2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV

An all-electric future is only a matter of time, and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 luxury sports utility vehicle represents the first all-electric EQ built in the United States (Tuscaloosa, Alabama.)

It won’t be the last.

The full-size SUV delivers space, comfort, and connectivity for up to seven passengers with a high-level of flexibility to fit a wide range of customer needs. The EQS 580 will be offered in Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacles trims with EQ-specific, innovative technologies, luxurious features, and an array of additional options for further customization. My tester was the Exclusive.

Powered by dual electric motors and a powerful battery, EQS 580 delivers 536 horsepower, 633 lb-ft of torque, 0-to-60 acceleration in 4.5 seconds, and a range of nearly 300 miles. It receives a fully variable, 4MATIC all-wheel drive with torque shift, to make it a versatile, year-round performer.

Completing the performance aspect, the EQS 580 receives an Aromatic air suspension with adaptive damping system, adjustable regenerative braking system with steering wheel paddle shifters, a fast-charging system, and Dynamic Select, that allows the driver to move from Comfort, Sport, Eco and Off-road modes.

With the EQS SUV, customers also receive additional SUV-specific features within the instrument cluster, such as, off-road mode which shows the steering angle, suspension height, elevation, geo coordinates, power level and more. In conjunction, the head-up display is also able to show the driver the all-new, off-road display functions.

Exterior highlights included a “Twilight Blue Metallic” coat of enamel, 21-inch AMG five-spoke wheels with matte grey aero accents, panoramic sunroof with power shade, and a prominent, closed-in grille with featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo front and center.

The interior features a revolutionary MBUX hyperscreen with three displays merged seamlessly under a single, 56-inch, curved glass surface. The far right screen is only operational when the front passenger is seated, allowing that person to operate all controls. Both second-row passengers are also able to operate controls via dedicated screens mounted to the front seat backs.

Comfort and convenience features truly elevate to “wow” factor range. Personal favorite was the Burmester 3D surround sound system that delivered crystal clear sound. Other contenders are the heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with pillow-like headrests, navigation system with EQ-optimized routing, 64-color ambient color lighting that remained on purple and gold, and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging.

Other goodies include heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, Mercedes star-pattern logo projectors, energizing air control plus with HEPA filter, and acoustic comfort package. The standard two-row EQS SUV has up to 74.2 cu-ft of storage space with the rear seats folded down. The optional three-row model delivers 71.3 cu-ft with all rear seats folded down.

With the latest and greatest safety technology, the EQS 580 practically drives itself. And if mean

that literally. Highlights include active distance and steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist with surround view system, adaptive high beam assist, anti-theft alarm system, and 360-vehicle protection with parking damage detection, just for starters.

It took approximately 40 minutes to charge from below 20 per cent capacity, to about 80 per cent at a local Electrify America charging station. Owners would install in-home charging in their garage to make it even more convenient.

Base Price: $126,100

Price As Driven: $138,580

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.