2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Ride-Along – The factory was retooled recently to be able to accommodate the traditional Mercedes SUVs, such as the GLE and GLS classes as well as the EQE and EQS-electric. In the next few months, production is expected to resume for the latter. Both models will feature lithium-ion batteries manufactured at the new Bibb County battery plant. The EV SUVs are the foundation for a variety of new all-electric models featuring Mercedes EQ brandings, such as the EQB SUV and EQE sedan.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Ride-Along Review
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Ride-Along Review
Despite not disclosing many details about the new EQS SUV by the company, we were able to witness it on the offroad course. We also got our first up-close-and-personal look at its undisguised interior, from the front passenger seat, at least. We were impressed with the vehicle’s interior, even though our initial impressions were not as good as we expected. This is likely to be used on trails more often than Jeep Wranglers.
Performance
The EQS SUV shares a platform with the EQS sedan and a wheelbase. This is the second EQ model and the first SUV built on the modular EVO 2 platform. It measures 126.4 inches between its axles and draws power from a 107.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The vehicle was equipped with an all-wheel-drive dual-motor configuration and undisclosed output. It will likely have the same output as the EQS580 sedan with 516 horsepower and 631 pound-feet torque, we believe.
New Design
The prototype EQS UTV was not available for launches or fast runs. We ran a few laps on a well-paved track. Standard air suspension provided a smooth ride and quiet cabin. The 21-inch wheels on our sample chariot had 275/45 front Pirelli Sottozero all-season tires and 285/45 rear Pirelli Sottozero all-season tires. The tire’s thick sidewalls provided plenty of cushioning and handling without any issues despite the large rims. The ride was not as intense as someone trying to find a Target parking space. We thought it was time to showcase the 56-inch Hyperscreen on our EQS SUV. This is an optional feature, and it’s not standard. The EQS SUV’s hyper screen can play live video, despite being a spectacular display. The headset is all that’s required to use it. The monitoring system detects a driver looking at the screen and will turn the screen off to ensure safety regulations have been met. Strangely, however, the driver was able to interact with other menus on the passenger screen while driving.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Ride-Along
Instead of looking at the entire infotainment system in detail, we watched the driver change the EQS SUV’s drive mode from Normal to Off-Road. We will wait to see if the suspension is raised to its maximum height. This also alters the characteristics of both the powertrain and the stability-control system. We then climbed up the hill until we reached a bank that lead down to some standing waters. The EQS climbed slowly down the hill to reach a bank that led to some standing water. It then climbed a 42-degree incline, as indicated by an in-dash inclinometer, without any drama or wheelspin. The EQS’s ability to maneuver along the narrow, winding path was the most impressive feat. It could travel as far as 2.5m (8.2ft), at times, according to our sources. To aid in the machine’s maneuverability, standard rear-axle steering was used. It rotates the rear wheels at a maximum angle of 10 degrees.
Interior
A prototype EQS SUV was provided with an untinted interior. It was the first time Mercedes has offered such an interior. Mercedes claims that the interior design is nearly identical to the EQS sedan’s, but there is more headroom. The SUV version has a second row and seven seats, which is not the case with its sedan sibling. The cabin’s quality and design impressed us. We are less impressed by the absence of physical switchgear. Nearly every control on the EQS SUV is touch-sensitive. It is difficult to imagine a world where buttons and knobs could be separated from their function.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Ride-Along Specs
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Ride-Along Revealed
Mercedes will unveil the 2023 EQS SUV on April 19. The SUV will be much more popular than its sedan counterpart, as it has less competition than the BMW iX and Tesla Model X. We expect that it will produce an AMG-tuned and Maybach ultra-luxurious model if the concept is any indication.
