The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV review

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic SUV is a clear sign that America is reaching a tipping point. That’s a tipping point in electric vehicle purchases. It is said that once EVs go from 5 to 10 percent of all new car purchases, huge numbers of drivers will soon follow them. We at Napleton News are not part of the pack…yet, but still we enjoy testing the latest technology in vehicles. So put on your weekend finest and hop inside this exceptional take on an electric SUV, Mercedes style.

What powers the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV?

Almost everything here is new, because this is a brave new frontier. The new Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV is the latest in EQ vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. EQ is how Mercedes will move forward in naming their sub-brand of electric vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz offers different packages for the EQS SUV. The first is the EQS 450+ SUV with a 355 horsepower single electric motor and energy from a 108.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. It has a range of 305 miles per charge.

Next in the arsenal is the EQS 450 4Matic SUV. It’s powered by a 355 horsepower dual-motor powertrain producing 590 lb-ft of torque and a 108.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

With the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV 4Matic, we have a dual-motor powertrain with standard all-wheel drive. This four-wheel tour de force delivers 536 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque. It, too, has a 108.4 kWh battery and can deliver up to 395 miles on a charge. When connected to a DC fast charger, it can deliver the juice in under 35 minutes.

Remember, the greater the capabilities, the more expensive the price of entry.

The EQS 580 SUV rides on Mercedes-Benz’s award-winning AIRMATIC air suspension damping system. AIRMATIC offers on-the-fly changes in suspension settings that firm or soften them as needed. Another interesting and welcomed feature is the rear wheel steering system. It turns the rear wheels into a turn, helping to shorten the turning radius of the vehicle.

How does the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV look?

From the outside, the EQS 580 SUV looks like a typical jellybean-smooth SUV that we are seeing regularly. This one has the typical Mercedes touches including the wide front fascia with the Mercedes star. We can’t call it a grille because it doesn’t actually help the car breathe.

Our Alpine Grey tester was accented with a black glass roof and just the right amount of chrome here and there to impart a feeling of luxury. It was finished with 21-inch AMG alloy wheels with black accents.

A look inside the EQS 580

Inside the EQS 580, is one of the most innovative and luxurious (there’s that word again) cabins found in the SUV world to date. The elephant in the cabin, er room is the MBUX Hyperscreen. It’s one of the largest we’ve seen, stretching from left to right. It encompasses the driver’s display, center console and screen located over the glove box. The dashboard, center console and door panels are punctuated by natural grain anthracite linden wood.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the Google Maps display in 3D that zooms in when it thinks it’s necessary to do so. The MBUX Navigation program will guide the car on the most efficient path with chargers along the way.

Audio is provided by a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. It offers stellar sound reproduction but you need to listen to it at higher volume to truly hear the difference coming from these speakers.

The thrones in the first row offer heating and ventilation, as well as massage functions. Second row seating is complete with heated outboard seats while the third row includes Air conditioning vents and USB-c ports. While you wouldn’t notice it in daylight, stay with the EQS SUV as the sun fades away. You will enjoy a light show from the Active Ambient Lighting system that will rival any Broadway production in existence.

Behind the wheel of the EQS 580

Before approaching the doors of the EQS 580 SUV, the door handles are presented for your entry inside. As you enter, you’ll notice a chime-like drone that welcomes your presence. It’s how Mercedes lets you know this isn’t an econobox with a big battery tucked underneath.

Shift the EQS into drive and you are greeted with rapid acceleration from a start. It’s surprising because this is an SUV, not a typical autobahn-burner like you would find on highways in the Germany. Zero to 60 mph comes in 4.5 seconds. That’s rather shocking, considering it comes from heavyweight sport utility vehicle with approximately a ton or more of batteries underneath.

With a single-speed transmission, it would seem awkward to have steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers on board. But these are not your average paddle shifters. They help to control power recuperation to the battery pack. This helps to conserve and even regenerate energy back to the battery packs. Click it once and it goes to normal recuperation, where you would drive as normal using the accelerator to get underway and the brakes to slow back down.

Click it once again for “Strong Recuperation” This allows single-pedal driving by pressing the accelerator in order to move and releasing pressure to automatically slow down. This single-pedal approach makes for an engaging and exhilarating stint behind the wheel.

Regardless of which type of driving style you prefer, you’ll be inside the latest technology that Mercedes-Benz can deliver.

The best or nothing, indeed.

Mercedes Benz EQS 580 SUV Specifications