The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV stands as a pinnacle of luxury, innovation, and sustainability in the electric vehicle (EV) market, embodying the German automaker’s commitment to redefining premium mobility. Launched as part of the EQ lineup, this full-size luxury crossover SUV combines the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand with cutting-edge electric technology. Unveiled globally on April 19, 2022, the EQS SUV is designed to cater to discerning customers who seek a spacious, tech-laden vehicle without compromising on environmental responsibility. Positioned as the SUV counterpart to the EQS sedan, it offers an electrified alternative to the gasoline-powered GLS, blending practicality with opulence. Available in both 5- and 7-seater configurations, the EQS SUV appeals to families and luxury enthusiasts alike, delivering a seamless fusion of performance, comfort, and advanced features.
Built on the dedicated Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA2) platform, the EQS SUV showcases Mercedes-Benz’s forward-thinking approach to electrification. It promises an impressive range, rapid charging capabilities, and a host of driver-assistance technologies, making it a standout in the burgeoning EV segment. With its sleek aerodynamic design, plush interiors, and powerful electric powertrains, this SUV is not just a vehicle but a statement of intent from Mercedes-Benz to lead the charge toward a sustainable automotive future. In this detailed exploration, we’ll dive into its technical specifications, variants, pricing in metro cities, and how it stacks up against its close competitors.
Technical Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, efficiency, and luxury, with specifications that cater to a variety of driving needs. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing its technical details, sourced from reputable platforms like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, with key figures verified for accuracy as of March 22, 2025.
| Specification | EQS 450+ | EQS 450 4MATIC | EQS 580 4MATIC | Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single Electric Motor (RWD) | Dual Electric Motors (AWD) | Dual Electric Motors (AWD) | Dual Electric Motors (AWD) |
| Power Output | 355 hp (265 kW) | 355 hp (265 kW) | 536 hp (400 kW) | 649 hp (484 kW) |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 800 Nm | 858 Nm | 950 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 118 kWh | 118 kWh | 118 kWh | 118 kWh |
| Range (ARAI/WLTP) | Up to 729.5 km (ARAI) | Up to 650 km (ARAI) | Up to 729.5 km (ARAI) | Up to 600 km (WLTP) |
| Top Speed | 210 kmph | 210 kmph | 210 kmph | 210 kmph |
| 0-100 kmph | 6.7 seconds | 6.2 seconds | 4.7 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Charging (DC Fast) | 200 kW (10-80% in 31 min) | 200 kW (10-80% in 31 min) | 200 kW (10-80% in 31 min) | 200 kW (10-80% in 31 min) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5136 mm x 1965 mm x 1718 mm | 5136 mm x 1965 mm x 1718 mm | 5136 mm x 1965 mm x 1718 mm | 5136 mm x 1965 mm x 1721 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3210 mm | 3210 mm | 3210 mm | 3210 mm |
| Ground Clearance | Adjustable (via air suspension) | Adjustable (via air suspension) | Adjustable (via air suspension) | Adjustable (via air suspension) |
| Kerb Weight | ~2,600 kg | ~2,650 kg | ~2,700 kg | ~2,800 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 or 7 | 5 or 7 | 5 or 7 | 4 or 5 |
| Boot Space | 645-2,100 liters (configurable) | 645-2,100 liters (configurable) | 645-2,100 liters (configurable) | 440-2,100 liters (configurable) |
Note: Specifications may vary slightly based on region and updates from Mercedes-Benz. The Maybach variant includes additional luxury enhancements.
Variants
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is offered in multiple variants to suit different preferences, from efficiency-focused models to ultra-luxury options. Below is a table detailing the available variants, their key features, and their positioning in the lineup.
| Variant | Key Features | Drive Type | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQS 450+ | Single motor, RWD, highest range, base luxury features | RWD | Efficiency-conscious luxury buyers |
| EQS 450 4MATIC | Dual motors, AWD, improved torque, enhanced traction | AWD | Performance and all-weather drivers |
| EQS 580 4MATIC | Dual motors, AWD, higher power output, premium features like massaging seats and Hyperscreen | AWD | Luxury and performance enthusiasts |
| Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 | Dual motors, AWD, ultra-luxury with Maybach-specific interiors, exclusive design elements | AWD | Elite buyers seeking ultimate luxury |
In India, the EQS 580 4MATIC is the primary variant available, launched at Rs. 1.41 crore (ex-showroom), with the EQS 450 introduced later at Rs. 1.28 crore. The Maybach EQS 680, unveiled in April 2023, caters to the ultra-premium segment globally but is yet to be officially launched in India as of March 2025.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV varies across metro cities in India due to differences in taxes, registration fees, and insurance costs. Below is a table showcasing the on-road prices for the EQS 580 4MATIC (the most widely available variant in India) as of March 22, 2025, sourced from CarWale and CarDekho.
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (Rs.) | On-Road Price (Rs.) | Additional Costs (RTO + Insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1.41 Crore | 1.49 Crore | ~8-10 Lakh |
| Mumbai | 1.41 Crore | 1.49 Crore | ~8-10 Lakh |
| Bangalore | 1.41 Crore | 1.51 Crore | ~10-12 Lakh |
| Chennai | 1.41 Crore | 1.50 Crore | ~9-11 Lakh |
| Kolkata | 1.41 Crore | 1.50 Crore | ~9-11 Lakh |
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change based on dealership offers, additional accessories, and government incentives for EVs. The EQS 450 starts at Rs. 1.28 crore (ex-showroom), with on-road prices ranging from Rs. 1.35 crore to Rs. 1.40 crore depending on the city.
About Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Design and Aerodynamics
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a masterclass in automotive design, blending aesthetics with functionality. Its exterior is characterized by a sleek, aerodynamic profile, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.26, which enhances efficiency and range. The front fascia features a blanked-off grille—a hallmark of the EQ lineup—flanked by Digital Light headlamps that adapt to road conditions. The smooth, flowing lines and raked windscreen minimize air resistance, while the rear diffuser and underbody spoilers further optimize airflow. Measuring over 5 meters in length, the EQS SUV exudes a commanding presence, yet its proportions are balanced by a stubby bonnet and short overhangs, maximizing interior space.
Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of luxury, with premium materials like leather, wood, and soft-touch surfaces dominating the design. The centerpiece is the optional MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56-inch glass panel housing three OLED displays: a 17.7-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch driver display, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. This futuristic interface offers intuitive controls, augmented reality navigation, and over-the-air updates. Rear-seat passengers aren’t left out, with dual 11.6-inch screens and a 7.4-inch armrest tablet available in higher trims. The Maybach EQS 680 elevates this further with Nappa leather, contrast stitching, and exclusive Maybach badging, catering to those who demand the utmost in opulence.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood—or rather, beneath the floor—the EQS SUV houses a robust 118 kWh battery pack, delivering power to electric motors that vary by variant. The EQS 580 4MATIC, for instance, churns out 536 hp and 858 Nm of torque, propelling this 2.7-ton behemoth from 0-100 kmph in just 4.7 seconds—a feat that defies its size. The Maybach EQS 680 ups the ante with 649 hp and 950 Nm, shaving the sprint time to 4.4 seconds. Even the base EQS 450+, with its rear-wheel-drive setup, offers a respectable 355 hp and a range-focused efficiency that achieves up to 729.5 km (ARAI-certified).
Driving the EQS SUV is a revelation. Despite its heft, it feels agile, thanks to the rear-axle steering system with a 10-degree angle, reducing the turning circle to a compact-car-like 11 meters. The air suspension adjusts ride height and stiffness across modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road—ensuring a plush ride on city streets and stability on highways. The throttle response is instantaneous, and the regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, enhances efficiency by recapturing energy. In India, where road conditions can be unpredictable, the adjustable ground clearance proves invaluable, though the ADAS suite is best reserved for well-marked highways due to the chaotic nature of urban traffic.
Features and Technology
The EQS SUV is a technological tour de force, packed with features that elevate comfort, safety, and connectivity. The MBUX Hyperscreen is the star, offering voice-activated controls (“Hey Mercedes”), gesture recognition, and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system for an immersive audio experience. Climate control is managed via a 4-zone system with an air purifier, while the front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions. A panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, and the Digital Light system projects warnings or navigation cues onto the road.
Safety is paramount, with up to 11 airbags, including rare rear frontal airbags, and a comprehensive Level 2+ ADAS suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous parking. The EQS SUV earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in December 2023, underscoring its crashworthiness. For practicality, the boot offers 645 liters with the third row up, expanding to 2,100 liters when folded, making it ideal for long trips or family outings.
Charging and Range
Range anxiety is a non-issue with the EQS SUV, thanks to its 118 kWh battery. The EQS 580 4MATIC delivers an ARAI-claimed range of 729.5 km, while the Maybach EQS 680 offers up to 600 km (WLTP) due to its added weight and luxury features. Real-world figures hover around 500-600 km, depending on driving conditions and climate control usage. Charging is swift, with 200 kW DC fast charging replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes—perfect for pit stops on inter-city drives. An 11 kW AC charger takes about 10 hours for a full charge, with an optional 22 kW upgrade halving that time.
Market Positioning and Ownership Experience
In India, the EQS SUV is positioned as a flagship electric offering from Mercedes-Benz, competing in the luxury EV segment where infrastructure is still evolving. Priced between Rs. 1.28 crore and Rs. 1.43 crore (ex-showroom), it undercuts the gasoline-powered GLS while offering superior tech and zero-emission credentials. Mercedes-Benz backs it with a 10-year/155,000-mile battery warranty, two years of free maintenance, and complimentary 30-minute sessions at Electrify America fast chargers (where available). However, the lack of a widespread charging network in India remains a challenge, requiring owners to rely on home charging setups or plan routes carefully.
Close Competitors
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV faces stiff competition in the luxury electric SUV market. Here’s how it stacks up against its key rivals:
BMW iX
The BMW iX xDrive50, priced at Rs. 1.40 crore (ex-showroom), is a direct rival with a 76.6 kWh battery and a range of 635 km (WLTP). It offers 516 hp and a 0-100 kmph time of 4.6 seconds, closely matching the EQS 580’s performance. However, its polarizing design and smaller 535-liter boot pale against the EQS SUV’s elegance and cargo capacity. The iX excels in sporty handling but lacks the EQS’s rear-seat screens and ultra-luxury Maybach option.
Audi Q8 e-tron
Priced at Rs. 1.15 crore (ex-showroom), the Audi Q8 e-tron is a more affordable contender with a 114 kWh battery and a 582 km (WLTP) range. Its dual-motor setup produces 402 hp, lagging behind the EQS 580 in power and acceleration (0-100 kmph in 5.6 seconds). The Q8 e-tron offers a refined ride and a 669-liter boot, but its interior tech and luxury quotient don’t match the EQS SUV’s Hyperscreen or Maybach exclusivity.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X, starting at around Rs. 1.50 crore (estimated in India), is the performance king with up to 670 hp and a 0-100 kmph time of 2.5 seconds in Plaid guise. Its 100 kWh battery delivers a 560 km (EPA) range, trailing the EQS SUV. The Model X’s falcon-wing doors and minimalist interior appeal to tech enthusiasts, but its build quality and luxury refinement fall short of Mercedes-Benz standards.
Comparison Insights
The EQS SUV shines in range, luxury, and interior space, outpacing the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron in comfort and tech. Against the Tesla Model X, it trades raw acceleration for a more polished, opulent experience. The Maybach EQS 680 further distances it from competitors, offering a chauffeured luxury unmatched in the segment.
Final Thoughts!
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a triumph of engineering and design, blending electric efficiency with the brand’s hallmark luxury. Its variants cater to a wide audience, from efficiency seekers to ultra-luxury connoisseurs, while its pricing reflects its premium positioning. In metro cities, it commands a steep but justified price for the technology and prestige it delivers. Against competitors, it holds its own with superior range, a plush cabin, and innovative features, making it a top choice for those ready to embrace the future of luxury motoring. Whether navigating urban jungles or cruising highways, the EQS SUV redefines what an electric SUV can be—a beacon of sustainability wrapped in unparalleled sophistication.
