By Sagar Parikh & Shrawan Raja
The EV market in the UK offers dozens of SUV choices across most segments, but the U.S.-made Mercedes EQS SUV is the sole full-size SUV. Featuring seven seats as standard, it targets buyers who need proper space for families or group travel, with zero-emission driving and long-distance comfort.
The reception to its design and sales numbers haven’t been all that great globally, yet the EQS SUV is generating valuable feedback for the development of Mercedes’ next generation of EVs.
Recently, we got the chance to experience the car in a global specification, checking out its features, comfort levels, and other key aspects in detail.
Design
The Mercedes EQS SUV’s smooth, flowing design disguises its sheer size. Measuring 5.1 metres in length and 2.0 metres in width, it is a substantial vehicle and seems like it would be more at home on American interstates than narrow UK streets. That footprint, however, directly translates into a genuine three-row layout, which we’ve covered in the subsequent section.
The faux radiator grille, the sleek headlamps connected via a light band, and the sloping bonnet give the EQS SUV a softer character than we’d like, especially when seen against the GLS. Some of these elements do come off as a bit too offbeat as well.
Along the sides, the EQS SUV has tight shutlines and a clean execution. The optional running boards are neatly integrated and carry an aerodynamic, elegant design, contributing to the SUV’s low 0.26 Cd drag coefficient.
At the rear, the full-width tail lamps lack visual appeal, but the curved 3D helix detailing within the light units introduces an element of technical interest.
Interior
The streamlined theme carries through to the cabin, where the dashboard flows neatly into the door panels, generating a wraparound feel. The MBUX Hyperscreen appears to float across the vehicle, while the centre console opens up into the dashboard for a cohesive layout.
Turbine-style air vents positioned at the outer edges of the curved Hyperscreen glass introduce a welcome analogue break to the otherwise screen-dominated interior.
Mercedes-Benz offers a heating function in all three rows, a massage function in the first row, and a heated steering wheel as standard. Neck and shoulder heating for the first- and second-row seats, a five-zone automatic climate control system, and more comfort systems are available optionally.
Experience in the Mercedes EQS SUV
Getting into the global-spec Mercedes EQS SUV feels easy because of the higher step-in height. I noticed deployable door handles that extend outward when approaching the vehicle. Once inside, the front seats feel comfortable and supportive, and the headrests on this example have extra cushioning.
The seats offer multiple adjustments. Outward visibility is very good, helped by the larger glass area and taller windows. Even for a six-footer, headroom in the front feels generous, and I had no issues with knee room around the pedal box. I also noticed a chunky steering wheel that feels solid in my hands.
In the second row, the EQS SUV uses a bench seat and the outboard seats are electrically adjustable, with controls placed on the door. Headroom remains generous, legroom feels good, while kneeroom feels only adequate with the front seat set for a six-foot driver, and third-row occupancy.
The fold-down armrest makes the middle position uncomfortable, as it creates a hard surface against the back, so the second row feels better suited to two adults over longer drives.
In the third row, headroom is limited for a six-foot person. Knee room is also tight, and the seating posture forces the knees upward. The third row feels better suited to shorter adults or children. Light levels in the third row also feel lower, which adds to a more enclosed feel.
Specifications
The Mercedes EQS SUV is based on the rear-biased EVA 2 dedicated EV platform and comes with a 118 kWh (net) NMC battery pack that can be charged at up to 22 kW (AC)/200 kW (DC).
Customers get a choice of two dual-motor AWD variants: 450 4MATIC and 580 4MATIC. The former packs 265 kW (355 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb.-ft.) of torque and the latter 400 kW (536 hp) and 858 Nm (633 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The EQS SUV takes 6.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in the 450 4MATIC variant featured in this story and 4.8 seconds in the 580 4MATIC variant. The three-row electric SUV achieves a top speed of 130 mph and delivers a WLTP range of up to 398 miles.
Price
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Prices of the Mercedes EQS SUV in the UK range from GBP 129,480 to GBP 153,805.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
