The Mercedes EQS SUV shares the same platform and the same motors/battery capacity as its saloon sibling EQS. However, there is a notable difference, in SUV form the EQS SUV has a much higher towing capacity of 1,800 kg. However, the raised up body profile and additional weight has made an impact on range, therefore an EQS SUV is not going to go as far as the EQS saloon. So let’s have a closer look at the capabilities of the EQS SUV.
Table of Contents
Key Mercedes EQS SUV Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 1,800 kg
- Availability – Late 2022
- Price – Starting £110,00 (450+) > £140,000 (580 4MATIC)
- Range (EV Database) – 320 miles (580 4MATIC) > 335 miles (450+)
- Estimate Towing Range (50%) – 160 miles (580 4MATIC) > 168 miles (450+)
- Maximum DC Charge Rate – 207 kW (all versions)
- Rapid Charge 10% to 80% – 32 min
- Check Used Mercedes EQS SUV Specs
Mercedes EQS SUV HP & Torque
- 450+: RWD, 355 HP and 419 lb-ft of torque
- 450 4MATIC: AWD, 355 HP and 419 lb-ft of torque
- 580 4MATIC: AWD, 536 HP and 633 lb-ft of torque
Mercedes EQS SUV Towing Capabilities
As I’ve stated in the intro, the above specs for the EQS SUV are very similar to the EQS saloon, as they are essentially the same vehicle with a different body on top. However, there are some slight differences in power output figures for the EQS SUV models receiving more power than their EQS saloon siblings.
The EQS saloon does have a towing capacity (750 kg) but this EQS SUV has a much more practical towing capacity of 1,800 kg. I’ll discuss more about that towing capacity below and how it compares to its direct competition. But first, let’s discuss the impact on the range going from a low saloon to a high riding SUV body shape.
If we take the EQS 580 4MATIC saloon that has a real-world range of 380 miles, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC on the other hand has a real-world range closer to 320 miles. Hence, the raised up SUV body shape loses 60 miles of range from the same 107.8kWh battery.
Granted, there is a weight difference between the two vehicles, however its probably not as much as you would think, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is only 140 kg heavier than its saloon sibling. The loss of range is mainly due to the increased air resistance and aerodynamic profile of the SUV shape.
Mercedes EQS SUV vs BMW iX
Now, the EQS SUV is not the first fully electric Mercedes that could tow, that was the EQC which can also tow 1,800 kg. It has significantly less range than the EQS SUV, but you can also pick one up for practically half the price of a new EQS SUV (seriously).
Anyway, the EQS SUV is the latest fully electric effort from Mercedes, so let’s compare it to one of the latest electric SUV efforts from its biggest rival, and that would be the BMW iX. When it comes to looks, while the EQS SUV has been described as a bit ‘blobby’ by some, the BMW iX is completely the opposite and extremely brutal in its design, personally, I don’t think either vehicle looks great.
Anyway, put the looks to one side, let’s focus on the specs. First, towing capacity, while the Mercedes EQS SUV can tow up to 1,800 kg the BMW iX trumps it with a 2,500 kg towing capacity. In fact, currently in the UK, the BMW iX has the highest towing capacity of any pure electric vehicle.
On rapid charging, both vehicles can pull in around 200kW at their peak charge rate, and a 10% to 80% state of charge for both vehicles is around 32 minutes. But what about range? While the Mercedes looks more aerodynamic does it actually offer more real-world range?
If we compare the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC and BMW iX xDrive 50 they offer similar power figures (though the Merc has a bit more) and similar useable battery capacities between 107.8 kWh and 105.2 kWh respectively.
The Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC has a real-world range of 320 miles and the BMW iX xDrive 50 comes in at 315 miles. Hence, either there is no difference in the aerodynamic profile between the two vehicles or the BMW has more efficient hardware/software.
I tell you where there is a difference and its in the price. While no average consumer is going to describe the BMW iX xDrive 50 as a ‘bargin’ at £93,905, it certainly looks it in comparison to the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC at £140,000!?
Mercedes EQS SUV First Impressions
As of writing the Mercedes EQS SUV is several months away from release and there are no automotive journalist reviews I can reference. Therefore for the moment, the best I can provide is a first impressions video below from Matt Watson of CarWoW.
My Thoughts On The Mercedes EQS SUV…
In the context of electric tow cars, the first thought that comes to my mind with the Mercedes EQS SUV is its expensive, really expensive. As I’ve discussed above, in relation to its closest direct competition in the form of the BMW iX of equivalent spec this Merc will cost you over £40,000 more!
That price difference is just crazy to me, and when you consider the BMW can tow 700kg more than the Mercedes EQS SUV it makes it even worse for the Merc. Really, if you want a Mercedes that can tow 1,800 kg you have two other options in the EQA and EQC.
Yes, neither of those vehicles will be able to tow as far as the EQS SUV, however, from the money saved you could buy a second EQA or EQC and do a towing tag team event! I’m obviously being silly, but so is the price of the Mercedes EQS SUV.