2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Performance

In its base RWD 450+ configuration with 355 hp, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV's 0-60 sprint takes 6.5 seconds. The 450 4Matic trims have the same power but a lot more torque and better launch grip thanks to AWD, improving 0-60 sprint to 5.8 seconds - perfectly adequate and fast enough for most people. For the best possible EQS SUV performance, the upgraded 536-hp 580 4Matic trims cut that sprint right down to 4.5 seconds. By dint of the all-season tires, top speed is limited to 130 mph. Mercedes does not provide any trailering specs for the 450 trims but says that the 580 trims are rated to tow 3,500 pounds - a far cry from the Rivian R1S's 7,700 lbs. With a maximum ground clearance of under than nine inches, forget about venturing off the beaten track in this luxury crossover; Mercedes doesn't even bother quoting crude specs such as approach angles or wading depth because this is not an off-road car.

The single rear-mounted electric motor in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450+ develops 355 hp and 419 lb-ft of torque and these trims come in rear-wheel drive only. The 450 4Matic trims have all-wheel drive thanks to an additional front electric motor. Total output is still 355 hp, but torque increases to 590 lb-ft, usefully improving performance. The most powerful configuration belongs to the 580 models, whose dual motors are upgraded to 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque. Single-speed reduction gearing is used for all powertrain configurations.

Predictably, the MPGe figures of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV's base RWD RWD 450+ powertrain are the lowest, producing EPA estimates of 87/83/85 MPGe on the city/highway/combined cycles. This is good enough for a range of 305 miles on a fully charged 108.4-kWh battery. The dual-motor AWD 450 4Matic models' EPA estimates are 79/77/78 MPGe, good for a combined range of 285 miles. The 580 trims mirror these results closely with 79/74/77 MPGe and 285 miles. Though a range close to 300 miles is adequate, the Tesla Model X is far more efficient, with an overall 102 MPGe and a 348-mile range.

The EQS SUV's standard 108.4-kWh battery can be charged at a rate of up to 200 kW, allowing it to go from ten to 80% in 31 minutes. Using a 240V outlet, fully charging a flat battery will take around 13 hours.