Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV revealed, Aussie launch confirmed
First pictures and details of the new seven-seat Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV have been revealed.
The third model following on from the EQS and EQE saloons to be developed on an exclusive Benz electric architecture called MEA, the EQS SUV will go on-sale in Europe later in 2022 and in Australia in the first half of 2023.
A direct rival for the BMW iX already on-sale in Australia, the EQS has a 3210mm wheelbase (same as the EQS saloon), is 5125mm long, 1959mm wide and 1718mm high.
Available as rear- or 4Matic all-wheel drive (with a permanently excited synchronous motor on each axle), there are three models on the initial launch list: the EQS 450+, the EQS 450 4Matic and the EQS 580 4Matic.
Both 450s are good for 265kW while the 580 offers 400kW. The 450+ has 568Nm of torque, the 450 4Matic 800Nm and the 580 858Nm.
The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 107.8kWh and a range up to 660km on the WLTP testing standard for the 450+. The maximum range of the 4Matics is claimed to be 613km.
The EQS uses a 396 volt system and recharges at a maximum rate of 200kW. It can generate 250km range in as little as 15 minutes.
Benz says the EQS SUV can tackle “light terrain” with ease. In other words, crossing the Simpson Desert probably isn’t appropriate.
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 air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is standard equipment. The vehicle level can be raised by several centimetres.
Rear axle steering is standard with 4.5 degrees rear assist enabling an 11.9m turning circle. Optional 10 degree assist reduces that to 11m.
Inside, seats are arranged 2-3-2 and the first and second rows are powered as standard. The third row is optional in Europe. We’re promised up to four golf bags can fit in the boot.
Like the EQS saloon, the EQS SUV can receive over the air updates. New functions that can be added later include Trailer Manoeuvring Assist or MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Augmented Reality Navigation.
An interior highlight is the MBUX Hyperscreen that spans almost from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a common cover glass and merge visually.
The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives them their own display and control area. In Europe, and in a growing number of countries, the front seat passenger is also able to watch dynamic content while the vehicle is on the move.
This is due to camera-based blocking logic: If the camera detects that the driver is looking at the passenger display, the system automatically dims the dynamic content.
