First Drive: Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

A HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV enters the market focused on the whims of the US consumer: a prize fighter ready for the competition. Here we have it in a smooth operator that takes its name from the EQS sedan, outfitted in the way Americans want their modern day vehicles as do-it-all SUVs. While SUVs dominate the market, there are still only a few options for mid and full size SUVs buyers that want to go all electric. If you’re planning to buy a new vehicle in the next five years, there’s a good chance that vehicle will be aN EV. By 2026, there will be 150 electrified and hybrid cars and SUVs on sale at US dealerships. But that’s then and this is now, and the EQS SUV checks many of the boxes — especially a third row option— that make this a strong contender.

We spent a day tooling around mountain country in the EQS, where the elevation is high and the air is thin. From first glance the EQS appears smaller in photos than its actual proportions due to its concave gentle curves. It carries forward the exterior design scheme we’ve seen on Benz portfolio of late, with the exception of the boxy and beloved G-Wagen. But these smooth curves capture customer sentiment for effortless luxury.

The EQS cabin felt inviting, cozy and modern. From the driver’s point of view, we used the system equipped with the head-up display, underpinned by augmented reality, visible to the driver only, and took a bit of adjusting, but seems as it if would be more intuitive over time. Mercedes doubles down on information delivery and also has the option — a hyperscreen as a big screen viewing, and enough space to kick comfortably back and watch the show, which includes the same fun factoids about range in contrast to elevation. What this system underscores is the feeling that you know where you stand when it comes to estimating range. The fun continues in the back for the kids with the option for an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The second row has more elbow room, and while i wouldn’t want to take a long journey in the third row, it does the job of accommodating extra passengers.

The EQS SUV is decked out with amenities that SUV buyers relish — like a plethora of USB ports for plugging in phones, airpods, and all the other gadgets that one might roadtrip with these days. The layout serves modern living room vibes, accentuated by ambient lighting.

Mercedes offers three different engine setups: the base EQS450+, the EQS450 4Matic, $108,450, or the most powerful EQS580 4Matic. The preference here comes down to driving style. All offer a serene ride, it’s just a matter of opting in for the more expensive powerful punch. We cruised through downtown Denver and up into the mountains, and noticed how easy the EQS SUV handles speed, turns, and maneuvers. We ventured off road into the Rockies, proving out that the EQS SUV will be a boon for adventures. The EPA gives the EQS SUV 305 miles for the 450+ and 285 miles for 4Matic models.

A 240-volt outlet charge the SUV from 10 to 100 percent under 12 hours, and the more optimal DC fast-charger takes only 31 minutes.

The EQS SUV hovers at the upper end of the pricing echelon, starting at $105,450 for the base to $127,000 for the 580. Other all-electric SUV options are coming down the line at lower price points, but for the full all-electric three-row optional experience, Mercedes offers an attractive, smooth operator in the the EQS SUV as its flagship property.