MERCEDES-Benz Malaysia's (MBM) pinnacle of electrified experience returns, this time in the form of a sport utility vehicle (SUV).
We were previously acquainted with the sedan "EQS" that came in either standard or the AMG variety.
The former is the EQS 450+ that was previously dubbed a "cosmic experience" by the Cars Bikes and Trucks. It is equipped with all the latest tech, ambient lights and sounds to set the mood for maximum passenger comfort.
At the time, its full-electric performance was at the top of the segment as well.
The latter is the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ that pushed the AMG-sport offering to its peak through design and performance.
Packing some surprises of its own, the EQS 580 4Matic is determined to make its mark as the new top model of the electric range and to be more than just another SUV.
PEAK PAMPER
The EQS 580 4Matic gains some, if minor, physical passenger advantages over the EQS sedan.
While the two share the same long wheelbase of 3,210mm, the new model is at least 20cm higher, making the cabin much roomier.
The headroom in the first row seats with the sliding sunroof is 1,035mm while it's 1,031mm for the second row and 900mm for the third row.
The SUV runs on 22-inch high-gloss AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels and features front digital lights. It has a length of 5,125mm, a width of 1,959mm and a height of 1,718mm.
In the interior, the seats come in Nappa leather black or space grey upholstery, while the second-row seats can be electrically adjusted to have a knee room of between 830mm and 960mm.
The cabin offers a luggage capacity of up to 2,100 litres when the seats in the second and third rows are folded down.
Accompanying passengers on their drive is an "Energising Package" that comes as standard.
A new feature is the short sleep programme used during a break to expand the conditioning of the vehicle's interior. Through this function, the blind of the panoramic sliding sunroof closes and moves the driver's seat into the reclined position for an atmosphere that is more tailored towards sleeping.
At the front of the cabin is an augmented reality head-up display and the show-stealing second-generation MBUX Hyperscreen that merges three displays into a single visual unit.
This includes the driver's 12.3-inch display, the 17.7-inch central display and the 12.3-inch front passenger display appearing as one visual unit.
The MBUX rear tablets are available as standard and can be used outside of the vehicle. Android apps can be installed on it.
Acoustic capabilities take advantage of the class-leading Dolby Atmos integration with the Burmester surround sound system and Apple Music.
The true star power of the 4Matic SUV, which has an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, lies in the performance technology it adopts as Mercedes-Benz's first all-electric luxury SUV to be built on the newly designed EVA2 EV platform.
A key feature is the 22kW AC charging capability, which can go from zero to 100 per cent charged in five hours and 30 minutes. Its 200kW DC charging time is rated at 31 minutes.
The e-SUV is the first of many EQ models to feature a 22kW AC onboard charger, which is double the rate of the standard 11kW found on previous EQ models.
At its core is a 108.4kWh capacity lithium-ion battery with 12 cell modules capable of delivering an output of 400kW and 858Nm of maximum torque.
It can sprint from zero to 100kph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 210kph. It also boasts a range of up to 615km (WLTP).
The battery is certified to have a service life of 10 years or 250,000km, with a remaining capacity of 70 per cent. It is developed in-house and is capable of receiving over-the-air updates for its battery management software.
Three charging programmes are offered: Standard, Home and Work.
It has an electric drive train on the rear and front axles. The recuperation power with all-wheel drive is up to 290kW.
The chassis comprises a four-link axle at the front and a multilink suspension at the rear. The vehicle's ground clearance level can be raised by up to 25mm.
The five driving modes are Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Off-road.
As the new flagship of the eight-model all-electric EQ portfolio, the EQS 580 4Matic SUV is available as a single variant for RM699,888 in Peninsular Malaysia.
TECHNICAL TOUCHPOINTS
On the surface, the model carries over most of what makes the EQS line great, only now in SUV form.
More room is always a good thing where luxury and comfort is concerned and the new dimensions cater to this with a more spacious cabin.
This was something that was always at the back of this writer's mind, that the model would benefit from an SUV-sized frame to give passengers more estate.
The SUV also carries with it the AMG Line styling but mostly finds a decent middle ground that doesn't put it over too much in the realm of sportiness.
The technological aspects of the vehicle, such as digital software and hardware, are a huge deal to the overall driving experience.
The proprietary MBUX offers a slight improvement in speed response.
What is more impressive is how mobile and natural the vehicle drives and this requires a two-level explanation.
First is how well-tuned both the steering and 4Matic system are for a vehicle of this size. There is a good weight to the steer (not too light or heavy) while the vehicle's turning radius enables more effortless sharp turns.
Secondly is the pedal sensitivity. Since the start of the EQ range Mercedes-Benz has tried to sync the models from the electric range's pressure feel with the more familiar non-EV counterparts.
EVs will always have their very own characteristics but the EQS 580 4Matic SUV comes close to bridging that difference gap — not too sensitive and has a fairly good amount of responsiveness.
The vehicle's newly designed EVA2 EV platform is also a huge deal with EVs becoming ever-more competitive and advanced.
Doubling the AC charging speed means that AC charging on the go becomes a viable backup option under desperate circumstances.
VERDICT
Mercedes-Benz's brand of EQ comfort is in top form once again. But the surprises have less to do with luxury comforts and more on the technological end.
Like a greatest hits compilation, the new battery platform and its SUV characteristics single-handedly make the EQS 580 4Matic SUV the go-to EQS model.
Practicality is vastly improved. from space and a higher ground clearance to increased height and faster charging speed.
All this without taking away the brand's trademark design language. It is a Mercedes-Benz through and through, so don't expect it to be any different.
Best of all is its price. Since EVs are tax-free, the EQS 580 4Matic SUV is easily worth its price.
For now, the current pricing makes it look like a real bargain as one of the top luxury e-SUVs in the present market.