For large families who covet space and utility; who enjoy all the benefits of comfort, luxury, technology and safety; and who are ready to make the move to an all-electric SUV: it all comes together in the enticing form of the new EQS 450 4MATIC SUV crafted by Mercedes-Benz.
The EQS 450 4MATIC SUV by Mercedes-Benz is priced at $194,900 (MRLP + on-road costs) and will be available from September. The Comfort Plus Package adds $11,700, the MBUX Hyperscreen Package adds $6,700, and upgrading the rear-axle steering to 10 per cent steering angle adjustment adds $2,900.
The well-appointed EQS 450 4MATIC SUV joins the local Mercedes-Benz range and arrives at the same time as the all-electric EQE SUV range. Key differentiations are the third row of seating in the EQS SUV, bringing total seating capacity to seven, as well as a longer wheelbase for even more cabin space and extra cargo capacity.
At 5125 mm long, 1950 mm wide and 1718 mm in height, the EQS SUV is 262 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 32 mm taller than the EQE SUV. Crucially, the wheelbase is 180 mm longer, much of which is deployed to the second row of seats. With the second row able to slide fore and aft a total of 130 mm by electronic adjustment, extra legroom can be apportioned between the second and third rows as needed. In addition, the second-row backrests can be reclined electrically (14 degrees to the front, 4 to the rear.)
The EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is also well equipped to accommodate the family’s luggage – with the second row in place, cargo capacity ranges between 645 and 880 litres (depending on the fore-aft position of the second-row seats). With all seats folded down, usable space increases to a maximum of 2100 litres. Meanwhile, with all seven seats in use across three rows, a useful 195-litre cargo capacity remains available. Additionally, the two charging cables supplied as standard (one for use with standard 240-volt household plugs, and another for AC chargers) can be stowed in their carry bags in a dedicated storage space beneath the cargo area floor.
The second row of seats has a 40:20:40 split, and a standard EASY ENTRY function electrically slides the second-row backrest forward up to 290 mm to provide a clear path for third-row occupants to enter and exit.
Bringing first class to the second row
The optional Comfort Plus Package significantly ramps up the feeling of connectedness and luxury especially for second row passengers, who get a seatback-mounted MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System, along with wireless headsets. A comfort armrest is fitted with an MBUX rear tablet, and there is also a wireless charging system for compatible mobile devices. Second-row occupants also receive the same luxurious pillow-style head restraints as front-seat passengers, while seats in both the second and third rows receive heating. As part of this package, the driver can enjoy a heated steering wheel on chilly mornings, while all occupants will enjoy the benefit of the ENERGIZING Package Plus and AIR BALANCE Package.
Powerful performance
The EQS 450 4MATIC SUV utilises the advanced 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system to intelligently and continuously distribute drive torque to e-motors mounted on the front and rear axles. Up to 265 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque generate exceptional responsiveness, while a large on board battery offers up to 592 km (NEDC) driving range from a single charge.
The chassis has a four-link axle at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, while AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is standard and allows the vehicle level to be raised by several centimetres.
Rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees is fitted as standard, providing extra manoeuvrability in the city and greater stability as speeds rise. An upgrade adding up to 10 degrees of steering angle is optionally available.
The inside story: Elegance meets luxury
Stepping inside the EQS SUV, quality and luxury are evident in every detail. The standard AMG Line interior wraps the multifunction sports steering wheel in tactile Nappa leather, while the front Comfort Seats are also upholstered in leather with electronic adjustment, memory function and both heating and cooling. Elegant anthracite linestructure wood trim and a centre console finished in a black fine-structure look underpin a premium appearance and feel to the cabin.
A radically simplified interior layout minimises the number of buttons and switches in favour of a portrait-style centre screen incorporating the latest generation of the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system. This utilises ‘zero-layer’ technology, which places the most-needed functions within easy reach via the 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. Another 12.3-inch OLED screen for the driver is highly customisable, as is the standard Head-Up Display (HUD). The MBUX navigation system includes augmented reality, overlaying virtual signals over a camera image showing upcoming road conditions.
Front seat passengers can utilise a wireless charging pad for compatible mobile devices, and also connect wirelessly to enable use of an Apple Carplay® or Google Android Auto® interface.
An electrically operating glass panoramic sunroof helps to maintain a bright and spacious feeling throughout the cabin, while Active Ambient Lighting can be displayed with a choice of 64 colours and 10 colour schemes.
The gold standard of sound
More than 70 per cent of music consumers state that they listen to music mostly in a car. With that in mind, the premium Burmester® 3D surround sound system with 15 speakers and 710 watts incorporates Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for the first time.
Described as “the gold standard of sound”, this system links with Apple Music and Universal Music Group to create an immersive in-car audio experience, including tracks that have been recorded and approved specifically for optimal playback in a Mercedes-Benz. It’s also the first time that Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos from Apple Music has been made available natively in a non-Apple device.
Handsome and practical
The standard AMG Line includes a number of eye-catching exterior enhancements including an AMG-specific front bumper with the lower section in high-gloss black, wheel arch linings and side sill panels also in high-gloss black, and an AMG-specific rear apron. The EQS SUV is fitted as standard with aluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubberised studs, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in back with a high-sheen finish, and heat-insulating dark privacy glass for the rear windows. A choice of six metallic paint finishes are included.
The headlights incorporate advanced DIGITAL LIGHT technology, utilising up to one million tiny mirrors which continuously and dynamically adjust to the road conditions to provide optimal illumination. The EQS SUV is also fitted with Parking Package including PARKTRONIC, and a handy 360-degree camera.
