The fully-imported full-sized SUV electric vehicle (EV) is priced at RM699,888 (on-the-road) and provides 544hp and 858Nm of instant torque.
The EQS 580 4MATIC's 108.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor provides up to 615km (WLTP) of range on a single charge and its in-house developed battery management software is said to allow for over-the-air updates.
Zhang and Plangger at the launch.
Its on-board charger supports 22kW AC charging.
Along with a four-year warranty with four free services, the battery is provided with a certificate that guarantees owners a 10-year or 250,000km battery performance with a remaining capacity of 70%.
The system provides three charging programmes of Standard, Home and Work where departure time, climate control and maximum charge level can be preset.
The Home and Work charging programmes can be activated based on location which switches on automatically once the vehicle is parked at a pre-set charging point and is informed within the MBUX infotainment system.
An intelligent charging function is also provided starting with Eco Charging which is used to help preserve the battery by reducing the load on it during charging to slow down the natural ageing process and and limiting the maximum charge to 80%.
Furthermore, via the charging interruptions function, the owner can specify periods during which the AC charging process is paused so as not to incur higher electricity costs during peak hours.
Externally, the EQS SUV rolls in on 22-inch wheels with its black panel "radiator grille" with finely drawn Mercedes stars.
Front illumination uses the brand's Digital Light for its headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus that constantly adjusts itself to traffic and weather conditions, among others.
Illuminated aluminium running boards with slip-resistant rubber studs are located between its 3,210mm wheelbase.
Doing so accentuates further its length at 5,125mm while being 1,959mm wide and 1,718mm tall (+200mm against the EQS sedan).
A rear axle steering system is included for those tight situations while the Airmatic adaptive damping suspension system minimises excessive noise, vibrations and harshness fromgetting into the cabin.
Among the interior highlights is the panoramic sliding roof that further increases the cabin's expanse that's been fitted with an electric art interior, ambient lighting plus, comfort seats, velour floor mats and black fabric roof liner.
The SUV features Nappa leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with galvanised steering-wheel paddle-shifters and heads-up-display.
Meanwhile, occupants will be able to appreciate the opulence of brown open-pore magnolia wood trim elements with aluminium Mercedes-Benz patterns also found on the centre console.
To add a sense of liveliness, an active ambient lighting system is included while passengers get to enjoy the vented/heated multi-contoured front seats.
With upholstery in black or space grey Nappa leather, other conveniences include a memory function for the front seats, keyless entry with push-start button, wireless charging at the front and rear, powered rear seats, an MBUX rear tablet and USB Type-C ports for the front and rear.
Manual pull-out sun visors are also available as well as dedicated climate controls for the rear of the cabin.
Do away with the partition net and two more seats can be raised from the floorboard while a secret stowage compartment resides beneath the centre console.
For entertainment, the now-familiar MBUX infotainment system comes with a fingerprint scanner which feeds information to the HUD and allows for two included wireless headsets to connect via Bluetooth connectivity.
A communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes-me Connect services is also included here.
Also included is smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto where navigation instructions or preferred music gets channelled to the Burmester 3D surround sound system.
In the safety department, the EQS SUV has airbags, anti-lock braking system, traction control and electronic stability control among others within its Safety and Assistance Package.
Its Driving Assistance Package Plus provides more advanced systems and programs such as automatic re-start in traffic jams, active lane keeping assist, active steering assist, evasive manoeuvre support, Guard 360degree vehicle protection Plus, a Parking Package with a 360-degree camera system and Mercedes-Benz emergency call system.
“As the pinnacle among the eight model variants spanning across all vehicle segments, the EQS SUV seamlessly combines the cherished features of the EQS with the adaptability of an SUV that can comfortably seat seven passengers," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia chief executive officer and president Amanda Zhang.
Zhang added that the EQS SUV's launch is in tune with the company's commitment to sustainability and digital innovation towards an all-electric future.
"The EQS SUV redefines luxury in the era of all-electric vehicles, which takes excellence to new heights," said Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & SEA II sales and marketing vice president Bettina Plangger.
For more information, log on to www.mercedes-benz.com.my.
