2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450+

The advent of SUVs capable of sub-4-second 0-60 times feels like more of a gimmick than a true value-adding proposition in this segment. Mercifully, Mercedes doesn't rely on the novelty of party-trick acceleration to do its bidding with the EQS SUV. Here's a vehicle that feels fit for luxury SUV duty: It's silent, rides like a dream, and makes you feel like you're in something special. It rivals the best vehicles sold today in tech and driver aids. And perhaps most importantly, it offers huge range and charges quickly — matters that do, in fact, affect its long-term desirability. As proof, our test vehicle, the most efficient EQS 450+ SUV trim, traveled more than 400 miles on a full charge — better than any electric SUV we've tested as of this writing.

Take a look at Rivian's R1S, BMW's iX and Cadillac's Lyriq, the latter of which starts for about half the cost of the Benz, demonstrating the huge range of pricing in the segment. The EQS is easily the most luxury-oriented of the three and the iX M60 is the most athletic. The Rivian proffers a balance of cargo space and off-road ability with a tint of luxury. And it also comes standard with a small third row. And then there's the granddaddy of the segment, the Tesla Model X, which is happy to entertain you with ridiculous acceleration and bizarre rear doors, even as it manages to be fairly practical otherwise.