Mercedes EQS SUV 450+

Overview

The 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV 450+ was the entry-point to Merc's flagship electric SUV range, offering a taste of S-Class luxury in a family-hauling, zero-emissions package. As the rear-wheel-drive variant, it prioritized range and a sumptuous ride. Though its production run was brief (2022-2023), it aimed to be a tech-laden, super-comfy cruiser. Specific EU pricing from the provided data isn't available as it's discontinued and the data pertains to US market availability, but new models were positioned at a premium, reflecting its flagship status. Used prices will vary by market and condition.

What's New for 2023?

For its short stint, the 2023 EQS SUV 450+ largely carried over features from its 2022 launch. Being the rear-wheel-drive base model, its main "newness" was offering a more accessible (though still premium) entry into the EQS SUV family. Updates primarily focused on potential over-the-air software enhancements for the MBUX Hyperscreen (if optioned) and general system refinements typical for Mercedes' sophisticated EQ models. No major hardware changes were noted for this specific trim in its final model year, as it was swiftly discontinued in 2023.

Design & Exterior

The EQS SUV 450+ boasts Mercedes' "one-bow" design language, making it look like a futuristic, smoothed pebble – seriously slippery through the air! Its massive 5125 mm length, 1959 mm width (sans mirrors), and 1718 mm height give it serious road presence. The front features the distinctive black panel grille, often with a star pattern, flanked by slick Digital Light headlamps. While perhaps not as traditionally boxy as some SUVs, its aero-focused shape is key to its efficiency. The 450+ trim typically featured aerodynamically optimized wheels to eke out extra range.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQS SUV 450+, and you're greeted by a cabin dripping with luxury and cutting-edge tech. Material quality is top-notch, with plush seating for five, or optionally seven. While the jaw-dropping Hyperscreen was optional, the standard setup with its large central display and digital driver's binnacle is still mightily impressive, running the intuitive MBUX system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo is generous: 645 litres in the boot, expanding to a cavernous 2100 litres with seats folded. Sadly, there's no frunk – typical for Merc EVs.

Performance & Driving Experience

The EQS SUV 450+ is all about smooth, serene progress rather than outright tyre-shredding. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) on the rear axle delivers 265 kW and a healthy 568 Nm of torque. This setup whisks the big Merc from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 6.7 seconds. Expect a supremely comfortable ride, thanks to standard air suspension ironing out bumps. While it's rear-wheel drive, it feels planted and secure. Braking is strong, with multiple, well-calibrated regenerative braking modes, including an intelligent auto mode, to recoup energy efficiently.

Range, Battery & Charging

Packing a substantial 108.4 kWh usable battery, the EQS SUV 450+ offers a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 508 km – pretty solid for a big beast! Energy consumption is rated at 4.69 km/kWh. For charging, it uses the European standard CCS Type 2 port. AC charging hits 11 kW standard (a full charge in about 9.9 hours), with a 22 kW optional upgrade halving that time to roughly 4.9 hours. DC fast charging is impressive at up to 207 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can take around 31 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Mercedes doesn't skimp on safety, and the EQS SUV is a fortress. It secured a top five-star rating from Euro NCAP (in 2022). The 450+ trim comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance systems, including Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Brake Assist. More advanced features like the full Driving Assistance Package Plus, with adaptive cruise control with stop & go, active steering assist, and route-based speed adaptation, were typically available, often as part of optional packs, enhancing its semi-autonomous capabilities.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For European markets, Mercedes typically offers a comprehensive warranty package. This generally includes a 2-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty (some markets may offer 3 years). Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery in the EQS SUV 450+ is usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, with a guarantee for a minimum state of health (often 70%). Specific powertrain warranty details align with the vehicle warranty. Scheduled maintenance is generally less frequent than combustion cars, focusing on checks rather than fluid changes, contributing to potentially lower running costs.