With the luxury saloon EQS (showcased here last September) and the executive EQE, German car maker Mercedes-Benz has entered a new, all-electric era in the prestige car market. Now, the EQS SUV is the third model in the range that’s based on the brand’s new modular architecture for premium and luxury class electric vehicles. This latest variant combines the design and comfort of the EQS saloon with the space and versatility of the popular SUV concept. This new model offers plenty of space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers in its high-tech, luxurious interior.
On The Outside
The new EQS SUV shares the long wheelbase with the EQS Saloon, but is over 20 centimetres higher. The EQS saloon is unsurprisingly the current ‘aerodynamics world champion’ for production cars. The purposeful design of that model, with smooth underbody and closed front, was a good starting point for aerodynamic features on the EQS sport utility vehicle, which is otherwise SUV-conventional in styling. The optimisation of this styling delivers a unique combination of spaciousness and aerodynamic efficiency. See the images.
Thanks to powerful electric motors, responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive on the EQS 450 and 580 versions (the standard model EQS is rear-wheel drive only) and an intelligent off-road driving mode, the EQS SUV is capable of tackling light terrain with ease. It isn’t however a full-blown off-road vehicle but buyers can expect over 300 miles per charge and, charger dependent, up to an 80% charge in 30 minutes.
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 AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is standard equipment which is very welcome for a feature that is often optional.
The electric motors on the front and rear axles are ‘permanently excited synchronous motors’; all EQS SUVs have an electric drive train on the rear axle, and the versions with 4MATIC also have another on the front axle. In the 4MATIC models, the Torque Shift function ensures intelligent, continuously variable distribution of drive torque between the rear and front electric motors for efficiency. The advantages of this design include high power density, high efficiency and high power constancy, we learn.
On The Inside
The interior dimensions benefit from that generous SUV styling and from the advantages of the electric platform. The second row of seats can be electrically adjusted as standard. Up to four golf bags fit in the boot, if you really like golf, otherwise there’s plenty of luggage space for all; up to 800 litres in fact. A third row of seats with two additional individual seats and extensive comfort features for all passengers is available as an option.
The EQS Saloon was the first model series from Mercedes-Benz in which completely new vehicle functions can be activated in several areas via over-the-air updates. With the EQS SUV, this offer is significantly expanded. For example, Trailer Manoeuvring Assist or MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), Augmented Reality(via front-mounted video) Navigation can be activated at a later date.
The vehicle level can be raised by several centimetres. In addition to the ‘dynamic select’ modes, there’s ‘eco’, ‘comfort’ and ‘sport’ modes, plus ‘individual’. The 4MATIC versions feature ‘offroad’, an additional mode for off-road driving. Furthermore, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees is standard which really benefits handling by providing plenty of manoeuvrability in the city and agility over land. Optionally and also via an OTA update, a version with up to 10 degrees steering angle is available.
For safety and like all other Mercedes-Benz models, the EQS SUV has a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and modern restraint systems. The European version of the EQS SUV is the first Mercedes-Benz model to be able to detect whether rear seats are actually occupied. If a passenger in the rear is not wearing a seat belt, the driver receives a specific warning. Another new feature at Mercedes-Benz is what is known as the occupant presence reminder. This system can indicate children who may have been overlooked in the rear of the vehicle. on board as standard. Is it possible to overlook children? There’s always a first time, presumably.
Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops (helpful), based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. This includes a visualisation in the MBUX infotainment system as to whether the state of charge of the battery is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging. Charging stations along the route that have been added manually are given preference in the route calculation, aiding route planning.
Mercedes offer on this vehicle a complex air-quality system based on filtration, sensors, a display concept and air conditioning. The particulate air filter has a very high filtration level to trap fine particles, micro-particles, pollen and other substances entering with the outside air.
The highlight of the interior is the MBUX Hyperscreen (special equipment though). This large, curved screen unit 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 because Mercedes-EQ is able to rely on an intelligent, camera-based blocking logic: If the camera detects that the driver is looking at the passenger display, the system automatically dims the dynamic content.
On The Road
Production has only just started on this vehicle but despite being taller it is likely that this car will have similar driving characteristics to the saloon variant. Get in touch with us here at MHH to find out more about this latest advance in EV technology.
