Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch the EQS 450 SUV and G 580 with EQ technology on January 9. The latter will be a CKD offering, and incidentally, India is the first market outside the US to assemble the EQS SUV.
The 450 will be the second variant in the EQS SUV line-up (excluding the Maybach) and will be available as a 5-seater. It will be powered by the same 122kWh battery pack used in the 7-seater EQS 580 4Matic SUV (544hp, 858Nm). This is by far the country’s largest claimed cell capacity for any passenger EV. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes using a 200kW DC charger. For reference, the EQA and EQE SUVs are run by 70.5kWh and 90.5kWh batteries, respectively.
This entry-level EQS SUV continues to have a familiar design with a blanked-off grille that extends into the lower section of the front bumper. The LED headlamps are bridged by a light bar running across the nose. Its overall aerodynamic silhouette resembles the EQS 580 but the design of the 21-inch alloy wheel has been refreshed.
Inside, seats with crafted covers are standard and it gets exclusive features like Energising Air Control Plus. It is likely to borrow the 56-inch Hyperscreen setup – 12.3-inch instrument cluster and front passenger screen and a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment. It is also likely to include twin 11.6-inch rear entertainment screens, a 5-speaker Burmester audio system, 360-degree camera, 5-zone automatic climate control, soft close doors, puddle lamps and illuminated running boards. As for the safety bundle, expect Level 2 ADAS, 9 airbags, and more.
The Mercedes EQS 450 SUV is designed for buyers seeking extra cabin space, especially the chauffeur-driven. It remains to be seen how Mercedes will price it, as it will be placed between the Rs 1.59 crore EQE and the Rs 1.61 crore EQS SUVs (both prices on road, Mumbai). Stay tuned to the Autocar India website for more updates.