With a goal to have a fully electric lineup before the start of the next decade, Mercedes-Benz is well on its way following the release of the third model to utilize the EVA 2 platform: the EQS SUV.

Coming in two flavours, the 450 4MATIC and the more powerful 580 4MATIC, I spent some time behind the latter producing a mighty 536 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque via dual electric motors. The all-wheel drive powertrain is fed by a 107.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack providing a range of approximately 460 kilometres, depending on environment and usage. Charging takes only half-an-hour if connected to a 240 volt, 200-kilowatt-compatible DC unit, and around 11 hours at Level 2.

Around town, the regenerative braking works exceptionally well and in the max setting keeps energy reserves high when coupled with a light foot.

Acceleration, as one would expect, is quick and will surprise many internal combustion vehicles at the stoplight — the 0 to 100 km/h time is rated under five seconds. Brake feel on the other hand could be a bit firmer. Sitting on a four-link front and multi-link rear AIRMATIC suspension system, it features that solid German handling and is rather comfortable thanks to sensors constantly reading road conditions and adjusting dampening accordingly. An OFFROAD mode raises the height, among dialling in other dynamic settings, to prioritize performance on low-traction surfaces.

Sharing the same 3,210-millimetre-long wheelbase as the EQS sedan, the crossover is obviously (200 millimetres) taller and offers optional third row seating (+ $2,400). Rear-axle steering and a tight-ish turning circle allows parking and other in-city manoeuvres to be fairly painless compared to other competitors in the segment.

The zero-emissions SUV looks quite smart and not overly spaceship-like. The front fascia boasts the signature illuminated one-piece black grille, connected to the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps housing three ultra-bright LEDs assisted by 1.3-million micro-mirrors. At the back, a thin LED taillight bar stretches from fender to fender. Perhaps the most futuristic design element on the press loaner I drove is the large five-spoke semi-closed-face wheels (not pictured) no doubt aiding aerodynamics.  

It’s a bit of a different story inside where a massive 56-inch Mercedes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) Hyperscreen covers the entire dashboard displaying virtual gauges and infotainment controls. Even the passenger can claim his or her own section of the haptic-feedback-equipped display. And though full-touch interfaces are très en vogue right now, a physical volume and tuning knob — and how about a physical panoramic sunroof switch while we’re at it — would make operation so much easier.

Innovation doesn’t come cheap, however. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV starts at $158,500 and is available now.