Mercedes-Benz steered itself into a spot of nomenclatural bother with its first full-production EVs. The EQA, EQB and EQC are all SUVs because they are electric versions of the GLA, GLB and the previous generation of the GLC. But the EQS and EQE are saloons, because Mercedes wanted to show just how aerodynamic it could make an EV. So what do you call the inevitable SUV versions?
The answer is simply Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. A little inelegant, perhaps, but effective enough. The same could be said for the new car’s design. With its stubby bonnet and tall sides, it’s not the most dynamic-looking car, but it does offer a lot of space, and a 0.25 drag coefficient is good for big SUV.
We’ve previously tested Mercedes’ electric behemoth in the US, but now it has landed in the UK. As is typical with Mercedes in the UK, the range is quite a bit less expansive than it is elsewhere. All EQS SUVs get a massive battery pack with 108.4kWh of usable capacity, but while other regions have a range of motor options, only the 355bhp 450 4Matic and 536bhp EQS SUV 580 4Matic are coming here.
There’s also next to no personalisation. You can have an AMG Line Premium Plus or a Business Class, and other than a few special paints and the option of the hyperscreen, there are no options. Everything’s standard, including a third row of seats. That does inflate the price to a dizzying £129,170. A similarly optioned BMW iX xDrive50 is a good £10,000 cheaper and offers much more performance. An Audi Q8 E-tron 55 Vorsprung is a comparative snip at £101,145.