Mercedes EQS 580 drive review: Lap of luxury minus rigours of range restrictions
- Range
- Performance
- Cabin comfort
- Understated exterior styling
- EQS 580 from Mercedes aspires to assimilate all that one may desire from a luxury EV today. Does it deliver?
Mercedes-Benz India was the first among luxury automotive brands to drive in an electric vehicle (EV) here back in late 2020. But if the EQC SUV was a statement of intent, the latest Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC is a clarion call that our country is not just ready for battery-powered mobility but raring.
The first locally-assembled luxury EV, the EQS 580 is being manufactured at the company facility in Chakan, near Pune. And while local assembly is a clear sign that the Germans are expecting a robust demand for the model, there are a plethora of other highlights that may well put the EQS 580 on a pedestal among flagship sedans regardless of powertrain.
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107.8 kwh
580 km
3996.0 cc
Multiple
Having driven the absolutely and insanely powerful AMG EQS - the high-performance version of EQS 580 that comes via import route - only recently, we landed in Pune to check out its more subtle twin. Here's the first full-drive review of Mercedes-Benz EQS 580:
Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 battery and range:
Expect Mercedes to step out and hit big when it comes to the battery of its electric vehicles. As such, the EQS 580 gets the presidential treatment with a mammoth 107.8 kWh battery pack at its core. The ARAI-certified range figure of 857 kms is mighty impressive but even if the real-world figure is less than this, it could still help evaporate all range-related anxieties.
EVs aren't meant for highways in India, not yet anyway. But underlining its credentials as India's longest-range EV, the Mercedes EQS 580 is looking at beating its way past rivals. But what good is range on a Mercedes if you aren't exactly enjoying the drive itself?
Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 driving dynamics:
The EQS 580 from Mercedes gets two electric motors - one on each axle. There is over 500 hp available and around 855 Nm of torque for the taking.
| Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 - Technical details | |
| Max output | 526 hp |
| Max Torque | 855 Nm |
| Drive System Layout | All-Wheel Drive |
| Acceleration (0 to 100 kmph) | 4.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 kmph |
| Range (ARAI certified) | 857 kms |
| Cd value | 0.20 |
There is a whole lot of power, torque and intent indeed when the EQS 580 sets itself into motion. Able help by multiple drive modes, the EV has a planted trait and yet responds to throttle inputs extremely well. The automatic gearbox keeps the numbers ticking well and depending on the urgency, triple-digit speeds come up ferociously fast. Braking, however, could have done with a lot more bite and this is something that I felt was lacking even in the even more ferocious AMG EQS 53.
But not much to complain as far as the well-tuned suspension and steering set up are concerned. The EQS 580 is quite capable of handling Indian road conditions despite is relatively low ground clearance and the ability to raise the suspension height when a bigger-than-usual bump beckons is an added advantage. The up to 10 degree move on the rear axle moves that despite its long proportions, the EQS is mighty agile making tight turns as well.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 cabin comfort:
The target audience for a car like the Mercedes EQS 580 isn't just contend with an EV that can complete a marathon at a sprinter's pace. It has to be typically luxurious and comfortable. And the Germans are well aware of what it takes to excel in these regards. This particular model is hardly any different and is packed with much to keep occupants busy.
A mammoth 56-inch MBUX hyperscreen - the biggest in any Mercedes production vehicle - is the command center. Three screens splashed across the dashboard are near seamless in the layout. The OLED 17-inch main screen is absolutely gorgeous and typically responsive to touch. This is where one can make use of functionalities like 3D maps, check vehicle statistics, control HVAC and the 15-speaker Burmester music system, among others. The front passenger too has a dedicated screen from which most of these controls can be accessed. The driver display offers drive-related information while there is a large Head-up Display or HUD as well.
The front two seats get massage functionality but we could not find the same for passengers at the back which, frankly, is a big miss. The rear seats can be reclined for added comfort and offer cooling as well as heating functionalities - all of which can be controlled through a tablet tucked inside the central armrest. But not having massage functions here, apart from the fact that there are no rear-seat screens for AV purposes, is a missed opportunity even if Mercedes may have been wanting to keep a check on pricing.
Space and comfort though is absolutely no concern as there is a whole lot of both. There are two upholstery colour options and the finish is typically Mercedes. A lack of a prominent hump on the floorbed means that even three on the backseats would be fine, even if not exactly ideal. Adaptive ambient lighting, large sunroof, multi-zone climate control are some of the other feature highlights.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 styling:
The EQS isn't a flashy electric car and instead, it banks on its understated and practical styling to help it stand out in the crowd. Whether it is the closed front grille with LED head lights on either side or the connected LED strip at the front and back or even the OLED tail lights, the EQS has an artistic flair in its exterior design philosophy.
Standing on 20-inch alloy wheels, the EQS 580 has a slightly less length and width when compared to the S-Class. But while the S-Class may look more regal, the EQS stands a shade taller and is a tad bit more sportier to senses as well. The swept back roofline allows for the EV to have an extremely aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient value of just 0.20.
And for those who want some flair, the frameless doors and flush door handles are a great touch as well.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 tailor-made for you?
The EQS 580 is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line luxury EV. Its range is its biggest strength but even if the AMG twin is far more capable, this EV is great fun to drive as well. The fact that there is an eight year/unlimited kms warranty on the battery pack and a once-in-two-years' service schedule sweetens the deal further.
India is now the only country outside of Germany where the EQS 580 is being assembled and at ₹1.55 crore (ex-showroom), it is priced quite aggressively too. For someone determined to buy a flagship and taken by all that Mercedes offers, EQS 580 would be a worthy addition to the collection.
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