Mercedes Benz recently launched the EQS SUV in India at Rs 1.41 crore (ex-showroom).
The EQS SUV is the second launch in the EQS range, following the sedan, and it shares many features with its sibling. It’s designed for those who care about luxury but also want to tread lightly on our planet.
News18 Auto had the chance to drive the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic, and we must say, it was quite an experience. This luxury electric SUV surprised us in many ways, starting with its stunning design.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: How Does It Look?
The EQS SUV doesn’t scream for attention like other SUVs. Instead of being massive and imposing like the GLS, this one has a sleek, aerodynamic profile.
The glossy black grille with a scattering of three-pointed stars is a standout feature, while the multi-spoke 21-inch alloys complete the look. The digital lights with 1 million pixels per headlamp makes the front end look modern and appealing. The overall design prioritizes aerodynamics, evident in the flush door handles and the low drag coefficient of just 0.26.
The rounded rear design, complete with 3D tail-lamps, is clean and functional, yet it doesn’t feel too over the top. All in all, the EQS SUV blends luxury with practicality beautifully.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: How Big It Is?
The EQS SUV looks a lot like the EQE, but there are many differences when you look closely. It’s a larger SUV with three rows of seats, more features, a bigger battery, and more power. Although they might seem similar, the EQS is much bigger. It is 273mm longer overall, with 25mm of that coming from a longer wheelbase. It’s also slightly wider (about 20mm) and taller (33mm). This extra length makes it bigger than competitors like the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron, bringing it closer in size to the GLS.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: What Features Does It Offer?
Once you step inside, you feel like you are entering a high-end lounge. The highligh of the cabin is the 56-inch Hyperscreen which spans the entire dashboard. It’s a combination of a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and another 12.3-inch passenger screen. While we found the passenger display a bit unnecessary for daily use, it certainly adds to the futuristic feel.
The SUV also boasts features like 5-zone automatic climate control, soft-close doors, two 11.6-inch screens for rear passengers, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, a seven-inch tablet in the rear armrest, wireless charging, and an air-purification system, all of which make every passenger feel pampered.
The seats are incredibly comfortable, with multiple adjustments, heating, and ventilation options, plus a massage function in the front seats. The rear seats offer ample legroom, and although they lack ventilation and massage, they are still very comfortable for long drives.
However, the third row is more suitable for kids or for someone with height 5.3″ to 5.4″. All in all, the third row of seats isn’t very comfortable because they are close to the floor, making your knees sit higher than normal. Also, the third row doesn’t have electric controls, so you have to lift or lower the seats by hand. Besides these, the massage function is limited to the driver and front passenger, which seems odd for a vehicle likely to be chauffeur-driven.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: How Does It Perform?
The EQS 580 4Matic is powered by a 122 kWh battery, delivering an ARAI-certified range of 809 km on a single charge. It boasts two electric motors that generate 537 bhp and a torque of 858 Nm, allowing this electric SUV to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. When we pressed the start button, the EQS SUV responded with a smooth, seamless motion, feeling light and agile despite its size.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: How Smooth It Is?
In terms of driving, we found it smooth and silent, with instant torque that made city driving feel effortless. The EQS SUV has a special feature that sets it apart from the EQE — rear-wheel steering. It can turn the rear wheels by 10 degrees, similar to the S-Class and the EQS sedan. This feature really helps in city driving. It makes the car’s turning radius as small as a hatchback or compact sedan, making u-turns, parking, and driving through tight spaces much easier. At higher speeds, it makes the SUV feel more stable and easy to handle.
The EQS SUV comes with air suspension and adaptive dampers as standard. The ride is quite smooth and feels a bit more comfortable than the EQE, thanks to its long wheelbase, even with the large 21-inch wheels. However, you can still feel some sharper bumps, and it doesn’t completely hide its weight.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: Is It Worth It?
With a price tag of Rs 1.41 crore (ex-showroom), the EQS SUV positions itself as a luxury electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance or comfort. Given its features, specifications, and design, we believe it offers great value in the luxury electric vehicle segment.
Verdict
Overall, our experience driving the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV was good. The spacious interior, coupled with advanced technology and strong performance, makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enter the world of electric SUVs. Sure, the third-row space could be better, but if that’s not a dealbreaker for you, this SUV deserves serious consideration.
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