2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Review

One thing Mercedes-Benz knows how to do — whether through flashy design, sumptuous interiors or cloud-like ride comfort — is flex. Now, the brand is flexing EV-style. Consider the 2023 EQS SUV a fully electric crossover with up to three rows of seats, on sale this fall from $105,550 including destination fees. It arrives as electric SUVs are still mainly limited to small- to medium-sized models, even luxury ones, in order to keep prices amenable. Currently, the only EVs to offer a third row are the Tesla Model Y and larger Model X. But the EQS SUV is even larger, with a wheelbase nearly 10 inches longer than the Model X.

Mercedes is making a brash entrance into the large EV market, banking on the brand's signature style and indulgence. We got behind the wheel to find out whether this flex ends with muscle or mishaps.

We've driven both the EQS SUV 450 4Matic and the more powerful EQS SUV 580. Both are powered by dual electric motors, and they come standard with Mercedes' intelligent 4Matic all-wheel drive. A base-level EQS SUV 450+ model is also available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive. No matter which way you shake it, these EVs are big boys. Mercedes has not revealed weight figures for the EQS SUV, but it's clearly significant. The view from the driver's seat is commanding, and driving at highway speed makes it very clear that an impressive amount of mass is hurtling forward — in silence.

Thankfully the EQS SUV is up for the job. Acceleration feels plenty powerful in the 450 4Matic (which produces 355 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque) and a touch more vigorous with the 536-hp 580. However, both are a step removed from the savage acceleration of its Tesla competitors. Steering is responsive and fluid, aided by the vehicle's ability to turn the rear wheels (more on that in the off-roading section below). The EQS SUV is equipped with powerful brakes that can stop it in a hurry and regenerate loads of power to be stored in the battery for later use. But there's also reverb deep in the pedal under hard stops and a cushy sensation periodically around town. Far from an athlete, the EQS SUV is lively in spite of its size and best when driven naturally.

The base EQS 450+ is the range champion of the lineup, getting an EPA-estimated 305 miles on a full charge. The dual-motor EQS 450 4Matic and EQS 580 4Matic, by contrast, are rated a little lower at 285 miles. That said, we tested an EQS sedan on our patented Edmunds EV test route and it returned an impressive 422 miles, handily beating its 350-mile EPA estimate.

Both EQS SUV models have DC fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kW. Mercedes says you can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes, or add about 186 miles in only 15 minutes. EQS owners will benefit from two years of free charging on the Electrify America network, as long as you access it through the Mercedes Me charge service. That service also allows for charging on other networks, simplifying the payment process through one account, and at select Plug and Charge stations, you won't even need to swipe your card.

An air suspension is standard on all EQS SUV models alongside an adaptive damping system; the combination allows the body to quickly react to road conditions and smooth out the ride for passengers. This setup works like a charm, giving the EQS SUV gentle adjustments that would cause standard suspensions to rock and sway. You can feel the dampers, or shock absorbers, moving underneath to wrangle the heft into submission. The effect is more subtle and muted than we've experienced recently in a three-row Land Rover Range Rover, for instance.

It's a bit surprising, however, that small undulations in the road are more noticeable. While the air suspension evens out larger dips, the enormous wheels of the EQS SUV transmit small cracks and bumps into the cabin frequently. We tested a model with 21-inch wheels and a 45 sidewall rating, which are quite large tires with room to flex and absorb. Still there were trembles, perhaps exaggerated by the smoothness of the air suspension. Regardless, the EQS SUV is impeccably quiet inside. You will notice a touch of wind noise, owing to the lack of an engine to drown it out, but noise from the road is absent and we observed no rattling or squeaking panels inside. This is a level of comfort worth its price tag — provided you're OK with minor vibrations.

Let the flexing begin. The EQS SUV exhibits stellar quality throughout its cabin, including both lavish soft-touch surfaces and dazzling visual elements. Heated and ventilated leather seats come standard, as do 64-color ambient mood lighting and a panoramic sunroof. Two standout features are the dash's wood paneling with laser-incised aluminum Mercedes star logos and the door panels made of a delightfully delicate suede-like material. We especially like how the trim on the beltline is stretched on both horizontal and vertical surfaces — a testament to Merc's build expertise. If your EQS SUV passes on the 56-inch Hyperscreen for the more reserved 12.8-inch center display, you also get this superbly crafted design on the passenger dash — a fun and gratifying touch, in my humble opinion.

The seats themselves? Excellent. Soft, authentic leather surfacing hides ample cushioning underneath. The seat bottoms are surprisingly wide, but pronounced bolsters hold your thighs and sides in place through the turns. Lumbar support must be controlled through the touchscreen (or passenger display, if you have the Hyperscreen), which is annoying. Another small frustration is the adjusting needed to find a good seating position, given the steering wheel must be high enough to see the digital driver display below its outer rim. Take a moment or two to experiment before setting off. Overall space inside, though, is abundant. There's plenty of room in the first two rows for adults 6 feet or taller. The second row folds down with one-touch power access to climb into the optional third row. Make no mistake — it's for kids only. But at least no manual labor is required.

There's no doubt about it: Technology is one of the EQS SUV's strong suits. To start you have two choices: a 12.8-inch central touchscreen standard on the EQS SUV 450 and 450+ or the 56-inch Hyperscreen standard on the 580. The latter ensconces three displays — including one in front of the passenger — in one curved glass enclosure. Both options run on the latest version of Mercedes' MBUX operating system, which is responsive and has a delightfully high-resolution screen. Of particular note are the voice controls, which can be activated with a simple "Hey, Mercedes" and carry out commands from radio and navigation to climate and seat controls.

Back to the screens. Mercedes includes as standard augmented reality navigation, updated to clearly transpose arrows and other graphics atop a forward-facing camera view to quite literally guide you to destinations. As an optional feature you can also have this system installed in the head-up display. The overall effect is charming and helpful, though it takes some practice making on-the-fly decisions in unfamiliar areas. As for the Hyperscreen specifically, the center display is dramatically larger than the standard touchscreen and presents a world of information to the driver. Without question, it's impressive — but at what point is there too much? It can be difficult to train your eye to find the info you want, having to wade through all the info you see. We also criticize Tesla for hiding nearly all vehicle functions in the screen, and while the EQS SUV does have some physical buttons and you can adjust the mirrors and air vents without digging into MBUX, the sheer amount of adjustability within the screen is dizzying. But again, there's no denying the Hyperscreen's flair. Passengers can research locations and toss directions to the center display, adjust any number of vehicle functions, or research detailed electric energy infographics in real time. It's remarkable. It's also overwhelming.

If optioned with the third row of seats, you can squeeze a mere 7 cubic feet in the cargo area, but Mercedes says that's still enough for four golf bags and we're inclined to believe that estimate. With the third row stowed, there's up to 28 cubic feet behind the second row. And at its maximum with those seats folded flat, capacity jumps to 71 cubic feet. (Without the third row, the metrics are 31 cubic feet and 74 cubic feet, respectively.) Unlike many other EVs, there's no front trunk (frunk) under the hood.

In the passenger compartment, there are plenty of moderately sized pockets, bins and cupholders for your personal effects. There's also a wireless charging pad for your phone and a large tray under the center console that can accept larger items.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a four-door electric crossover with two rows of seats standard and an optional third row. There are three power levels to choose from: the single-motor rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ (355 horsepower, 419 lb-ft of torque); the dual-motor all-wheel-drive 450 4Matic (355 hp, 590 lb-ft) and the dual-motor AWD 580 4Matic (536 hp, 633 lb-ft). Once you choose a model, you can select from the following equipment trims:

Premium
The starting trim for the EQS SUV comes well equipped:

• 20-inch wheels (21-inch on EQS 580)
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 64-color ambient lighting
• Burmester 3D sound system featuring Dolby Atmos
• Power tilt and sliding panoramic sunroof
• Rear-axle steering
• 360-degree surround-view camera

Also standard is the Driver Assistance package with these features:

• Lane keeping assistance
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot warning with safe exit assist
• Lane departure mitigation and evasive steering assistance
• Automatic emergency braking assistance with cross-traffic detection

Exclusive
This midlevel model adds:

• Head-up display
• Upgraded heated front seats and massage function
• Four-zone climate control
• Cabin air purification and fragrance system
• Puddle lamps

Pinnacle
The top EQS SUV trim turns up the luxury with:

• Executive second-row seat package
• Second-row middle armrest with wireless charging
• Comfort rear headrests
• MBUX rear tablet