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The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the sixth electric vehicle (EV) in the brand’s lineup, sits between the EQE and Maybach EQS SUVs and is manufactured in India.

The EQS 580 4Matic features dual electric motors, generating 544 bhp and 87.5 kgm of torque. The all-wheel-drive SUV accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210kph.

On a single charge, the EQS SUV can travel up to 650km under real-world conditions.

On the charging front, with a 200kW fast charger, it takes 31 minutes to charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent. In contrast, a standard 7.4kW AC charger requires 18.5 hours for a full charge. Additionally, the SUV offers five driving modes, from sport to eco, and includes a personalised mode for customised settings. Mercedes backs the EQS with a 10-year battery warranty.

At first glance, the smooth design characteristic of the EQ models is apparent and well done, featuring a black-panel grille, angular LED headlights, and a horizontal LED light bar.

Unlike the Maybach EQS, this SUV has minimal chrome and lacks dual-tone paint and deep-dish wheels. Mercedes might offer an AMG Line package with sportier bumpers, but this has yet to be confirmed.

A standout feature is the programmable front LED lights, which focus on objects and potential hazards on the road as part of the SUV’s safety features.

Inside, the EQS boasts the ‘Mercedes Hyperscreen’. An integrated 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display are all in one!

Rear passengers can opt for additional entertainment screens. The Hyperscreen also features Mercedes’ MBUX AI, which learns driver and passenger patterns to deliver a personalised experience.

All seats come with optional massagers, and electronic and memory functions are standard. The seven-seater option, a first for Mercedes EVs, might feel a bit cramped.

A panoramic sunroof spans the roof, and ambient lighting enhances the cabin. The “Mood Relaxation Program” uses custom sounds and lighting to create a soothing environment.

The sound system, equipped with 15 Bose speakers, provides 3D sound throughout the cabin. Additionally, the second row features a portable tablet for controlling various in-car functions.

Mercedes has also announced plans to expand its fast-charging network to 50 stations across India. These stations will support both ultra-fast and regular charging.

Who are the rivals? Well, the BMW iX and the Audi E-tron are perhaps the closest rivals and yet they are not really rivals by segment, more by price.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is available in six metallic colours and fills a gap in the brand’s luxury EV lineup. Priced at Rs. 1.41 crore (ex-showroom), let us know your thoughts on this SUV on our socials.