5 special features in the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV for the U.S.

The 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV, the brand’s first dedicated electric SUV, will go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2022. Priced between USD 104,400 and 132,200 (plus USD 1,150 destination & delivery charge), the flagship Mercedes-Benz EV is loaded to the brim with some of the industry’s best design, technology, comfort, and safety features. Below are the top five special features of the 2023 EQS SUV.

Digital Light headlamps

Digital Light headlamps, standard on the US-spec 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV, consist of a light module with three LEDs per headlamp. 1.3 million micro-mirrors, which are as tiny as thumbnails, refract and direct the light of these LEDs. Thus, the resolution resulting from this setup is 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. A control unit with a graphic processor uses an HDMI-like connection to produce a continuous video stream to the micro-mirrors.

2023 Mercedes EQS SUV headlamp
Digital Light headlamps are standard on the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV in the U.S. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Digital Light headlamps can project auxiliary markings or warning symbols onto the road. In narrow road construction lanes, for example, they can project a line of light onto the road surface which shows the vehicle width and guides the driver through the roadworks.

The all-new high-definition headlamps can also aim a spotlight at pedestrians at the roadside as a warning. Moreover, they can ensure the driver doesn’t miss stop signs, traffic lights, or no-entry signs by pointing them out with a warning symbol onto the road. Lastly, they can warn the driver and provide them directional guidance when the vehicle’s Lane Keeping Assist or Blind Spot Assist detects a hazard.

Formula 1-inspired running boards

2023 Mercedes EQS SUV rear three quarter
The 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV doesn’t have electrically extending running boards like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. However, its fixed running boards contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Entering or exiting the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV doesn’t take much effort, thanks to retractable running boards. These are no ordinary side steps since we’re talking about a Mercedes-Benz here, that too a flagship EV from the luxury brand. The German automaker says that the underbody of F1 cars inspired the designers and aerodynamicists who worked on this feature. The special side steps contribute to the EV’s aerodynamics.

It drops down in the non-visible area on the underside. This directs the airflow behind the wheels and results in a measurable aerodynamic advantage.

Mercedes-Benz (2023 Mercedes EQS SUV world premiere on April 19, 2022)

In case you were wondering, the 2023 EQS SUV’s running boards aren’t electrically activated. You can expect that shy tech (pun intended) on the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV that goes on sale in 2023. The side steps available on the 2023 EQS SUV are fixed units.

Five-zone climate control system

2023 Mercedes EQS SUV third-row seats
It’s possible to have a different temperature setting in the third row of the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

The 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV is available with optional three-row seating. Choosing this adds two individual seats. Passengers in the third row don’t have to make many compromises, as extensive comfort features are available to them. One of these is a five-zone Thermotronic climate control system that allows setting a separate temperature and ventilation intensity for the third row of seats.

Easy wiper fluid refill system

Every small detail matters when we talk about the convenience of a luxury vehicle costing a six-digit figure. 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV customers don’t need to open the hood to replace its wiper fluid. In fact, they cannot open the hood even if they want to, as it’s locked and accessible to only the technicians at the workshop. Instead, Mercedes-Benz has integrated the service flap to add washer fluid into the 2023 EQS SUV into the side of its front left fender. Pressing on the back area of this flap opens it up.

2023 Mercedes EQS SUV wiper fluid refill flap
Mercedes-Benz had to use an unconventional washer fluid refilling system because of the locked hood, and it ended up being more convenient. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Rear-axle steering

Another unique standard feature of the US-spec 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV worth noting is rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees. Whether this system turns the wheels in the same direction as the front wheels or in the opposite direction, depends on the speed.

Below 31 mph, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction, reducing the turning circle from 39 ft. to 36 ft. This makes turning the EQS SUV in narrow city streets as easy as the Toyota RAV4 compact SUV, the lowest turning circle of which is 36.1 ft. At speeds above 31 mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction to provide more stability.

Also See: Mercedes EQS SUV AMG version not in the works: Report

Featured Image Source: Mercedes-Benz