Overview
As its name implies, the all-electric 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is the high-riding alternative to the company’s large, slicked-back EQS luxury sedan. The two share a platform and myriad other components, and they have identical wheelbases, but only the SUV offers a third row and seats seven. Its interior feels airier than the sedan thanks to extra headroom, and its design and material quality are equally high-end and similarly attractive. It’s also available with Mercedes’ 56-inch Hyperscreen, but while we’re dazzled by the massive glass panel’s appearance, we’re put off by its lack of physical controls. The 2023 EQS SUV shares a battery with the EQS sedan, so we expect their powertrain configurations and output to be similar, but we can’t confirm that until Mercedes-Benz officially does.
What’s New for 2023?
When the 2023 EQS SUV goes on sale sometime this year, it’ll be Mercedes’ second EQ model and the first SUV built on the brand’s modular EVO 2 platform. The EQS sedan was the first and the upcoming EQE sedan and SUV will be the third and fourth, respectively. While we know the EQS SUV shares a lot with its sedan counterpart, including a battery pack, we’re not yet entirely sure about its estimated driving range or exact horsepower and torque ratings. However, Mercedes will officially unveil it to the world on April 19.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Mercedes hasn’t said how much the 2023 EQS SUV will cost or what trim levels will be offered, but we expect them to mirror the EQS sedan lineup. That suggests EQS450+ and EQS580 models, with the former likely offering one electric motor and the latter propelled by a more powerful dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup. Once we know more specific details, we can recommend which one to buy.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Since the EQS SUV is essentially a rebodied EQS sedan with an elevated seating position and more interior space, its electric powertrains are expected to be similar if not identical. That means the EQS450+ could have a 329-hp electric motor that powers the rear wheels. The EQS580 could make 516 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque between its front- and rear-mounted electric motors, which provide all-wheel drive. The EQS SUV comes standard with an adjustable air suspension and a rear-axle steering system that makes it surprisingly agile. Unlike the sedan, the SUV features an Off-Road drive mode that raises the suspension and alters the powertrain’s behavior. During a ride-along in a prototype model, we experienced these settings first-hand on rugged terrain and were impressed with the vehicle’s capabilities, even if we’re convinced most people who buy an EQS SUV will never attempt such activities.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the EQS SUV features the type of rich materials and high-tech equipment that define modern-day Mercedes-Benz models. The fit-and-finish of the EQS we rode in was very impressive even though it was a pre-production model. The standard EQS SUV has a different dash design than those fitted with the optional 56-inch Hyperscreen, basically a giant glass panel stretching from door to door with multiple screens hidden behind the glass. The EQS cabin is also littered with useful storage spaces, including a large bin below the floating center console. The EQS comes standard with two rows of seats that accommodate five passengers, but a third row is optional and adds seating for two more people.
Infotainment and Connectivity
For maximum theater, the EQS SUV can be equipped with Mercedes’ mesmerizing 56-inch Hyperscreen, which stretches across the will width of the dashboard. Along with housing the digital gauge cluster, it hosts a 17.7-inch touchscreen that’s primarily responsible for infotainment functions, plus a 12.3-inch touchscreen in front of the passenger. There’s no doubt that the novelty of the glass-covered dash will entice buyers, but we can’t help but bemoan the near-total lack of physical switchgear. Those who don’t opt for the Hyperscreen will still get a digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen. We think that every EQS SUV will come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Burmester audio system, and wireless device charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
We expect the EQS SUV to be available with a host of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the EQS SUV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features will likely include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes’ warranty periods align with other luxury automakers’, such as Audi and BMW. However, unlike those German competitors, Benz-branded models don’t include any complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Range, Charging, and Battery Life
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
