Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a full-size luxury all-electric SUV built on the brand's dedicated EVA2 platform, serving as the flagship SUV of the EQ family. Making its global debut in April 2022 as the high-riding counterpart to the EQS sedan, it goes head-to-head with key rivals such as the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron. In September 2025, Mercedes-Benz expanded the range with the EQS SUV 500 4MATIC; for 2026, the EQS SUV line-up underwent a major product strategy revision, dropping the single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant to make dual-motor all-wheel drive standard across the entire range. In addition, the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV debuted during the same period, pushing the model hierarchy even further upmarket.

Design Language

The EQS SUV adopts the EQ family's signature "Progressive Luxury" design philosophy. Up front, it features a prominent "Black Panel" sealed grille adorned with an intricate three-dimensional three-pointed star pattern. Seamlessly integrated with the grille are the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, each packing 1.3 million micro-mirrors to deliver ultra-precise beam distribution and a distinctive "meteor shower" dynamic lighting animation upon unlocking. This model also marks the first application of Mercedes-Benz's aerodynamic "one-bow" silhouette to a full-size SUV—combining a cab-forward stance with seamless body surfacing to deliver sleek contours while achieving an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26 Cd. At the rear, a continuous 3D helix-design LED light band visually broadens the vehicle's stance. Dimensionally, it measures 5,137 mm in length, 2,034 mm in width, and 1,721 mm in height, riding on an expansive 3,210 mm wheelbase. Buyers can choose between the Electric Art and AMG Line styling packages. Inside, the EQS SUV offers seven curated cabin colour themes, trimmed with premium leather and genuine fine wood to heighten its luxurious ambience. Open-pore wood veneers accent the centre console and door panels, while the rest of the cabin is finished in high-grade leather and tactile soft-touch surfaces.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire EQS SUV range is powered by dual permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) paired with the 4MATIC intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The EQS SUV 500 4MATIC, introduced in September 2025, produces a combined output of 330 kW (approx. 449 hp) and a peak torque of 828 Nm, dispatching the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds. Energy is supplied by a massive 122 kWh battery pack, providing a pure electric range of up to 777 km under the CLTC cycle. Via DC fast charging, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes. For the 2026 model year, the nomenclature was streamlined—the EQS 450 4MATIC was renamed the EQS 400 4MATIC, while the EQS 580 4MATIC became the EQS 550 4MATIC. Meanwhile, the flagship Maybach EQS 680 SUV features a tuned dual-motor setup delivering 658 hp (approx. 484 kW) and 950 Nm of torque, offering a claimed driving range of 611 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by the dedicated EVA electric platform, the EQS SUV utilises a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension setup. AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adaptive damping comes standard across the range. Rear-axle steering is standard fitment, providing up to 10 degrees of steering angle in both directions to reduce the turning circle of this 5.1-metre-plus SUV to just 11 metres. Customers can also specify an optional rear-axle steering system offering up to 10° of articulation. In OFFROAD mode, the air suspension automatically increases ride height, while the 4MATIC system optimizes torque distribution to tackle rough terrain. Furthermore, the 2026 EQS SUV comes standard with a NACS adapter across the line-up, granting access to Tesla Supercharger networks.

Cabin and Features

The centrepiece of the EQS SUV's cabin is the state-of-the-art MBUX Hyperscreen—a sweeping 141-cm curved glass display that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central OLED infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated 12.3-inch OLED front passenger display. The system runs the latest MBUX infotainment software with AI-driven learning capabilities. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather, with the front seats offering heating, ventilation, and multi-way electric adjustment with memory, lumbar, and under-thigh support. A five-seater layout is standard, with an optional third row available to provide seven seats; the five-seat variant delivers an expansive boot capacity of up to 2,100 litres. The second-row seats feature power adjustment for both fore-and-aft slide and backrest angle. Convenience features include 64-colour active ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and multiple high-output USB Type-C ports. The 2026 model further upgraded the second row with standard seat heating, wireless charging pads, plush comfort headrests, and rear side airbags.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The EQS SUV comes comprehensive equipped with active and passive safety technologies. Passive safety is anchored by a network of 9 airbags fitted throughout the cabin. On the active safety front, it features Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist (with cross-traffic and pedestrian detection), Active Blind Spot Assist (with exit warning), and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system and PRE-SAFE PLUS rear-end collision protection come as standard. Advanced driver assistance systems also include Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and Active Stop-and-Go Assist for heavy traffic. A 360-degree surround-view camera and Active Parking Assist with front and rear sensors are standard across all variants. For illumination, the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps incorporate adaptive high-beam assist and active cornering light functions.

Market Performance and Reception

In the Chinese market, the EQS SUV is offered in a single EQS 500 4MATIC variant with an official retail price of RM910,500. Amid competitive market dynamics, dealership discounts have been substantial—quotations from select dealers in Beijing have dropped to RM691,500, reflecting massive savings of up to RM219,000; the Maybach EQS 680 lists at RM1,595,000, with showroom discounts extending beyond RM300,000. Since its launch, the EQS SUV has recorded moderate sales figures. Automotive reviews have praised its refined craftsmanship, exceptional real-world range, and cavernous passenger room, though some critics note that its driving dynamics prioritise sheer comfort over engagement. The 2026 update seeks to bolster its appeal by standardising all-wheel drive, enhancing factory equipment, and adding NACS charging compatibility. As the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's all-electric SUV portfolio, the EQS SUV showcases the marque's engineering pedigree and luxury credentials in the premium EV arena.