The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV will go on sale to Kiwi buyers later this week, with pricing and specifications for the fully electric model now being announced.
In comparison to the EQE SUV that was announced for New Zealand in late August, the EQS SUV benefits from larger proportions and a third row of seating which brings its maximum occupancy to seven.
It measures 5125mm long, 1950mm wide, and 1718mm tall, which is 10mm wider and 32mm taller than the EQE SUV. However, the big difference here is that the EQS SUV has a 180mm longer wheelbase which the second-row passengers benefit greatly from in terms of legroom.
There’s also plenty of space to ferry luggage around, with between 645 and 880 litres available depending on the position of the electronically controlled second-row seats. However, fold all the seats down and you’ll have 2100 litres of storage on hand.
So it’s pretty practical then, but how about luxury? That’s something the EQS SUV does well out of the box thanks to the standard AMG Line interior which features a multifunction sports steering wheel clad in Nappa leather, as well as electronically-adjuted, heated, and cooled Comfort Seats.
The lap of luxury can be heightened even further in the second row thanks to the optional Comfort Plus Package – an $11,700 option – which adds a seatback-mounted entertainment system with wireless headsets, an armrest, wireless device charging, and more.
As for technology, the dashboard features a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen running the latest version of MBUX, while the driver is given a gauge cluster of the same size, alongside a head-up display. Customers can add the MBUX Hyperscreen Package for an additional $6700.
Music lovers will be pleased to know that the EQS SUV is equipped with a Burmester 3D surround sound system that features 15 speakers and 710 watts.
Powering the 450 4Matic is an all-wheel drive dual-motor setup, with one powering each axle. System power is quoted at 265kW and 800Nm of torque. Feeding electricity to both motors is a battery capable of providing 592km of NEDC range.
Underneath sits an air suspension system that features continuously adjustable damping as standard, allowing the vehicle to be raised by a few centimetres if and when needed.
Mercedes has also fitted rear-axle steering to the new model, allowing the rear wheels to be turned by up to 4.5 degrees for the sake of better manoeuvrability. That angle can be increased to 10 degrees for an extra $2900.
All EQS SUVs will come with an AMG Line exterior package as standard, which includes an array of gloss black trims, aluminium-look and illuminated running boards, 21-inch multi-spoke wheels, privacy glass, and more. To top it all off, there are six metallic paint finishes to choose from.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV is priced from $196,500 and will go on sale in New Zealand from 14 September 2023.
