Most automakers are in the process of gradually replacing their gasoline-powered lineups with electric vehicles (EVs). Mercedes has taken a slightly different approach.
The brand still plans to go all-electric by 2030 in markets that build the infrastructure to support that (you’ll find Mercedes vehicles sold worldwide, including in countries that will take a long time to catch up on EV infrastructure).
For example, it sells an opulent S-Class flagship sedan powered by gasoline engines and an equally over-the-top EQS electric super-luxury sedan. It sells a legendary E-Class luxury car and an EQE electric equivalent.
It sells a sumptuous GLE 3-row SUV known for offering an engaging driving experience despite being big enough to seat seven adults. Now, it’s time for the electric equivalent.
Just a Teaser for Now
The EQS SUV will make its first appearance on April 19, just ahead of the upcoming New York Auto Show. But Mercedes has teased the vehicle early.
For now, we have a photo in low lighting – the automotive industry’s favorite way to present a teaser this year. It shows a big SUV with sleek, curvy lines and a broader shoulder line than other Mercedes sport utilities. Mercedes says the design “combines the progressive design and comfort of the EQS sedan with the space and versatility of the popular SUV concept.”
In a press release, Mercedes promises “responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an intelligent OFF-ROAD driving program.”
EQS Sedan Offers Clues
That’s all the detail they’ll offer for now. But we know the EQS SUV is built on the same architecture as the EQS sedan, which gives us important clues.
Since the SUV version is all-wheel-drive only, it likely uses the 516-horsepower dual-motor system that’s optional on the sedan. In sedan form, it’s good for 340 miles of range (though an SUV body would mean some range reduction).
Mercedes is almost certain to put its cabin-wide Hyperscreen – which replaces almost the entire dashboard with touchscreen surface – in an EQS SUV.
We’ll bring more in two weeks.
