Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Review

The luxury electric SUV market has been heating up in Malaysia in recent years, as consumers desire the practicality of a seven-seat space without compromising on the quality and technological features of a premium brand. Priced at RM 625,888, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV positions itself in the executive-class electric SUV segment, with its core selling points focusing on a seven-seat layout, long range, and the iconic MBUX Hyperscreen technology experience. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can balance luxury, practicality, and electrification needs.

From the exterior, the EQS SUV continues the “sensual purity” design language of the EQ family, featuring smooth, flowing lines with no traditional fuel car grille structure. The closed-off front end paired with the large three-pointed star emblem ensures high recognizability. A character line stretches from the front to the back of the car on its side, and the D-pillar adopts a coupe-like design while maintaining the squared-off silhouette of an SUV. The 22-inch multi-spoke wheels, paired with 275/40 R22 tires, strike a visual balance between stability and sportiness. At the rear, the continuous LED taillight design, with star emblem patterns inside the light units, is striking when illuminated. The diffuser-like styling below the rear bumper adds a sporty touch. The full LED lighting system, featuring automatic headlights and daytime running lights as standard, balances practicality with design aesthetic.

Opening the door reveals an overwhelming sense of luxury in the interior. The center console is equipped with a 17.7-inch OLED touchscreen, offering excellent display clarity and responsiveness. Together with the 12.3-inch passenger entertainment screen below, they form the MBUX Hyperscreen system. The control logic is clear, and it supports voice recognition as well as gesture controls. The interior materials are primarily Nappa leather and metallic trims, with a refined tactile feel. For the seats, the front row is equipped with electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and memory functions. The back seat adopts a 40:20:40 split-sliding design, while the third row features a 50:50 split-folding option. The trunk offers a capacity of 195L with all seven seats in use, expandable to 880L upon folding the third row, meeting family travel storage needs. In terms of spatial performance, the car measures 5125mm in length, 1959mm in width, and 1718mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3210mm. The front row headroom is approximately 980mm, and the maximum second-row legroom can reach up to 1020mm. The third row is suitable for short trips by passengers below 170cm in height. Additionally, the second row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, maximizing practicality.

In terms of power, the EQS 450 4Matic SUV is equipped with dual permanently excited synchronous motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined system power of 265kW (360PS) and a peak torque of 800N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is rated at 6.1 seconds. During actual driving, the power response at the start is very immediate, with an evident push-back sensation by light pressing the accelerator. While mid-to-high-speed acceleration may not feel as aggressive as high-performance versions, stepping harder on the accelerator provides ample reserve power for overtaking. Driving modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. In Eco mode, power output is smoother and more suitable for daily commuting, while Sport mode enhances power response and adds weight to the steering wheel. The chassis employs a front four-link independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort. It effectively absorbs vibrations from road bumps and speed bumps while maintaining body stability. During high-speed cornering, body roll is well controlled, and air suspension (if equipped) can automatically adjust the height according to speed, further enhancing handling performance.

In terms of range, the vehicle is equipped with a 118kWh ternary lithium battery pack, with an official CLTC range of 673km. In our mixed road condition tests (60% urban roads, 40% highways), the average power consumption is about 22kWh/100km, and the actual range can reach approximately 580km, achieving nearly 86% of the stated range. Regarding fast charging time, using a 150kW DC fast charging pile, it takes about 0.51 hours to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging takes 6.25 hours to fully charge.

When it comes to driving experience, the steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, and the car remains stable at high speeds. Despite its 2.8-ton weight, body roll is well-controlled during cornering. The suspension system filters out most minor road vibrations in comfort mode, while in sport mode, it becomes stiffer, improving support. The braking system uses ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear, providing short and linear braking distances, offering a high level of confidence. In terms of noise control, wind noise and tire noise are fairly low during high-speed driving. The Burmester 3D sound system (15 speakers) delivers excellent sound quality, further isolating external noise and enhancing comfort. Additionally, the vehicle features five energy recovery modes, adjustable via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The strongest mode allows for near one-pedal driving, suitable for congested urban conditions.

Compared to models in the same segment, such as the more expensive EQS 580 4Matic SUV (RM 699,888), although the 450 version is slightly weaker in acceleration, it offers a seven-seat layout, longer range, and is RM 74,000 cheaper, making it more cost-effective. Compared to other executive-level electric SUVs from different brands, the EQS 450 4Matic SUV holds a distinct advantage in luxury appeal and technological features, particularly the MBUX system and interior materials, which are clearly superior to competitors at the same price point.

In summary, the core highlights of the 2024 EQS 450 4Matic SUV lie in its practical seven-seat space, long-range capability, luxurious interior, and MBUX Hyperscreen technology experience. It is suitable for consumers who prioritize family travel, seek a luxurious feel, and have electric vehicle needs, especially administrative-level users requiring a seven-seat layout. Overall, this vehicle strikes a good balance between luxury, practicality, and electrification, making it a worthy choice in the executive-level electric SUV market.