EQS SUV launched at Crafted for the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Showcase at Raffles City Shopping Centre.
‘Twas at Mercedes-Benz’s pop-up space at #01-01 Raffles City Shopping Centre called Crafted for the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Showcase that the new EQS SUV was launched. This electric vehicle (EV) also sees the convergence of luxury, technology and sustainability. Visitors can experience the EQS SUV and check out the sustainability-focused installations composed of upcycled auto parts and waste materials from 1-3 September 2023.
Two variants will be available initially – EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Electric Art and EQS 450 4MATIC SUV AMG Line – depending on whether one prefers a classic and elegant or sportier look. A claimed WLTP consumption of 20.5kWh/100km and range of up to 610km from its 108.4kW battery pack is helped by its very slippery 0.26Cd drag coefficient.
The battery pack powers two electric motors to put down 360hp and 800Nm of torque to all four wheels, dusting off 0-100km/h in six seconds flat and on to a top speed of 210km/h. All in the lap of luxury.
A DC fast-charging system is fitted on-board, enabling a maximum charge rate of 200kW which allows for 250km of range to be added in just 15 minutes. Based on my own experience with the EQE 350+ AMG Line, I’d guesstimate just over an hour to charge the battery pack to full from around 20% at a 100kW DC charger – perfect for a dinnertime juice-up. On AC, a maximum of 22kW charging is available.
AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping is standard fit, and this SUV can be raised by a further 25mm for added ground clearance when soft-roading. Rear-axle steering is standard and turns the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees, either in tandem with the front wheels for added high-speed stability or in opposition to reducing the turning circle in tight spaces.
Also standard is the Parking Package with 360° camera which helps with manoeuvring in tight spaces and Active Parking Assist which can smartly park the EQS SUV in carparks, alleviating worries about the size of this vehicle.
Boot space is something that families and golfers alike will appreciate. With the third row of seats up, 195 litres of carrying capacity is available. Knock that third row down and 645 litres of space is freed up. Slide the second row forward and 880 litres means up to four golf bags can be carried. Fold the second row down and 2020-litres of minivan-like capaciousness is liberated.
Luxury doesn’t mean practicality has to be sacrificed.
THERMOTRONIC five-zone climate control is standard fit, and rearmost passengers can set temperature and ventilation intensity independently of the other zones. Passengers in the second row have two zones of climate control, as do the front occupants. Everyone can be nice and cool in the EQS SUV.
MBUX is now in its second generation and features artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the software to learn and adapt to its occupant’s preferences and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.
A new zero-layer design means sub-menus and voice commands are a thing of the past since applications are situationally and contextually offered on the top level in the field of view.
Dolby Atmos takes centre stage (see what I did there ha ha) with the optional Burmester sound system, and in conjunction with Apple Music’s Spatial Audio, takes in-car audio to a whole new level. Revel in your favourite tunes while being enthralled by how music sounds far better than in any concert hall.
More to come when we drive the EQS SUV. Watch this space.
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