Mercedes-Benz South Africa has introduced the all-new EQS and EQE SUVs to the local market. The two electric SUVs offer a compelling combination of performance, range, and luxury – at a substantial price.
The EQS SUV is the flagship model in the Mercedes-EQ range of fully electric SUVs. With a huge 108 kWh* battery, it offers a range of up to 610 km on a single charge. The model derivative available to customers in South Africa is the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV. It is driven by a dual-motor electric powertrain with 265 kW and 800 Nm, giving it a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.0 seconds. Its top speed is 210 km/h.
The EQS 450’s maximum charging capacity is 200 kW. If you can find such a powerful charger in Mzansi, it will boost the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes.
With a length of 5 125 mm, the EQS SUV (not to be confused with the EQS sedan) is similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The EQS SUV provides seating for five, with an additional two seats available as an option. Luggage capacity is generous, even with all seats in use: 645 litres for the five-seater and 565 litres for the seven-seater.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is slightly smaller (4 863 mm long) than the EQS SUV and is similar in size to its internal-combustion cousin, the GLE. For now, the twin-motor EQE 350 4MATIC is the only model derivative available on the local market. With 215 kW and 765 Nm on tap, the 0-100 km/h sprint takes 6.2 seconds. This is not terrifically quick for a battery-electric vehicle, and its kerb weight of 2 580 kg must be a factor here, as with the EQS SUV. The EQE’s top speed is 210 km/h.
Mercedes-Benz claims a range of up to 558 km for the EQE 350 4MATIC. At a rapid charging facility (170 kW), the EQE can charge its 89 kWh* battery from 10-80 percent in around 32 minutes. The EQE’s luggage bay has a capacity of 520 litres.
A Bavarian rival
To put the specifications of the EQS and EQE SUVs in context, the BMW iX xDrive50 (R2 350 000) can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has a range of up to 630 km. With a length of 4 953 mm, it sits between the EQS and EQE SUVs. It seats five and has a boot capacity of 500 litres.
The EQS SUV and EQE SUV are now available to order from Mercedes-Benz dealerships in South Africa. The prices provided below exclude optional extras, of which there are many.
Prices
EQS 450 4MATIC SUV: R2 726 100
EQS 450 4MATIC 7-seater SUV: R2 759 300
EQE 350 4MATIC SUV: R2 194 500
* usable capacity
