Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV release date: late 2023 Australian arrival likely for flagship electric SUV

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Set to initially be exclusively built at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, the full-size Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will be launched in late 2022 – but at first, the GLS-sized crossover will be built only in left-hand drive (LHD).

The decision to initially build the EQS SUV only in LHD will push back a possible Australian release date until right-hook versions of the car start being produced sometime in 2023 – meaning the large electric crossover could only arrive in Australia mid- or late-next year.

Mercedes-Benz builds its GLE and GLS large SUVs for all markets – including Australia – at the Alabama plant, with the Tuscaloosa site the first of several sites expected to produce the EQS SUV, which is the crossover counterpart to the brand’s flagship EQS electric sedan. The two cars (EQS and EQS SUV) share very similar names.

What do we already know about the EQS SUV?

We jumped at the opportunity to report all the must-know information when the EQS SUV was initially revealed for the first time.

Globally, single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) versions of the EQS SUV will be produced, but Australia is very unlikely to receive a price-leading RWD car.

Instead, the luxury brand is expected to follow its electric sedan strategy, with a forthcoming midsize EQE SUV possibly including both RWD and AWD variants while the full-size, full-luxury EQS SUV will almost certainly be AWD only.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has not confirmed an EQS SUV model lineup for the local market, but specifications are known for two of the dual-motor AWD models – the EQS450 4MATIC and EQS580 4MATIC.

Both grades will be able to travel up to 507km on a charge, according to WLTP-TEH figures, from their 107.8kWh usable lithium-ion batteries.

The EQS450 4MATIC makes 265kW/800Nm from its dual-motor setup, while the higher-end EQS580 4MATIC can produce a significant 400kW/858Nm.

Later, it is likely an even higher-performance EQS SUV will join the range with motor and suspension calibration by AMG, likely wearing an AMG EQS53 SUV 4MATIC+ badge to match the new EQS53 sedan that is set to be released in Australia next week.

What about the power and torque of this new EQS SUV?

The EQS 450+ is fitted with a single electric motor on the rear axle producing 265kW of power and 568Nm of torque.

The dual-motor AWD EQS 450 4Matic and 580 4Matic grades produce 265kW/800Nm and 400kW/858Nm respectively.

Official pricing and further specifications will be announced closer to the time of launch here in Australia. 

What about the crazy cool central screen?

The MBUX hyperscreen will indeed be included in the EQS SUV, however it will be an optional accessory rather than something that is standard fitment. 

The Hyperscreen includes two 12.3-inch touchscreens for the driver and front passenger, along with a 12.8-inch portrait screen that sits in the middle of the dash. 

Second row passengers won’t miss out from the screen overload, and will have twin 11.6-inch screens along with a 15-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system to enjoy all the entertainment they can manage while on the go. 

Both five and seven seat options are available overseas, but we don’t know just yet what sort of specification Australia will receive.