“Make sure you are comfortable with the controls/electronics. They are complicated and not always intuitive.”
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV was an all-new model and the first year of Mercedes-Benz’s large electric luxury SUV. It launched on a dedicated electric platform with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.
About the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
1st generation (X296), first model year in the US
Mercedes-Benz positioned the EQS SUV as the spacious SUV counterpart to the EQS luxury sedan: quiet, comfort-focused, highly digital, and fully electric. Its core strengths are a smooth ride, generous passenger room, a power-adjustable second row, long-distance charging capability, and maneuverability that is unusual for a vehicle this large. It targets shoppers seeking traditional Mercedes comfort and cabin quality without a gasoline engine, while adding SUV cargo space and light-terrain capability.
The EQS 450+ emphasized driving range, while the EQS 450 4MATIC added all-wheel drive for better traction. The EQS 580 4MATIC was the performance and technology centerpiece, with 536 horsepower and a 56-inch dashboard display system. Every version had adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering, 200-kW DC fast charging, and a broad driver-assistance suite.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Three electric versions debuted: the 355-hp, rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+; the 355-hp, all-wheel-drive EQS 450 4MATIC; and the 536-hp, all-wheel-drive EQS 580 4MATIC.
Styling
The all-new aerodynamic SUV body introduced connected lighting designs at the front and rear.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control, lane support, blind-spot monitoring, collision-avoidance features, and surround-view parking assistance debuted as standard equipment.
Tech
A new-generation touchscreen system debuted with navigation built around EV route and charging planning. The EQS 580 4MATIC received the three-display, 56-inch Hyperscreen as standard.
Structural
The EQS SUV debuted on a dedicated electric-vehicle platform with standard adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 355 hp | 536 hp |
| Torque | 419 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | 633 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 22.6 cu-ft | 22.6 cu-ft | 22.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 41.3 in | 41.3 in | 41.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 305 | 285 | 285 |
| MPGe Combined | 85 | 78 | 77 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Head-Up Display | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV an all-new model?
Yes. The 2023 EQS SUV was an all-new model and its first model year in the US, built on Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated electric-vehicle platform.
Which versions of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV were offered?
The 2023 lineup consisted of the rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+, the all-wheel-drive EQS 450 4MATIC, and the more powerful all-wheel-drive EQS 580 4MATIC.
What was the driving range of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
The 2023 EQS 450+ had an original EPA range estimate of 305 miles, while the EQS 450 4MATIC was estimated at 285 miles. An estimate for the EQS 580 4MATIC is not provided here.
Did every 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV have all-wheel drive?
No. The EQS 450+ used one rear motor and rear-wheel drive. The EQS 450 4MATIC and EQS 580 4MATIC used two motors and all-wheel drive.
What major comfort and technology features were standard on the 2023 EQS SUV?
Every 2023 EQS SUV had adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering, 200-kW DC fast charging, a power-adjustable second row, touchscreen navigation, and a broad driver-assistance suite. The EQS 580 4MATIC added the 56-inch Hyperscreen as standard.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
4.2
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
(347 reviews)
“The finishes and quiet ride individually are reasons enough to enjoy this vehicle. Combining them in the same vehicle makes it a sure thing.”
“The range is rather conservative and when it says it can go 100 miles, it really does. It is quite different from Tesla. Riding quality is amazing, silent, simulated noise is awesome and cool. Lane keeping should improve but overall I am happier with EQS 580 than Tesla Model X. UI is quite sluggish. MB should work harder to make the software smooth and have zero latency.”