The EQS SUV is the first full-size off-roader based on Merc's pure electric 'EVA2' architecture. It's a vast, 5.1m long seven-seater and weighs almost 2.8 tonnes. The UK is in line for two models: the 450 4Matic, which averages 2.5-3.1mpkWh for a claimed range of 378 miles, and has the equivalent of 355bhp and 590lb-ft of torque, and the 580 4Matic whose 536bhp output and 632lb-ft sees overall efficiency drop just a fraction. On our test, we saw closer to 2.5.
The 4Matic cars are all-wheel drive and dual motor; these are permanently excited synchronous ones, and the batteries and software are developed by Mercedes in-house. The battery's total useable capacity is a substantial 108.4kWh, and it's packaged under the floor in a bespoke crash protection zone.
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Top Gear.
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This story is from the December 2022 edition of Top Gear.
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