Mercedes-Benz confirms EQS SUV price and specifications

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has confirmed pricing and specification for the EQS SUV which will be on sale in dealerships from September 14.

One version of the all-electric seven seat family car will be available to Kiwi buyers, the EQS 450 4Matic SUV priced at $196,500.

The Comfort Plus Package adds $11,700 the MBUX Hyperscreen Package adds $6,700 and upgrading the rear-axle steering to 10 per cent steering angle adjustment adds $2,900.

The EQS 450 4Matic SUV utilises an all-wheel-drive system to distribute drive torque to e-motors mounted on the front and rear axles. Up to 265 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque generate exceptional responsiveness, while a large on board battery offers up to 592 km (NEDC) driving range from a single charge.

It joins the local Mercedes-Benz range and arrives at the same time as the all-electric EQE SUV range. Both sit on the same electrified platform used by Mercedes-EQ for its medium and large electric vehicles.

Key differentiations are the third row of seating in the EQS SUV, bringing total seating capacity to seven, as well as a longer wheelbase for even more cabin space and extra cargo capacity.

At 5125 mm long, 1950 mm wide and 1718 mm in height, the EQS SUV is 262 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 32 mm taller than the EQE SUV. The wheelbase is 180 mm longer, much of which is deployed to the second row of seats. With the second row able to slide fore and aft a total of 130 mm by electronic adjustment, extra legroom can be apportioned between the second and third rows as needed. In addition, the second row backrests can be reclined electrically (14 degrees to the front, 4 to the rear.)

The EQS 450 4Matic SUV is also well equipped to accommodate luggage – with the second row in place, cargo capacity ranges between 645 and 880 litres. With all seats folded down, usable space increases to a maximum of 2100 litres. Meanwhile, with all seven seats in use across three rows, a 195-litre cargo capacity remains available. 

Two charging cables supplied as standard (one for use with standard 240-volt household plugs, and another for AC chargers) can be stowed in bags in a dedicated storage space beneath the cargo area floor.

The second row of seats has a 40:20:40 split, and an easy entry function electrically slides the second-row backrest forward up to 290 mm to provide a clear path for third row occupants to enter and exit.

The chassis has a four-link axle at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, while air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is standard and allows the vehicle level to be raised by several centimetres.

Rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees is fitted as standard, providing extra manoeuvrability in the city and greater stability as speeds rise. An upgrade adding up to 10 degrees of steering angle is optionally available.

A simplified interior layout minimises the number of buttons and switches in favour of a portrait- style centre screen incorporating the MBUX infotainment system. This utilises ‘zero-layer’ technology, which places the most-needed functions within easy reach via the 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. Another 12.3-inch OLED screen for the driver is customisable, as is the standard Head-Up Display (HUD). The MBUX navigation system includes augmented reality, overlaying virtual signals over a camera image showing upcoming road conditions.

An electrically operating glass panoramic sunroof is standard, while Active Ambient Lighting can be displayed with a choice of 64 colours and 10 colour schemes.

The standard AMG Line includes exterior enhancements such as the AMG- specific front bumper with the lower section in high-gloss black, wheel arch linings and side sill panels also in high- gloss black, and an AMG-specific rear apron. 

The EQS SUV is fitted as standard with aluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubberised studs, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in back with a high-sheen finish, and heat-insulating dark privacy glass for the rear windows. A choice of six metallic paint finishes are included.