Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 2023 Review

As competition in Malaysia's luxury electric vehicle market intensifies, many high-end consumers are starting to look for large all-electric SUVs that combine comfort, technology, and range. As the flagship SUV in the Mercedes-Benz EQ family, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC targets precisely this niche market. It not only continues the luxurious genes of the EQS sedan but also leverages the spatial advantages of an SUV to meet the demands of various scenarios. In this test drive, we focus on assessing whether its luxurious feel lives up to expectations, whether its power performance matches its flagship positioning, and how practical it is in everyday use.

From the exterior, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC maintains the distinctive closed design language of the EQ family. Its overall lines are smooth and streamlined, with the traditional fuel car grille replaced by an illuminated three-pointed star emblem and a continuous LED daytime running light, ensuring high recognizability. The vehicle dimensions measure 5125mm in length, 2157mm in width, and 1718mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3210mm. The side features hidden door handles complemented by 22-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a steady yet tech-savvy visual impression. At the rear, the continuous LED taillight echoes the front design, exhibiting a simple and elegant effect when lit, while the diffuser-style design under the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness.

Stepping inside, the combination of a 17.7-inch OLED central control screen and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster dominates the center console. The screens have high resolution, smooth touch response, and a built-in MBUX intelligent system that supports voice control with a clear operational logic. The interior materials are mainly Nappa leather and metal trims, with soft-touch materials used wherever you lay your hands, creating a strong sense of luxury. The front seats support electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and memory functionality, with wide cushions and excellent support for long drives without fatigue. The rear seats feature a 40:20:40 split design and can slide forward and backward. A 180cm tall passenger sitting in the rear has over two fists of legroom and ample headroom. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 195L, which can be expanded by folding down the second row, making it convenient for carrying luggage or bulky items. Additionally, standard features such as a panoramic sunroof, Burmester sound system, and independent rear air conditioning enhance passenger comfort with attention to detail.

In terms of power, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is equipped with dual motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined maximum power of 400kW (544PS) and a peak torque of 858N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration takes only 4.6 seconds. During the actual drive, the initial power response is very brisk, and even a light press on the accelerator delivers a noticeable pushback effect. On highways, pressing the accelerator deeply still provides ample power reserves for overtaking. It offers multiple driving modes such as Economy, Comfort, and Sport, with significant differences in power output tuning across modes—Economy mode delivers smoother power output suitable for daily commuting, while Sport mode is more aggressive, ideal for scenarios seeking driving excitement.

As for handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, instilling confidence in the driver. The chassis uses a front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, with tuning leaning towards comfort. It effectively filters out small bumps on the road. Even when encountering speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the body maintains stability with minimal wobbling. As an all-wheel-drive model, it exhibits commendable stability when cornering, with good control over body roll. However, due to its weight of 2810kg, one can still feel the inertia of the vehicle during quick lane changes.

In terms of range, the official pure electric range is 615km. During our test drive under a mix of road conditions (half city, half highway), the actual range reached approximately 550km, achieving about 90% of the official figure, which is fairly practical. Fast charging only takes 0.31 hours (i.e., 18.6 minutes) to charge from 10% to 80%, making daily recharging very convenient. Additionally, the noise control inside the car is excellent. Even when driving at high speeds, wind and tire noise are not noticeable, and combined with the well-supporting seats, the overall driving and riding comfort is very high.

Regarding safety features, this car comes standard with 9 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other functions. It is also equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree panoramic camera system, providing adequate safety during daily driving. The automatic parking feature is also very practical, especially helpful for beginners or when parking in complex environments.

Overall, the core advantages of the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC lie in its luxurious interior quality, powerful performance, decent range reliability, and rich set of features. Compared to peers like the BMW iX xDrive50 or Audi e-tron GT quattro, it holds an advantage in space and comfort configurations, while also being relatively reasonably priced. This car is suitable for families who value a luxurious experience and need spaciousness, or for high-end consumers who pursue advanced technology and performance. If you’re looking for a luxurious all-electric SUV that balances comfort and practicality, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is worth considering.