We don’t usually start road tests with a vehicle’s infotainment system but we’re going to make an exception this week.
The EQS 580 4MATIC SUV’s screens are so big that Mercedes-Benz calls its digital dashboard layout the MBUX Hyperscreen. It spans an incredible 55-inches across the entire length of the dash and backs it up with the features and computing power to justify the name.
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The size and depth of the system is impressive. It’s a three screen setup that includes a web browser and a screen for the front seat passenger with touch controls that are powered by an 8-core CPU with 24 GB of RAM and 46.4 GB of RAM bandwidth.
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From a fast loading web browser that can stream video to the wonderful sounding 3D surround Burmester speakers, it offers a tremendous amount of visual and audio pop.
The HD and satellite radio presentations are excellent as is its native mapping system, which adds animated glimmers to lakes and rivers that appear on the maps. As you would expect, wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play fire right up, looking even more impressive on the large center screen.
The gauge cluster is equally impressive. It’s highly configurable with graphical styles ranging from classic to off-road.
Beyond that, the Mercedes-Benz EQUS 580 4MATIC test car in this review, which appears courtesy of our friends at automotiveaddicts.com, is among the most luxurious SUVs you can buy – gas or electric – with more than 300-miles of real world range and fast 200kW charging.
It includes 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which can fully vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles. The turning circle is also incredible tight thanks to four-wheel steering.
The performance is grin inducing, getting you from 0-60 mph in about 4.1 seconds, despite weighing 6,323 pounds.
It’s EPA range rating is 285 miles per charge, but we saw an indicated 380 miles, meaning exceeding 300 miles of range at the 70 mph speed limit on the interstate should be no problem in good weather.
Our big Benz came with a MSRP of $138,940, although it’s easy to hike that to more than $150,000 by checking the option boxes for things like third row seats and 5-zone automatic climate control. The single-motor version bases at $105,550. Speaking of the rear seats, ours had power controls, allowing rear seat passengers to move forward or backwards or set the recline position.
The ride was plush but controlled around the corners, with that typical Mercedes “bank vault” feel. However, the brakes were a challenge to master, requiring more effort than we’re used to.
Part of that unusual brake feel may be that the big Benz is using the front radar to add regen automatically as you approach vehicles.
While that can be helpful, it just didn’t seem consistent enough when combined with traditional braking, sometimes requiring pushing harder on the brake pedal than most people are probably used to. But overall, the big Benz is a compelling EV for those that can afford it.
For a much more in-depth look at the EQS 580 4MATIC watch the video at the top of this post and read a thorough written review at automotiveaddicts.com. If you enjoy the video, please consider giving it a like and subscribing to the EV Rider YouTube channel.
