Mercedes-Benz EQS review

Mercedes’ flagship electric SUV impresses with supreme levels of luxury and refinement, and family buyers will appreciate the option of seven seats.

Pros: Quality, comfort, on-board tech.

Cons: Expensive, styling a bit dull.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Design

The EQS SUV is the pinnacle of the Mercedes EQ range of electric vehicles. Built on the same bespoke electric platform as the EQS luxury saloon, the two vehicles share the same wheelbase and much of the same tech. The EQS SUV is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-EQ model with the same futuristic ‘face’ as other models like the EQB and EQE SUVs - just all somewhat bigger and grander for the flagship EQS.

The design is quite soft and smooth to improve aerodynamics though lacks a little visual chutzpah as a result compared to more chiselled, fuel-powered SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X7 or Range Rover. Yet details like the large black panel at the front with the Mercedes-Benz star logo and high-tech LED headlights do add some bling, as does the illuminated running board and door handles that pop out from the bodywork as you approach. The sheer size of the vehicle (5.1 metres in length) will hardly allow it go unnoticed either.

There’s a choice of two exterior styles for the EQS SUV, the elegant Electric Art and ‘sportier’ AMG Line. 21-inch alloy wheels come as standard across the range.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Interior

The interior is a masterpiece of design, full of character and luxury that puts it a class above. The material quality is top notch, with a stunning dashboard design and full digital driver display. Mercedes’ portrait-style touchscreen sits in the centre though there is the option to spec the ‘Hyperscreen’ that gives your front passenger their own screen behind a glass panel. Over-the-air updates, voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto all feature. The system is very intuitive to use.

Whether you go for the Electric Art or AMG Line interior, leather upholstery comes as standard in a range of different colours, while seats are heated and feature power adjustment all round. There’s also a gorgeous Nappa leather steering wheel that’s a work of art in itself. The cabin is illuminated with stunning ambient lighting that really comes into its own at night.

The cabin feels very spacious and luxurious throughout, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the second row. A panoramic glass roof comes as standard, flooding the cabin with light. Family buyers will like the option to add two extra seats in row three, ideal for children. There’s a huge boot of over 500 litres in seven seat versions and over 600 litres in five seat versions. There’s even room for a few bags or suitcases when all seven seats are in place. A powered tailgate comes as standard.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Performance & Drive

There’s a range of models available for the EQS SUV: single or dual motor, rear wheel drive or ‘4Matic’ four-wheel drive. All versions have in the region of 600 kilometres of range (WLTP), while power ranges from 360bhp up to 544bhp. The entry into the range is the single motor, rear wheel drive EQS SUV 450+. The 108 kWh battery offers up to 626 kilometres (WLTP), while consumption in real world driving wavers between 18-22 kWh per 100 kilometres. There’s plenty of power (360hp) and torque (568Nm) should you need it, though the EQS SUV is not one to hurry in. Air suspension with adaptive damping comes as standard across the range, which translates to a super smooth and comfortable drive. The cabin is extremely hushed, offering a relaxing journey for all on board. The rear wheel steering boosts agility and makes it more manoeuvrable in town.

DC fast charging is possible up to 200kW, while AC charging is possible up to 22kW. The standard fit 11kW on-board AC charger can charge the battery to full in 11 hours, or in 17 hours from a 7.4kW wallbox at home.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Pricing

The EQS SUV goes on sale priced from €139,880 for the 450+. The 450 4Matic starts from €144,145.

Carzone Verdict

The EQS SUV is a stunning luxury electric SUV. It's expensive but with close to 600 kilometres of range and fast charging up to 200kW, it’s incredibly easy to live with and cover long distances. The hugely spacious interior and level of quality and refinement make it an extremely comfortable companion too. If you’re in the market for a large luxury SUV, it’s definitely worth considering.

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