Tested: 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV: High Tech but not Perfect!

The 10 Second Review


The roomy Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV carves out a new space in their electric car lineup. It’s like a bigger, more practical version of their sleek EQS sedan, with room for up to seven people and more headspace. You can choose between different powerful engine setups, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, offering up to 536 horsepower. Inside, the EQS SUV is luxurious and loaded with tech, including a giant touchscreen system that combines entertainment and information displays. If you can afford it, the EQS SUV is a strong contender, with impressive electric range and the classic Mercedes-Benz mix of luxury and the latest technology.

Pros

  • Large & Roomy
  • Powerful EV
  • Great Range
  • Ambient Lighting
  • Offroad Mode

Cons

  • Lacks Dampening
  • ADAS Issues
  • Driving Dynamics

The In-Depth Review

EV, Transmission, and Performance

Tested: 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV: High Tech but not Perfect!

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV shares the core platform and electric drivetrain concepts with the EQS sedan, but with a significant twist. While both offer rear-wheel drive (EQS450+ with a single 335-hp motor) and all-wheel drive (EQS580 with dual motors producing 536 hp and 633 lb-ft), the SUV prioritizes space and utility. Its higher ride height and redesigned interior provide more passenger and cargo room.

One key differentiator is the EQS SUV’s focus on off-road capability. Unlike the sedan, it boasts an adjustable air suspension that can increase ground clearance and a unique Off-Road drive mode that tailors the powertrain for rough terrain. While we acknowledge that most EQS SUV owners likely won’t venture off-road, our test session demonstrated surprising capability in rugged conditions.

On paved roads, our focus shifted to on-road performance. The EQS580 exhibited noticeably quicker acceleration compared to early prototypes, achieving 0-100 km/h in a brisk 4.0 seconds. Handling leans towards comfortable cruising rather than sporty engagement, with minimal steering feedback. However, this aligns perfectly with the EQS SUV’s mission as a luxurious and relaxing long-distance companion.

Tested: 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV: High Tech but not Perfect!

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The EQS SUV’s interior offers a luxurious environment decked out with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, echoing the latest Mercedes-Benz offerings. Standard features include the expansive 56-inch Hyperscreen infotainment system dominating the dashboard. Passengers can further personalize their experience with selectable ambient lighting. Comfort is prioritized with heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in leather. A panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel, while wireless charging keeps devices powered up. The cabin boasts exceptional build quality and thoughtfully designed storage compartments, including a sizable bin beneath the center console.

Passenger and cargo capacity options cater to diverse needs. The standard configuration features two rows seating five comfortably. An optional third-row bench expands capacity to seven. Cargo space varies depending on the seating configuration. Five-seat models offer up to 31 cubic feet behind the second row, while models with the third row provide a maximum of 28 cubic feet with the third row folded. However, utilizing the third row significantly compromises cargo space, leaving only 7 cubic feet accessible.


Infotainment and Connectivity

The EQS SUV offers an optional upgrade for an immersive in-car experience: the gigantic 56-inch Hyperscreen stretching across the entire dashboard. This showstopping feature combines a digital instrument cluster with a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a separate 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. While the seamless, glassy aesthetic is undeniably attractive, it comes at the cost of having very few physical buttons. Standard tech features on all EQS SUVs include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration, a premium Burmester sound system for rich audio, and a wireless charging pad to keep your devices powered up.

Price from AED 694,900

“It’s surprisingly good at being an SUV, just wish it was as good as other SUVs in the Mercedes lineup!”

Tested: 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV: High Tech but not Perfect!


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