Mercedes previewed the EQS SUV in September 2021 by introducing a glitzy Maybach concept at the IAA Munich show. Later this year, the production version will follow as a Benz model, and it has now been spotted as a prototype performing final testing. We are not surprised the disguised luxobarge was seen in the United States as the three-pointed star has already announced production will take place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. At the same facility, Mercedes will also build the smaller EQE SUV, with both to hit the assembly line towards the end of 2022.
Hiding the full production body, the 2023 EQS SUV can be seen putting its rear-wheel steering to work. In its sedan sibling, the rear wheels have a standard steering angle of 4.5 degrees or an optional 10-degree setup. It considerably lowers the turning circle in the city and improves stability at higher speeds during journeys outside of the urban jungle.
Spotted carrying Michigan manufacturer plates, the EQS SUV had contrasting blue accents on the wheels along with pop-out electronic door handles shared with the sedan. The switch to a more bulbous shape should pay dividends in terms of practicality as we’re expecting Mercedes to install a third row of seats.
You can easily tell it’s a prototype of a US-spec model by the orange side markers within the headlights. The front-end styling will likely be largely carried over from the sedan and you can observe the pillars for the side mirrors are mounted lower on the door to echo the regular EQS. Air suspension is planned for the Tesla Model X rival, along with that massive Hyperscreen inside where even the front passenger will have a dedicated display.
Following the standard model’s unveiling this year, Mercedes is expected to introduce the luxurious Maybach derivative shortly thereafter. An educated guess tells us an AMG will follow considering the EQS sedan is already offered in a potent AMG 53 guise with 751 horsepower and a whopping 1,020 Newton-meters (752 pound-feet) of torque.
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