Mercedes EQS SUV review, first drive: An electric palace on wheels

There is something about the Mercedes-Benz ‘S’ badge that makes every comfort seeker turn to it. Back then, the EQS sedan was that gateway for those looking to go green. However, SUVs are trending in India and many wanted the same features and luxuries found in the Mercedes-Benz EQS in an SUV package. Here is the EQS SUV. Priced at a whopping Rs 1.41 crore (ex-showroom), this electric SUV has a lot to offer. Here is what it offers and how it feels to drive and ride.

Mercedes EQS SUV: Design, dimensions and exterior features

The EQS SUV is a fairly large vehicle. It’s 5,136 mm long, 1,965 mm wide and 1,718 mm high. Its wheelbase is also quite long: 3,210 mm. But this big SUV has the stylish exterior design that has become synonymous with Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The front end is dominated by connected high-performance LED headlights and in the middle is a black-panel grille with a star motif sprinkled all over. The bumpers, on the other hand, not only look good, they also add aerodynamic aids that definitely come in handy in EVs.

Viewed from the profile, the EQS SUV features clean lines that are further accentuated by the recessed door handles. Meanwhile, large windows ensure a spacious and bright cabin. Even the massive 21-inch wheels are designed to deceive the air better. At the rear, connected LED taillights add to the SUV’s appeal, while the spoiler and rear bumper contribute to the SUV’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Mercedes EQS SUV: Interior, features and more

There’s a sense of solidity when you open the door. The cabin is covered in light colours that make the interior feel much brighter. But what’s quite bright are the triple screens on the dashboard. The dashboard is a 12.3-inch unit and so is the one on the passenger side. The centre screen is a mega 17.7-inch unit that handles all the vital functions of the car. It also operates the massage functions available for the front seat passengers. In addition, it also operates the magnificent 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround system. It also shows feeds from the 360 ​​cameras, which work wonders and help this big SUV manoeuvre in tight spaces. Then there’s plenty of space in the centre console for emptying pockets and wirelessly charging mobile devices. Under the console is a storage tray, made possible thanks to the flat floor found in EVs. Finally, the steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather and is also superbly finished.

Mercedes EQS SUV: Backseat and third row explained

For most buyers, this is where it should be. So Mercedes-Benz has made sure everything is exactly as it should be. The seats are extremely comfortable and come with cushions to increase comfort levels. The seats are also heated and I wish they were cooled. They are also electrically adjustable for optimum comfort. The middle seat doubles as an armrest and houses a wireless charging pad and a small tablet that can be electrically placed in a designated spot. Mercedes-Benz also offers dual wireless headphones that can be connected to the twin 11.6-inch screens offered for rear seat passengers.

Being a three-row SUV certainly adds to the EQS SUV’s accolades. Access is from the second row, and let’s tell you, it’s certainly not the best place to be in. But considering the amount of space it offers, city commutes are definitely possible.

But what really makes a difference is that the two rear seats can be folded down to open up a huge amount of luggage space. The third row requires manual folding, while the second row can be operated electrically via buttons located in the boot. The trunk lid also supports hands-free functionality.

Mercedes EQS SUV: Battery pack, range and charging

The 122kWh battery provides enough power to give the EQS SUV a mega ARAI-certified range of 809km, which is great. On the other hand, an AC charger can charge the battery in 6.25 hours, while a DC fast charger can charge the battery up to 80% in just 31 minutes.

Mercedes EQS SUV: How does it drive and travel?

The SUV’s true size is immediately apparent from the driver’s seat. However, once you start moving, everything changes. Twin electric motors deliver a healthy 400kW of power and 858Nm of torque, allowing this big SUV to accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. With that in mind, a top speed of 210km/h isn’t surprising either. But this isn’t an SUV built for drag racing. It’s built to keep both driver and passenger comfortable, and the EQS SUV delivers. It cruises smoothly down the road, be it road noise or undulations, with no one inside feeling any discomfort. The air suspension soaks up everything thrown at the car, and the rear passengers in particular feel nothing. The whole feeling is complemented by the steering, which is light yet responsive. The highlight here is the four-wheel steering, which allows the driver to turn this big SUV around in tight spaces and even park in places that would otherwise feel impossible. The EQS SUV also comes with a lift mode where the SUV rises up and gets ready to tackle even the biggest speed bumps that Indian roads throw at it. Then when the speeds pick up, the SUV sits back down and makes itself as aerodynamic as possible.

Mercedes EQS SUV: Verdict

There’s no doubt that the EQS SUV is an incredible proposition. It’s big, luxurious, comfortable and feature-rich. The big battery pack offers commendable range and the engines are ready to make the SUV perform like many would-be fast cars. But the real question here is how well the SUV’s DNA marries with the sedan format, offering the best of both worlds.