First drive Mercedes EQS SUV
EQS saloon turns SUV and this GLS rival is the result. Martyn Collins
The growth of Mercedes’ EV EQ range is seemingly non-stop, so much so that they are running out of EQ nomenclature! Confusingly, this is another EQS – but it’s not the big hatch this time, but a big seven- seater SUV.
Think of this as a large SUV version of the EQS, sharing some styling features. At the front it has a surprisingly short front overhang thanks to a lack of engine and continues the cab-forward look first seen on the EQS - although in SUV form. There’s the same large, muscular bonnet, large headlights, and faired-in grille. At the side, there’s the powered flush door handles, while at the back it
Standard equipment: Nappa leather trim, 12.8in MBUX infotainment system, 21in alloy wheels, Burmester audio system.
Engines: EV: 360hp, 544hp
Equipment grades: AMG Line Premium Plus, Business Class
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
also gets a curvy rear light bar. The EQS SUV slips through the air with its 0.25 drag coefficient figure, but still has its own look.
Inside, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re sitting in a taller EQS, with the same soft leather on the seats, the unpolished wood on the minimalist dashboard and general levels of spaciousness. Our car had the also excellent 12.8in central touchscreen, running Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system, which despite all its technology is easy to use, and there is an excellent Burmester audio system.
Like the standard EQS, the SUV’s driving position is comfortable and multi- adjustable. If anything, it’s better than the hatch as we’re higher up. The one-piece seats are supportive and with that tall centre console, there’s useful extra stowage underneath.
8/10 Positive
Ride, refi nement, comfort, range, performance
Negative
Expensive, UK charging infrastructure, brakes lack feel, only average to drive
SUV via a button, then engage drive via the right-hand column stalk (as you would on any Mercedes model). Behind the steering wheel there are a chunky set of paddles, which operate the levels of brake recuperation – it works well, with three different stages. We found the Eco setting was the best for regen and one-pedal driving. Comfort is like Eco, but without the regen and makes the ride feel oddly floaty. The Sport setting is the most dynamic and involving.
Although the paddle- operated regen works well, the brakes could be an issue as they seem to have a lot of travel, lack feel, and are hard to modulate, – which is a worry when slowing this 2.8-tonne
SUV down from speed.
Move to the back, and legroom levels are more average – although there is the extra practicality of more seats in the third level. Although our early car didn’t have these fitted and instead boasted a humungous boot.
As for the driving experience, it’s much the same as the hatch. You start the EQS
Talking about the ride, our EQS SUV in AMG Line Premium Plus spec is fitted with 21in alloy wheels as standard. Yet despite the raised stance progress is wonderfully serene – there is no road noise and the chassis unworried by broken surfaces – quite an achievement. Like the hatch, you feel the EQS was developed for comfort rather than dynamism. However, the steering is surprisingly quick and precise, and the
Mercedes EQS 450 SUV AMG Line Premium Plus
P11D £129,115 On sale Now Residual value 49.4% Depreciation £65,230 Fuel £6,058 Service, maintenance and repair £3,972 Cost per mile 125p Range 365 miles CO2 (BIK %) 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month £43/£86 Luggage capacity 610 litres Battery size/power 120kWh/360hp
standard four-wheel steering makes it feel far easier to manoeuvre than you would imagine.
We had the EQS SUV 450 4Matic, which is the entry point to the range. It has a 120kWh battery, and 360hp via the twin motors. This means 0-62mph acceleration in six seconds and a top speed of 130mph. However, despite the impressive performance, this EQS SUV still boasts 365 miles to a charge. Talking about charging, with rates up to 200kW, this SUV isn’t at its best when home charged. It’s possible to go from 10-80% charge in just 31 minutes, via a 170kW rapid public charger.
Owning an EQS SUV means you sign up to Mercedes Me Charge, where multiple charge companies can be accessed via a single card.
Like the hatch, we wish the EQS SUV had more in the way of character, but it impresses with its high levels of refinement, ride, and performance.
38 | May 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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