2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

Mercedes is making a brash entrance into the large EV market, banking on the brand's signature style and indulgence. We got behind the wheel to find out whether this flex ends with muscle or mishaps.

Thankfully the EQS SUV is up for the job. Acceleration feels plenty powerful in the 450 4Matic (which produces 355 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque) and a touch more vigorous with the 536-hp 580. However, both are a step removed from the savage acceleration of its Tesla competitors. Steering is responsive and fluid, aided by the vehicle's ability to turn the rear wheels (more on that in the off-roading section below). The EQS SUV is equipped with powerful brakes that can stop it in a hurry and regenerate loads of power to be stored in the battery for later use. But there's also reverb deep in the pedal under hard stops and a cushy sensation periodically around town. Far from an athlete, the EQS SUV is lively in spite of its size and best when driven naturally.

Both EQS SUV models have DC fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kW. Mercedes says you can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes, or add about 186 miles in only 15 minutes. EQS owners will benefit from two years of free charging on the Electrify America network, as long as you access it through the Mercedes Me charge service. That service also allows for charging on other networks, simplifying the payment process through one account, and at select Plug and Charge stations, you won't even need to swipe your card.

It's a bit surprising, however, that small undulations in the road are more noticeable. While the air suspension evens out larger dips, the enormous wheels of the EQS SUV transmit small cracks and bumps into the cabin frequently. We tested a model with 21-inch wheels and a 45 sidewall rating, which are quite large tires with room to flex and absorb. Still there were trembles, perhaps exaggerated by the smoothness of the air suspension. Regardless, the EQS SUV is impeccably quiet inside. You will notice a touch of wind noise, owing to the lack of an engine to drown it out, but noise from the road is absent and we observed no rattling or squeaking panels inside. This is a level of comfort worth its price tag — provided you're OK with minor vibrations.

The seats themselves? Excellent. Soft, authentic leather surfacing hides ample cushioning underneath. The seat bottoms are surprisingly wide, but pronounced bolsters hold your thighs and sides in place through the turns. Lumbar support must be controlled through the touchscreen (or passenger display, if you have the Hyperscreen), which is annoying. Another small frustration is the adjusting needed to find a good seating position, given the steering wheel must be high enough to see the digital driver display below its outer rim. Take a moment or two to experiment before setting off. Overall space inside, though, is abundant. There's plenty of room in the first two rows for adults 6 feet or taller. The second row folds down with one-touch power access to climb into the optional third row. Make no mistake — it's for kids only. But at least no manual labor is required.

Back to the screens. Mercedes includes as standard augmented reality navigation, updated to clearly transpose arrows and other graphics atop a forward-facing camera view to quite literally guide you to destinations. As an optional feature you can also have this system installed in the head-up display. The overall effect is charming and helpful, though it takes some practice making on-the-fly decisions in unfamiliar areas. As for the Hyperscreen specifically, the center display is dramatically larger than the standard touchscreen and presents a world of information to the driver. Without question, it's impressive — but at what point is there too much? It can be difficult to train your eye to find the info you want, having to wade through all the info you see. We also criticize Tesla for hiding nearly all vehicle functions in the screen, and while the EQS SUV does have some physical buttons and you can adjust the mirrors and air vents without digging into MBUX, the sheer amount of adjustability within the screen is dizzying. But again, there's no denying the Hyperscreen's flair. Passengers can research locations and toss directions to the center display, adjust any number of vehicle functions, or research detailed electric energy infographics in real time. It's remarkable. It's also overwhelming.

In the passenger compartment, there are plenty of moderately sized pockets, bins and cupholders for your personal effects. There's also a wireless charging pad for your phone and a large tray under the center console that can accept larger items.

Premium
The starting trim for the EQS SUV comes well equipped:

• 20-inch wheels (21-inch on EQS 580)
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 64-color ambient lighting
• Burmester 3D sound system featuring Dolby Atmos
• Power tilt and sliding panoramic sunroof
• Rear-axle steering
• 360-degree surround-view camera

Also standard is the Driver Assistance package with these features:

• Lane keeping assistance
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot warning with safe exit assist
• Lane departure mitigation and evasive steering assistance
• Automatic emergency braking assistance with cross-traffic detection

Exclusive
This midlevel model adds:

• Head-up display
• Upgraded heated front seats and massage function
• Four-zone climate control
• Cabin air purification and fragrance system
• Puddle lamps

Pinnacle
The top EQS SUV trim turns up the luxury with:

• Executive second-row seat package
• Second-row middle armrest with wireless charging
• Comfort rear headrests
• MBUX rear tablet