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First Look: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

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When it comes to fleshing out its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is on the fast track.

Mercedes EQS SUV camo front on sand
The new Mercedes EQS SUV rides on the same platform as the all-electric sedan.

The German automaker launched four BEVs last year, including its first long-range all-electric model for the U.S. market, the EQS sedan. By the end of this year, it plans to have nine in production worldwide, a line-up that will see it add an SUV version of the EQS.

Significantly, the EQS SUV will become the automaker’s first BEV to be assembled in the U.S., production set to begin at its sprawling plant near Birmingham, Alabama during the summer. And that’s where TheDetroitBureau.com was given the chance to ride shotgun in a heavily camouflaged version of the electric utility vehicle.

Most of the ride was spent maneuvering the challenging off-road track course that Mercedes set up for its conventional models. While it’s not the Rubicon Trail, it features plenty of mud, ruts and other obstacles and gave a clear indication that the EQS SUV will be capable of handling pretty much anything its buyers will throw at it.

Small differences

Mercedes EQS SUV camo rear sand testing
The new EQS sport-utility, shown here during extreme testing, is expected to arrive later this year.

The design of the all-electric SUV isn’t likely to surprise anyone who has already seen the Mercedes EQS sedan. Even with the robin’s egg blue camo it was clear the two share basic design elements — beyond the fact the off-roader has a big hatchback and adds significant height and ground clearance.

I was able to confirm both models ride on the same, skateboard-like platform, with identical wheelbases, though the engineer manning the wheel let slip that the EQS SUV is slightly shorter, nose-to-tail.

Inside, they are also largely identical, after considering the EQS SUV will be offered in two- and three-row configurations, the latter with seating for up to seven. I rode in the two-row model and could not get a sense of how much space back-row passengers will get. But the layout of the EQS, with all drivetrain components moved under the load floor, would suggest there will be plenty of space for everyone. That’s especially true since the SUV didn’t adopt the rounded, “one-bow” design of the sedan — which does compromise back row headroom a bit.

Mercedes EQS SUV interior
The EQS SUV offers comfort and space for up to seven people.

The SUV’s instrument panel is essentially identical to the sedan’s, my ride featuring the Mercedes Hyperscreen stretching pillar-to-pillar and including a modest-sized screen for the passenger. The utility vehicle does add some unique features for those who do go off-roading, including gauges showing approach, departure and roll angles.

It also shows how power is being distributed, a useful feature when you’re clambering across mud, ruts and moguls.

What we don’t know for sure

Mercedes has yet to confirm specific powertrain details but officials have broadly hinted there will be multiple options, in line with the sedan.

Mercedes EQS SUV touchscreen
The SUV’s instrument panel is essentially identical to the sed
an’s, with the Mercedes Hyperscreen stretching pillar-to-pillar.

As TheDetroitBureau.com noted in a review of the four-door model, the “base” EQS 450+ features a single, rear-mounted electric motor generating 329 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Stepping up, the EQS 580 4Matic adds a second motor on the front axle and bumps combined power up to a peak 516 hp and 611 lb-ft. That’s enough to launch the BEV from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, about 1.8 seconds quicker than with the 450+. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

My pilot stressed that while the basic powertrain hardware has not been changed for the SUV, there will be software tweaks that could change the above power and performance numbers. And you can certainly anticipate different range numbers.

In the EQS sedan, the 108 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack delivers an EPA-estimated range of 350 miles with the EQS 450+. Despite the added motor and significant boost in power, range drops just 10 miles, to 340 per charge, with the EQS 580.

Mercedes EQ SUV rear seats
The Mercedes EQS SUV comes in two- and three-row versions.

Charging, however, should be identical — or nearly so — in both models. The EQS sedan, we know sees its battery pack go from a 10% state-of-charge to 80% in 31 minutes using one of the newer 400V DC public quick-chargers. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, a motorist can go from drained to fully charged in a bit over 11 hours.

A proficient off-roader

A couple final notes: the EQS SUV will come exclusively with an air suspension. And all versions will feature rear-wheel steering, with the back wheels able to turn a significant 10 degrees. That will offer numerous advantages. On-road, it will be able to maneuver more nimbly than its size would suggest in urban environments. And the system will enhance high-speed handling.

During the off-road test drive, meanwhile, I found the system let it take corners like a significantly smaller vehicle, a useful feature when negotiating tight trails. Add the Mercedes version of off-road features like hill descent control and the EQS SUV proved surprisingly adept at off-roading.

We’ll find out a lot more about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV during its virtual debut on April 19. Expect production to begin over the summer, the electric ute to go on sale in the U.S. sometime in autumn.

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