2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS EQS450 4Matic SUV Review

The competition in Malaysia's luxury electric SUV market has been heating up in recent years, with mainstream brands entering the price range of RM600,000 to RM800,000. Consumers are seeking the technological and environmental attributes of pure electric vehicles without compromising on luxury features and practical space. In August this year, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 2024 EQS 450 4Matic SUV, targeting this niche market with the positioning of a "luxury electric flagship." Its key highlights include an official range of 673 kilometers, the Hyperscreen triple-screen system as standard across all models, and the flexible 7-seater configuration. This test drive focuses on whether the driving experience of this vehicle matches its pricing and whether it offers enough competitiveness compared to its peers.

The exterior of the 2024 EQS 450 4Matic SUV continues the design language of Mercedes-Benz's family of electric vehicles, with overall smooth and flowing lines and an impressive drag coefficient of as low as 0.26. The front features a closed "Night Star Emblem" grille, paired with the illuminated three-pointed star emblem and wraparound LED daytime running lights, offering high recognition. The side profile showcases a typical large SUV silhouette, with a length of 5,125mm and a wheelbase of 3,210mm, creating an elongated proportion. The 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (275/40R22 tires on both the front and rear) enhance the sporty feel. The rear's highlight is the full-width LED tail lights, which display a unique dynamic flow effect when lit, while the diffuser-style design of the lower rear bumper retains the rugged characteristics of an SUV.

Entering the interior, the most immediate impression is the blend of luxury and technology. The center console features the Hyperscreen system, composed of a 17.7-inch OLED touch screen, a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel, and a 12.3-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger. The screens boast high resolution and responsive touch controls. The interior materials predominantly include Nappa leather, metal trim, and piano lacquer panels, with meticulous craftsmanship. The front seats support electric adjustment, heating/ventilation, and memory functions, providing excellent wrapping and support during seating. The second-row seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split and are adjustable, while the third row has a 50:50 folding design. When all seven seats are occupied, the trunk offers a capacity of 195 liters; folding the third-row seats expands the space to 880 liters, catering to family trips or cargo needs. Additionally, the standard Burmester 3D sound system (15 speakers) and the panoramic electric sunroof further enhance the luxurious cabin atmosphere.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with dual permanent magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear, delivering a combined maximum power of 265kW (360PS) and peak torque of 800N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.1 seconds. During actual driving, switching to Sport mode provides direct and linear power response during initial acceleration, with ample reserves for mid-to-high-speed acceleration, allowing for overtaking without needing to heavily press the accelerator. For daily commuting, the Comfort mode provides smoother power delivery, suitable for city driving conditions. The chassis features a front four-link independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs shocks, keeping the body stable. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, delivering a stable grip at high speeds and good body roll control when cornering.

The range and charging performance meet expectations. During our test under mixed road conditions (60% city roads, 40% highways), with the air conditioning set to 24℃ and standard energy recovery mode, the actual range achievement rate was about 85%, converting the official 673 km range into approximately 572 km of real-world mileage. In fast charging mode, it takes 0.51 hours (about 31 minutes) to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging takes 6.25 hours. In terms of driving and ride comfort, the overall sound insulation of the vehicle is excellent, and wind and tire noise are kept at a low level during highway driving. The seat ventilation function is highly practical in Malaysia's hot weather, and long periods of seating do not easily result in fatigue.

In terms of safety configurations, the vehicle is equipped with 9 safety airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic view, automatic parking, lane departure warning, active braking, and other features. The standard lane change assist and forward collision warning system for all models effectively enhance driving safety. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the BMW iX xDrive40 (priced at approximately RM680,000), the EQS 450 4Matic SUV has advantages in terms of configuration richness (such as the Hyperscreen system and Burmester audio) and space flexibility (7-seat layout), with a more competitive price as well.

Overall, the key strengths of the 2024 EQS 450 4Matic SUV lie in its luxurious interior ambiance, long range, flexible 7-seat space, and comprehensive safety features. It is positioned for middle-to-high-income families prioritizing a luxurious experience and environmentally friendly travel, or users needing to balance both business and family use. As Mercedes-Benz's flagship pure electric SUV, it meets the usage requirements of pure electric vehicles while continuing the brand's consistent luxurious quality, making it a worthwhile choice in this price range.