Mercedes EQS SUV 500 4MATIC

Overview

The 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV 500 4MATIC stormed onto the scene as a full-size electric luxury beast, aiming to coddle occupants in a high-tech, opulent cabin. As a flagship EV SUV from the legendary German marque, it packed serious curb appeal and cutting-edge features. This specific 500 4MATIC trim, though produced in the USA, was primarily listed for EU markets. If sold new in the US, its price would have comfortably sat in the premium luxury segment, likely exceeding $100,000. Now discontinued after a short 2022-2023 run, it's a rare find.

What's New for 2023?

For 2023, the EQS SUV line, including the 500 4MATIC, was essentially brand spanking new, marking Mercedes' grand entry into the large electric SUV arena. It brought the 'EQ' family's 'one-bow' design language and advanced EV tech to a bigger, more versatile package. While the broader EQS SUV range saw minor interior trim updates for some variants, the 500 4MATIC's "newness" was its very existence, offering a specific blend of power and features within this fresh model lineup before its discontinuation after the 2023 model year.

Design & Exterior

Rocking Mercedes' smooth 'purpose design' philosophy, the EQS SUV 500 4MATIC looks like a futuristic land yacht. Its slippery shape, with a signature black panel grille and full-width LED light bands, screams EV luxury. This behemoth measures a commanding 201.8 inches in length, 77.1 inches in width (sans mirrors), and stands 67.6 inches tall, ensuring a massive road presence. Expect aero-optimized wheels and flush door handles, all contributing to its sleek, high-tech aesthetic. It’s a head-turner, no doubt about it!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQS SUV 500 4MATIC and you’re greeted by a cabin dripping with luxury and tech. Think plush materials, ambient lighting galore, and an optional show-stopping MBUX Hyperscreen. Standard gear likely included large digital displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is ample, with configurations for five or seven seats. For your stuff, there's 22.8 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a cavernous 74.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded. No frunk on this one, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

This big Merc doesn't hang about! The EQS SUV 500 4MATIC, with its dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (one front, one rear), boasts all-wheel drive and punches out 330 kW (around 443 hp) and a hefty 611 lb-ft of torque. That's good for a surprisingly brisk 0-60 mph dash in just 5.0 seconds flat. Expect a supremely refined and quiet ride, likely courtesy of standard air suspension, making it a magic carpet over bumps. Regenerative braking offers various modes, allowing for one-pedal driving if you fancy it.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice comes from a substantial 108.4 kWh usable battery pack, giving the EQS SUV 500 4MATIC a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 306 miles. Efficiency is rated at 2.82 mi/kWh. For charging, its 400V architecture supports a standard 9.6 kW AC on-board charger, meaning a full top-up overnight. When you're out and about, it can suck down DC fast charging at up to 207 kW via its CCS Type 1 port, potentially zapping from 10-80% in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official NHTSA or IIHS crash test ratings for this specific model weren't available, expect a fortress of safety. Mercedes typically loads its flagships with a comprehensive suite. Standard gear on the 500 4MATIC likely included active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. More advanced systems, like enhanced evasive steering and active lane change assist, were probably available in optional packages, ensuring peace of mind for the whole crew.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For US buyers, Mercedes-Benz typically backs its EQ vehicles with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. The crucial high-voltage battery often gets a more generous 10-year/155,000-mile warranty, covering against significant capacity degradation. Some complimentary scheduled maintenance, often for the first 2 years or 20,000 miles, is usually part of the deal, sweetening the ownership experience. As a modern Merc, reliability should be solid, especially with fewer moving parts in its EV powertrain.