At the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its electric vehicle subbrand EQ through the Generation EQ concept vehicle, signalling a bold new direction for the brand to catch up with its key rival, BMW. Fast forward to today, and the EQ lineup has expanded impressively, with ten models globally and four available locally.
In August 2022, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) officially introduced the EQA, EQB, EQC, and EQS at the SA Festival of Motoring, followed by the EQE sedan and SUV versions of the EQE and EQS. Soon, the lineup will include the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. I recently had the privilege of testing the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV, courtesy of MBSA’s fleet service for automotive media.
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury electric vehicles, the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV stands as a formidable contender. This review delves into how the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV, competing with the impressive BMW iX xDrive50 and the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron, measures up in the quest for electric luxury supremacy.
At first glance, the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV exudes modern luxury with a distinctive design that sets it apart from its S-Class and GLS siblings. The 3D helix design of the LED rear lights adds a touch of elegance. Inside, the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV embraces a luxurious lounge concept, seamlessly integrating a fully digitised experience. The MBUX system, powered by intelligent software, offers personalised suggestions for infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. Passengers can even enjoy Netflix on the expansive screen that extends into the passenger seat.
Space is another luxury the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV offers in abundance. With the second row of seats electrically adjustable, the luggage compartment can expand from 645 litres to 880 litres, accommodating everything from 24 crates of mineral water to four golf bags. Fold the second row down, and you get a generous 2100 litres of space. Built at the Alabama production facility in the USA, the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is equipped with a lithium-ion battery delivering 265 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque, with a 108.4 kWh battery capacity offering a claimed range of up to 616 kilometres (km).
This places it on par with the BMW iX xDrive50, which offers 385 kW and 765 Nm of torque, with a range of up to 630 km. The Audi e-tron 55 quattro S line, on the other hand, offers 300 kW and 664 Nm of torque, and an EV range of 441 km. While the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV impresses with its luxurious features and performance, it feels heavier compared to the BMW iX, and the brake energy regeneration isn’t as intuitive. Charging the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV with a DC fast charger at the Fourways Mall in Johannesburg took up to two hours for a full charge (ideal to charge while shopping) providing a range of 553 km versus the claimed 613 km. This is worth a return trip experiment from Johannesburg to Durban.
Other bigger malls such as Mall of Africa in Waterfall and Sandton City Shopping Centre also offer DC fast chargers. However, a home wall-box charger can also fully charge the vehicle overnight, ensuring you’re always ready for the road ahead. As a competitor in the luxury electric SUV market, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is worth considering. However, I recommend test-driving it alongside the BMW iX xDrive50 or waiting for the Audi Q6 e-tron to make a comprehensive assessment. Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV starts at R2 646 000, with competitors like the BMW iX xDrive50 and Audi e-tron 55 quattro S line priced at R2 350 000 and R2 045 000, respectively. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, also consider the BMW iX M60 xDrive at R2 975 000 or the upcoming Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and Audi Q6 e-tron.