Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest all-electric Mercedes-EQ sub brand and this time it's a luxury SUV.
Introduced via an online world premiere event, the EQS SUV follows the EQS and EQE saloons as the third model from the Mercedes-EQ line-up, and the first all-electric luxury SUV from the German brand.
The carmaker is preparing to offer the locally-assembled version of the EQS saloon in Thailand later this year, but distributor Mercedes-Benz Thailand says that there are currently no plans for local assembly of the EQS SUV, which will be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The EQS, EQE and EQS SUV share the same platform, with an identical 3,210mm wheelbase, although the EQS SUV is 20mm higher, giving it off-roading capability. The exterior dimensions are 5,125mm length, 1,959mm width and 1,718mm height.
In terms of exterior design, the EQS SUV's front features a black panel (that houses various sensors for the driving assistance systems such as ultrasound, camera and radar) as well as LED headlights that are connected by a light band.
The EQS features next-level aerodynamics by Mercedes, resulting in a dynamic-looking design with steeply-raked A- and C-pillars that have been moved far back to increase interior space.
Wheel sizes range from 20- to 22-inch and are optimised for aerodynamics with "aeroblades" and contribute to the overall efficiency of the EQS SUV. Even the side steps have been designed to offer aerodynamic advantages as well.
Like the EQS saloon, the EQS SUV also comes with flush door handles as well as panoramic sunroof. Black wheel arch claddings and side sill panels give it tough SUV look from the side.
The rear end is highlighted by LED tail lights which have the shape of a curved 3D helix and are also connected by a light band.
The interior features the MBUX Hyperscreen which consists of three curved glass displays laid out on the front console -- driver's display (12.3-inch), central display (17.7-inch OLED) and front passenger display (12.3-inch OLED). The centre and front passenger screens also feature haptic feedback.
The high-end Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos creates a 360-degree listening experience.
Meanwhile, the MBUX high-end rear seat entertainment comprises two 11.6-inch displays with touch controls on the backrests of the driver and front passenger seats. The MBUX rear tablet is also optionally available and can be used outside the vehicle. The EQS SUV also comes with over-the-air update capability that has been significantly expanded compared to the EQS saloon. For example, trailer manoeuvring assist or MBUX augmented reality navigation, dashcam or various comfort and well-being systems can be activated at a later date.
The interior trim features a neotex structure, which combines the look of nubuck leather and neoprene, and wood with Mercedes-Benz pattern aluminium inlays. The anthracite 3D trim features fine metal pigments and laser cut, backlit with Mercedes-Benz Pattern -- the star pattern is lasered into the plastic trim and is adaptively backlit.
Both front and second-row seats are electrically adjustable, the latter allowing the luggage area to be increased from 645 litres to 880 litres. Mercedes says four golf bags can be stored while carrying five occupants, and with the rear seat backrests folded, the space can be increased to as much as 2,100 litres (2,020 litres for seven-seat version).
The EQS SUV will be on sale starting from the second half of this year, and will be available in three trim lines: the EQS 450+ (265kW/568Nm), EQS 450 4Matic (265kW/568Nm) and EQS 580 4Matic (400kW/858Nm).
The 450+ has a single motor on the rear axle while the other two get both front and rear motors. All are permanently excited synchronous motors that offer high power density, efficiency and power constancy.
According to Mercedes, charging times from AC outlets for the 107.8kWh battery vary from 10 hours (11kW) to 5 hours (22kW), while 200kW DC quick charging takes 31 minutes (250km range for 15 minutes of DC quick charging).
The new-generation lithium-ion battery has 12 modules and higher energy density than before, setting new standards in terms of performance, efficiency and charging capacity.
Meanwhile, the WLTP range maxes out at 660km for the single-motor 450+ and 613km for the dual-motor 450 4Matic and 580 4Matic.
The EQS SUV runs on a four-link axle at the front and multi-link at the rear, with Airmatic and continuously adjustable damping coming as standard across the range.
And just like the EQS saloon, there is also rear-axle steering with a turning angle of 4.5 degrees, which can be increased to 10 degrees via an OTA update, reducing the turning circle from 11.9m to 11.0m.
The 4Matic models come with off-road mode, with power and torque distribution being automatically optimised when driving on unpaved roads, inclines and terrain. The suspension height is automatically raised by 25mm in this mode (up to 80kph).
