with top-tier materials and enough technology and creature comforts to fill a novel. Now that’s not overly editorializing — the EQS SUV’s press pack is a staggering 55 pages.
Plush carpet, pillowed headrests, massaging front seats and exquisite leather pamper passengers, and all materials are top-tier in their functionality and feel. Other coddling measures come in the form of a pre-entry climate control system which can heat or cool the cabin before you’ve even opened the door, Mercedes’ Energizing Air Control System with HEPA cabin air filters, and on-board fragrances that can cover the foul smells associated with a road trip. Drivers can also use the “Power Nap” program, which couples with the massaging front seats, to catch a few ZZZ’s while charging. As the parent of a toddler, I long for quiet moments, and the Mercedes delivers a whisper-quiet atmosphere, even at highway speeds, with extensive sound deadening.
The creature comforts are almost enough to distract from the EQS’ extensive tech. The 580 comes standard with Mercedes’ Hyperscreen, a curved and crisply colored screen running the length of the dash and housing displays for the gauge cluster, the infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. The controls rely too heavily on the touchscreen, yet, traditional switchgear would appear out of place against such modern fitments. The latest MBUX infotainment system is fairly intuitive, and the passenger display can control various features when the driver can’t look away from the road.
One can spend an entire afternoon navigating through the various features of the system and its controls. From playing games on the Hyperscreen against fellow passengers or fiddling with the seemingly endless number of amenities, the EQS will keep passengers entertained outside of its 500-plus horsepower.
Headroom (driver’s seat) | 40.7 in. |
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Leg room (driver’s seat/2nd row) | 40.7 / 41.3 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 61.7 in. |
Cargo Volume (behind rear seats) | 22.7 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume (behind front seats) | 74.2 cu.-ft. |
Pricing
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 in profile with doors opened
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 starts at $127,000, a few grand more than the Tesla Model X. The Tesla has more power, is faster, and has better range, but if it were my money, I’d dish out the extra dough for the supreme luxury, build quality, creature comforts, and supple ride of the EQS.
Three trims are offered:
- Premium ($127,000)
- Exclusive ($131,250)
- Pinnacle ($133,250)
The base trim comes loaded with features but opting for the Exclusive trim nets buyers a head-up display, rapid-heating front seats, massaging front seats and four-zone climate control. Pinnacle trim focuses exclusively towards passengers in the second row with electrically adjustable and climate-controlled seats, wireless charging, and an MBUX tablet.
Overall Verdict
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 interior view, front seats
I recently tested the Mercedes EQB, essentially the EV version of the GLB Class, and came away feeling slightly disappointed. The EQB is nothing more than an electrified GLB, a good SUV, mind you, but electrifying it created nothing particularly notable. The EQS SUV however, is unequivocally special.
It pampers passengers in supreme luxury, excites enthusiasts with serious speed, excels as a comfortable and pragmatic family mover, and feels exquisite in both its road manners and materials. There are many who lament the incoming electrification of the automotive landscape, but if the EQS SUV’s debut is an indication of things to come, there will be far more converts soon enough.