The electric vehicle market is making vehicle naming more confusing for Mercedes-Benz. We already have an EQS, a high-class luxury sedan, equivalent to the S-Class sedan. Now, this brand wants to take the EQS name and add SUV to its back as a differentiator. This might take some getting used to, but it appears when the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV arrives, it will have more than just enough luxury to take on Tesla; it will have the chops to go where Tesla doesn’t dare.

Taking the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV on a test run

The setting captured in photos by Car and Driver makes you think they took the EQS SUV out to the desert for a test run. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Testing for this vehicle occurred near the Tuscaloosa, Alabama assembly plant, which makes the new EQS and EQE models. This is also where we see the North American versions of the GLE and GLS-Class SUVs produced.

Why does it appear this SUV is riding around in the open desert? Mostly because of the design of the course. What these captures for us is the fact that this new luxury SUV will bring off-road capabilities we don’t see in many other models. The new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is the second model using the EVO 2 platform, the first being its sedan counterpart.

Does this luxury SUV have an Off-Road mode?

Yes, the EQS SUV does have an Off-Road mode located within the expansive bank of electronic controls in the dash panel. This feature raises the suspension to its maximum height, adjusts the powertrain, and sets the stability control system to the desired settings. With these adjustments in place, this SUV handles the challenges of tough off-road driving with relative ease.

This Mercedes-Benz SUV has electronics everywhere

There are so many electric items controlling this new luxury SUV that you wonder why it has a steering wheel. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz didn’t try to be brash and work without the systems we need to control this vehicle. Inside EVs tells us the front passenger benefits from a 12.3-inch OLED screen which is theirs to control. This allows them to view anything they desire, including a movie or TV show, without disturbing the driver. This screen is tilted away from the driver to avoid distractions.

The rest of the dashboard is a gorgeous black and blue screen with electronics and controls that give the driver the information needed. Once behind the wheel, the driver can configure these controls to their liking and see desired information on these impressive screens.

This Luxury SUV provides ample comfort in all seats

When you know this is the SUV equivalent of the S-Class sedan, you expect the highest level of comfort in the cabin. The new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV provides this comfort for you. According to MotorTrend, the seats are covered in soft, pillow-like cushions giving every passenger a wonderful place to rest their body and head. The EQS SUV offers an optional two-seat third row. This expands the seating to seven, allowing larger groups to ride together.

When is the reveal of the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV scheduled?

Currently, we are short on the details of this new luxury SUV. We’ll learn more on April 19, the official reveal date for this luxury SUV. This is when we should learn more about the dimensions, functions, features, and power of this luxury SUV.

Does the fact that the EQS SUV offer off-road capabilities put it ahead of the Tesla Model X? Did Mercedes-Benz get it right with this electric SUV? Will luxury shoppers look to this model and forget about the gullwing doors of the Model X? We hope to receive answers when this new Mercedes-Benz electric luxury SUV makes its official debut.