Your Guide to the Mercedes EQS SUV

• Experience the very luxury of pure electric in Mercedes-Benz’s flagship EV SUV, equipped with futuristic technology and top-tier comfort.
• There are “three distinct flavours,” Johnson tells me, the range-focused 450+, the all-around 580 4MATIC, and the high-performance AMG 53 4MATIC+.
• With an optional third row for seven passengers, you can take the entire family.
• Futuristic infotainment is on offer in the form of the optional MBUX Hyperscreen, a sweeping display across the entire dash.
• Go further with up to 365 miles (WLTP) of range in the 450+, perfect for a daily commute or a grand tour.
• Enjoy exceptional comfort as standard with Airmatic suspension, which helps smooth out the bumps along the road.

The Incomparable Serenity of the EQS SUV Drive

The instant you settle into the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and close the door, the world outside just fades away. There is a satisfying, solid thump that announces your entry into an oasis of tranquillity. In the 450+ and 580 4MATIC models alike, the shift from the city’s clatter to near silence is as sudden as it is striking. And that’s just the beginning of the wonders this car performs. The default Airmatic suspension is scooting under you, working over urban streets riddled with scarred tarmac and rattling potholes, with a grace that makes driving therein your daily grind easily forgivable. When thinking about these cars, it is hard not to get lost in the silent miles that seem to dissipate the stress and give you a sense that you are completely insulated and protected. It’s a “changing the meaning of a relaxing drive” kind of experience.While poking through traffic-clogged city streets, the EQS SUV displays another one of its ingenious traits. The steering is light and responsive, almost playful for a car of this size. Rear-axle steering is another thing that sets this car apart in terms of what’s standard. This technology allows the full-size SUV to move with surprising agility by reducing its turning radius and enabling you to manoeuvre easily. During my time with the car, I confidently pulled it into snug spots that I would usually steer clear of in a vehicle of this size. It turns what could be a challenge into a non-event, and urban driving becomes not only manageable but actually fun.Once out of the city and onto the motorway, the EQS SUV metamorphoses again. Stability Unknown. It sinks to a whisper-quiet cruise with wind and road noise that are almost non-existent. The result: A long-distance trip that practically takes care of itself, so you can reach your destination feeling revitalised. The dual-motor 580 4MATIC also feels especially confident and nimble, making passing a precise and decisive move. Then you’ve got the AMG 53 4MATIC+. New trim brings in a different character. Switch on a sportier driving mode, and a synthesised AMG sound signature fills the cabin while you accelerate. It’s not conventional for an EV, but that’s one of the reasons it adds a layer of informative, audible feedback that is secretly exhilarating. And all of a sudden, this mild-mannered behemoth starts spitting fire, showing that it can be a smooth cruiser as well as a spirited runner.

• Airmatic Suspension: Enjoy a sublimely smooth ride as the suspension absorbs road imperfections, delivering unparalleled comfort.
• Rear-Axle Steering: Manoeuvre with confidence in tight urban spaces, thanks to enhanced agility and a reduced turning circle.
• Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive (580 4MATIC): Experience sure-footed grip and effortless performance, providing stability in all weather conditions.
• AMG Sound Experience (AMG 53): Feel a greater connection to the drive with an engaging, performance-oriented sound that responds to your input.

Power and Poise: A Performance Comparison of EQS SUV Models

That’s when the personality of each EQS SUV variant really comes to life. It’s not just numbers on a spec sheet; it’s how those models deliver power, and the unique feeling they get you behind the wheel. I’ve driven all three extensively, and the way they convert electric potential to road performance them in interesting ways. From the Zenlike efficiency of the 450+ to the cumulative wallop (and noise) of the AMG 53, the powertrain defines your drive personality.

Understanding the 450+ Powertrain: The Smart Choice

Let’s start with the entry point to the range, the EQS 450+. It has a rear-mounted single electric motor that delivers a strong 355 bhp. Admittedly, that might seem like a modest figure when compared against its brothers, but on the road, what you get is refined, effortless momentum. Acceleration is seamless, quiet, and smooth, enabling a 0-62 mph run in 6.7 seconds. Actually, this is more than enough speed for you to confidently merge onto highways and keep up with busy streets. I never felt like I needed more power while I was driving it every day. The delivery is so immediate and graceful that it seems perfectly appropriate to the luxurious character of the car.The area in which the 450+ really shines is in its commitment to extending range. If you’re interested in which can travel the farthest on a single charge, this is the undisputed champion of the group. The rear-wheel-drive option is surprisingly efficient. Combined with the advanced regenerative braking system, which can be modulated through paddles located on the steering wheel, this allows for genuine one-pedal driving. Setting it at the maximum force, the car can slow down quite substantially just by taking the foot off the gas pedal, regenerating energy back into the battery, and I’m using the brake pedal less and less. The result is not only greater efficiency but a driving style that is uniquely smooth and relaxing. Even with the emphasis on efficiency, it doesn’t leave the driver feeling short-changed. That classic, balanced handling feel is what you get with the rear-wheel-drive 450+. It’s light on its feet and planted through corners, and the Airmatic suspension strikes a wonderful balance of comfort and control. It is the right, appropriate thing to do, but it is not boring. It is a clever and refined solution to electric luxury which, without compromising the premium experience that Mercedes-Benz is famous for, focuses on tranquil advancement and exceptional value.”

• Single Electric Motor (Rear-Wheel Drive): Enjoy a classic, balanced handling feel with smooth and efficient power delivery.
• 355 bhp and 6.7s 0-62 mph: Experience brisk acceleration that is perfectly suited for both city and motorway driving.
• Maximum Range Optimisation: Travel further on a single charge, making it the ideal choice for long-distance journeys.
• Intelligent Regenerative Braking: Enhance efficiency and enjoy a relaxed one-pedal driving experience in urban environments.

Analysing the 580 4MATIC: The All-Weather All-Rounder

Everything changes when you step up to the EQS 580 4MATIC in terms of what you can do and how confident you feel. This variant introduces an additional electric motor on the front axle to form the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The total power output leaps up to 536 bhp, and the torque surges to 858 Nm. And the difference is actually felt as soon as you mash the throttle. The 0-62 mph dash is completed in only 4.6 seconds, yet it is not how fast it goes that is so shocking, but the manner of its performance. The burst of speed is phenomenal, yet completely under control, as you are pushed back into your seat with an unshakable feeling of balance.The real advantage of the 580 4MATIC comes into play when the weather turns nippy or the asphalt turns slippery. The four-wheel-drive system is tuned to monitor grip at all times and continuously allocate power between the front and rear axles to ensure the best traction. It was coming down buckets on B-roads. I took it for a spin, and it was cool. Where a strong rear-drive car might feel skittish, the 580 was rock solid and absolutely planted, and inspired so much confidence. This sure-footedness means that it is the perfect all-rounder for drivers in the UK, able to handle whatever the weather throws at it. This variant hits a sweet spot between wild performance and daily driver practicality. It represents a big step up in straight-line pace from the 450+, without entering the aggressive realm of the AMG model. The power is never out of reach or daunting, so it can be a pulse-racing drive or a calm and collected cruiser, depending on how you’re feeling. 30 For the driver who craves thrilling performance, all-weather assurance, and unflappable composure, the 580 4MATIC delivers an enticing and impeccably harmonious offering.

• Dual Motors (4MATIC All-Wheel Drive): Gain superior traction and stability in all conditions, from wet roads to spirited cornering.
• 536 bhp and 4.6s 0-62 mph: Unleash thrilling acceleration that feels both powerful and effortlessly controlled.
• 858 Nm of Torque: Enjoy instant, decisive response for confident overtaking and effortless cruising.
• Balanced Performance: Access a perfect blend of exhilarating power and refined, everyday comfort.

The AMG 53 4MATIC+ Experience: Civilised Savagery

At the top of the range, we get to the AMG 53 4MATIC+. This is more than just an EQS SUV with more power; the EQS 580 4MATIC is a vehicle reengineered in countless ways by the engineers at Affalterbach. What we end up with is a machine that can perform both brutally and elegantly. Together, the dual motors are tuned to deliver a mind-boggling 649 bhp. Turn on the Race Start function under the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, and this figure temporarily jumps to an even more breathtaking 751 bhp. 0-62 mph time drops to supercar-matching 3.8 seconds. When I roared away at full throttle for the first time, there were real, disbelieving laughs. The intensity of the force is breathtaking.However, the AMG’s improvements are more than just straight-line speed. It has the unique tuning of the suspension, which seems more rigid and connected to the road, yet the basic feel of luxury still exists. Sharper steering offers more feedback and makes the big SUV feel surprisingly nimble and enthusiastic to turn in. The AMG Sound Experience is more pronounced, filling the interior with a futuristic, performance-driven soundtrack that is the perfect companion to the car’s furious acceleration. It’s an EV that excites the senses, forging an emotional bond that is so often absent in electric cars.AMG 53 is still all of that, but a little more ruthless and unhinged in its potential. In Comfort, it transmutes into a silent, smooth luxury cruiser with just a taste of the beast lurking beneath. So this is why duality is the ultimate strength. It is a velvet glove wrapped around an Iron Fist, one that can take the family for a calm, peaceful ride one minute, and give them a visceral, heart-pounding thrill the next. It is pricey, but for the motorist who craves the ultimate in electric power with no compromise on luxury, the AMG 53 4MATIC+ is in a class by itself.

• AMG-Tuned Dual Motors: Command up to 751 bhp with the AMG Dynamic Plus pack for breathtaking acceleration.
• 3.8-Second 0-62 mph Time: Experience supercar levels of performance in a spacious, luxurious SUV.
• AMG-Specific Suspension and Steering: Feel more connected to the road with sharper handling and enhanced driver feedback.
• Dual Character: Switch seamlessly between a ferocious performance machine and a serene, comfortable luxury vehicle.

Crafting an Oasis: The Practicality and Interior of the EQS SUV

It’s all straight-line physics, and there is very little Southern California wit in any EQS SUV trim level you end up with, but the moment you’re in it, you’re wrapped in deep luxury and intelligent design. The cockpit is an exercise in material science and design, with every surface not only looking great but feeling great. Your fingertips will touch soft leather that is beautifully stitched and stretched over comfortable seats, while genuine open-pore wood finishes provide a bit of natural warmth and elegance. Keeping in step with your mood: Ambient light - with a wide range of colours, illuminates the dash and doors, and you can create your own atmosphere. This is not merely a car interior; it is a carefully tailored personal space.The feeling of space is enormous, heightened by the panoramic sliding sunroof that floods the front cabin with sunlight. Five seats are standard, none of which are compromises. With the rear seats in place, the boot is huge at 645 litres. In practical terms, that means you can get a family’s weekly shopping in here, a few big suitcases for a holiday or a full set of golf clubs, all without a second thought. I folded down the two back@seats on my task, unleashing a cavernous 2,100 litres of cubbyhole. This turned the high-end SUV into a surprisingly capable load-lugger; I was able to cram in two mountain bikes and all our camping gear for a weekend away, with space to spare.For those of you with larger families who need to occasionally haul a few more passengers, the third-row option makes all the difference. With a simple pull of a strap mechanism, two more seats pop up from the boot floor, allowing the EQS SUV to seat seven passengers. Although best reserved for children or adults on short journeys, these rearmost seats offer invaluable flexibility for school runs or outings with extended family. Even with the third row in use, passenger comfort remains a priority. I had a 6’2” friend sit in the second row, and he said there was nothing but head and legroom, so this is a vehicle where every single person can travel in true comfort.

• Premium Materials: Surround yourself with high-quality leather, open-pore wood, and customisable ambient lighting for a first-class experience.
• Expansive Boot Space: Benefit from 645 litres of luggage capacity, expanding to 2,100 litres, for exceptional real-world practicality.
• Optional Seven-Seat Configuration: Add a third row of seats, providing the flexibility to comfortably transport larger groups.
• Generous Passenger Room: Ensure comfort for everyone on board, with ample head and legroom even for taller passengers in the second row.

The Digital Heartbeat: Technology and Features of the EQS SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV’s ultimate technological showstopper is definitely the available MBUX Hyperscreen. A single 56-inch pane of curved glass houses three individual displays, including a digital instrument cluster for the driver, a central infotainment screen, and a dedicated panel for the front passenger. It’s an automotive statement piece that feels as if it were cut right out of a futuristic concept car. As for the system, coupled with the car, while using it, I became increasingly impressed with how user-friendly it was once you got the hang of it. The ‘Zero Layer’ design relegates core functionalities, including navigation and media players, always in view, so you’re not hunting through menus. My passenger enjoyed having their own screen to listen to music or enter a destination, so they were an active co-pilot instead of a passive passenger.Even if you dial down your Hyperscreen ambitions, the baseline technology offering is anything but rudimentary. The central portrait OLED touchscreen is slick and responsive, and runs on the same intelligent MBUX software. Each EQS SUV is packed with features straight from the factory. A panoramic roof, advanced adaptive cruise control and a full gamut of driver assistance systems are standard, which means comfort and safety are assured. They operate invisibly in the background, which is how the systems operate. On long stretches of motorway, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assists do wonders for weariness, as they hold a set distance from the car in front and feed gentle steering inputs to keep you in the middle. It is a system that gives peace of mind and adds to the relaxation of every journey.Outside the cabin, the technology is now part of the ownership experience, especially when it comes to charging. The EQS SUV can be charged at a rapid DC rate of up to 200 kW. You can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in about 31 minutes at a compatible public quick charger. I tried this out myself and found it pretty accurate; it is just enough time for coffee and a sandwich on a long journey. The 11 kW AC on-board charger is standard for home charging, which means you can charge fully overnight. Together, these high-speed public charging capabilities and convenient home charging options make living with the EQS SUV remarkably easy.

• MBUX Hyperscreen: Opt for the stunning 56-inch glass display for an immersive, futuristic infotainment experience for both driver and passenger.
• Comprehensive Driver Aids: Drive with greater confidence and less fatigue, thanks to standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
• 200 kW Rapid Charging: Minimise downtime on long journeys by adding significant range in around 30 minutes at a public fast-charging station.
• Standard Luxury Tech: Enjoy premium features like a panoramic roof and a high-definition central touchscreen on every model.

Owning the Future: UK Running Costs of the EQS SUV

Pressing the buy button on a high-end electric vehicle, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, requires a different mindset when it comes to costs of ownership than for a standard petrol or diesel SUV. The biggest change is refuelling. Charging at home overnight is by far the cheapest way. Making use of off-peak electricity rates, you can wake up to a fully charged car for a lot less than it would cost to fill a tank with petrol. This convenience changes the ownership experience and makes your home your own personal low-cost fuel station. If you do daily commutes and short drives, it’s the smartest, most cost-effective route.But you need to use the public charging network if you are travelling any distance. The prices here are above what you would pay at home, particularly when it comes to ultra-rapid chargers you need for a swift top-up, but they still represent savings compared to fossil fuels. It’s all about planning. A trip from London to Manchester, say, could be done with one well-timed stop at a 200 kW charger. The price of that recharge will be higher than your home rate, but it gives you the ability to traverse the whole country. Consider that public charging is a handy service for making long journeys, not you getting your daily energy. It is only natural that there will be a hefty insurance premium for a high-end vehicle like the EQS SUV when it comes to insurance. The high-performance AMG 53 version will, of course, have the highest premium. That, however, is a cost of doing business for the peace of mind you get when insuring one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. On the plus side, servicing is a breath of fresh air, simplicity itself. Since electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than a combustion engine (no oil changes, no exhaust systems, no complicated gearboxes), maintenance is typically less frequent and less expensive. Routine inspections will include such things as brakes, tyres and suspension, making maintaining your car over the long term easier.Mercedes-Benz also offers significant peace of mind with its well-rounded warranty coverage, which plays a key role in the ownership aspect. Each EQS SUV is backed by a three-year, unlimited-mile vehicle warranty, ensuring solid coverage for any manufacturing defects. For an electric vehicle, the high-voltage battery is covered for a whopping ten years or 155,000 miles, whichever comes first. This long-term battery warranty greatly de-risks the investment and allows you to rest assured with the health and performance of the battery for 10 years of driving. That is the sort of manufacturer support that truly makes a difference when considering a high-end EV for the long haul.

• Home vs. Public Charging: Optimise your running costs by charging at home overnight on cheaper tariffs, using the public network for convenient long-distance top-ups.
• Simplified Servicing: Benefit from the reduced mechanical complexity of an EV, leading to potentially lower long-term maintenance costs.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Factor in the higher insurance grouping, a necessary consideration for a premium, high-performance vehicle.
• Extensive Warranty: Gain confidence from a three-year vehicle warranty and a ten-year/155,000-mile battery warranty, securing your long-term investment.

Why the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Could Be Your Next Car

So, once you have had your fill of what the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV range can deliver, the question becomes a simple, one-subject, personal one: which one’s the right one for you? Each is a very different, yet compelling, offer, expertly pitched to different sets of priorities. This isn’t just good, better, and best; these are three outstanding versions of the electric luxury concept. So based on what I’ve seen, the best model is completely dependent on what you want out of your luxury vehicle -whether that be ultimate efficiency, all-weather versatility, or heart-pounding performance.The EQS 450+ emerges as the rational, sensible option for most buyers. It is the range winner, and can (on the right end of the spectrum) run for long distances, all the while doing it with the most relaxed style, ideal for long-distance travellers or efficiency seekers who don’t want to sacrifice luxury. Its rear-wheel-drive handling is both fleet and polished, and its performance is sufficient for anything you’d want to do on public roads. If you want to experience the EQS SUV in the truest sense, breathtaking comfort, next-level technology, and a ton of utility, but you don’t want the all-wheel drive or blistering pace, the 450+ is your best bet for getting into the world of flagship electric driving. It is the quintessential luxury EV, taken to its most polished and practical form.For those drivers who have regular-opportunity requirements and want an “all-the-right-things” type car, the EQS 580 4MATIC is unquestionably the sweetspot in the range. It builds on the luxury foundation of the 450+ with a dramatic bolstering of performance and all-weather confidence. The all-wheel-drive dual-motor system ensures unfaltering grip, unshakable confidence on wet British roads and a substantial increase in power that guarantees an exhilarating yet controlled drive. It does everything brilliantly, seamlessly switching between fierce performance and serene calm. This is the one I would choose if I had to pick just one to suit the driver who wants a little bit of everything: great power for spirited driving, 4MATIC security for all-season use and the same high level of luxury and tech that runs through the whole series.Then there is the EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+, a car that’s in a league of its own altogether. For this is the enthusiast who insists that their electric SUV come with an extra shot of adrenaline. It is a cultured savage, able to produce supercar-matching acceleration that will really take your breath away, yet when the situation demands it, it can be as docile and comfortable as its brethren. AMG-specific tuning of the suspension, steering and engine output results in a more engaging, raw drive. It’s a costly and rare choice, but those seeking the ultimate in electric performance, without compromising on luxury or practicality, will find the AMG 53 to be an engineering marvel befitting a class of its own.

• EQS 450+: The definitive choice for maximum range and efficiency, offering a supremely comfortable and luxurious experience.
• EQS 580 4MATIC: The perfectly balanced all-rounder, providing potent performance and all-weather security without compromise.
• EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+: The ultimate expression of electric performance, delivering exhilarating speed and dynamic handling for the true driving enthusiast.

Thinking of leaping? Have a look, book a test drive, and see which model suits your style. You’ll find more info and the current offers over at https://the.car/.Go on, see how electric luxury should feel.