Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV

First Impressions

The moment I walked up to the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV, its sheer size hit me — over 5.1 metres long with 22-inch wheels that look absolutely massive in person. This is a proper three-row electric SUV and it has real presence on the road. Mercedes has clearly decided to stop holding back on equipment, and you feel that the moment you open the door.

Design and Exterior

The front end follows the EQ family design language with a sealed grille and integrated star pattern. LED headlights pack serious technology and the rear light bar gives it a modern, distinctive look from behind. The 22-inch alloys with 275/40 tyres fill the arches nicely and add a sporty edge.

Body proportions are well-balanced for such a large vehicle. The chrome trim around the wheel arches and side sills adds a premium touch. Keyless entry on all four doors and a power tailgate with adjustable height round out the practical details.

Interior and Tech

Inside, it is pure S-Class DNA with a triple-screen layout dominating the dashboard. The centre infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, and passenger display all work seamlessly. Build quality is solid — there is Alcantara-like material on the console, wood trim, and leather throughout, though the seats lean more firm than plush. They are supportive but do not have that sink-into-a-sofa feel.

The rear is where things get interesting. Dual entertainment screens let passengers watch content independently with Bluetooth headphones. Four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, USB-C ports everywhere — six total plus two HDMI connections. The rear seats recline and slide electrically, though I wished the recline angle went just a bit further back. There are no rear window sunshades, which feels like a miss at this level. The panoramic roof looks gorgeous but radiates serious heat even on an overcast day — good window film is essential.

Driving Experience

This is where the EQS 450 SUV truly shines. The dual-motor setup with 800 Nm of torque is absolutely effortless — tap the accelerator and it surges forward with a smoothness that makes overtaking feel casual and safe. In Comfort mode the air suspension delivers a ride that is composed, settled, and remarkably firm without ever being harsh. There is no body roll to speak of.

Switch to Sport and the steering gains genuine weight and precision — not the artificial heaviness I have experienced in many Chinese EVs, but actual feedback and sharpness. The rear-axle steering is a game-changer for a vehicle this size. The turning circle feels more like a compact sedan's, making U-turns and tight parking structures far less stressful.

At highway speeds around 110 km/h, the car feels planted and unshakeable. Lane changes produce almost zero body sway. The synthetic motor sound adds a hint of excitement during hard acceleration, though it obviously cannot match the character of a combustion engine. Adaptive cruise control works smoothly right down to a standstill.

Range and Charging

The 111 kWh battery is genuinely large and provides real peace of mind for long trips. In Eco mode the range estimate climbed well past what I expected, and even in normal driving around the city, consumption felt manageable. The car helpfully shows exactly how much extra range you gain by adjusting climate settings or switching drive modes.

DC fast charging at up to 200 kW is respectable, though I do wish AC charging was 22 kW instead of 11 kW for overnight home charging. With the big battery, even 11 kW gets you full in about four to five hours from a partial charge, so it is liveable but not ideal.

Comfort and Practicality

As a passenger, the rear cabin is spacious with excellent headroom and legroom. The flat floor makes moving across the bench easy. However, the seats are firm — comfortable enough for long distances but nowhere near the cosseting softness of an S-Class. The third row exists for occasional use but eats into cargo space significantly when deployed.

The head-up display, PM2.5 air filtration, Burmester audio with 18 speakers, and 64-colour ambient lighting all come standard. It feels like Mercedes finally stopped being stingy with the options list, and as a buyer in this segment, that is exactly what I want to see.

Final Verdict

The EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is a compelling electric luxury SUV that genuinely impresses where it matters most — driving dynamics, composure, and equipment levels. The air suspension is among the best I have experienced in any EV, and the massive battery removes most of the range anxiety that plagues smaller-battery competitors.

It is not perfect. The rear seats could be more luxurious, the panoramic roof needs better heat management, and AC charging speed is behind the times. But if you want a large, family-friendly electric SUV that drives with European confidence and poise, this is one of the strongest options available. Families and executives who actually enjoy being behind the wheel will love it.