There’s no denying it — the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ SUV is an unimaginable automobile. Certain, the outside design isn’t for me, and the bulbous nostril, whereas not as unhealthy as on the usual EQS, proves that many carmakers nonetheless do not know what to do with a grille-less design. However sit contained in the automobile and also you’re greeted with gorgeous finishes, lovely construct high quality, fashionable tech, and a super-comfortable trip.
I’ve spent every week testing the EQS 450+ SUV and liked virtually all the things about it. It has loads of oomph once you hit the accelerator, and whereas the suspension is slightly mushy, it feels such as you’re driving a cloud.
However then there’s the value. Luxurious electrical vehicles are recognized for his or her worth, however the EQS 450+ SUV appears to go a step additional, beginning at $105,550, and climbing north of $130,000 in some trims. Certain, some will need to pay for that Mercedes emblem and luxurious inside — however in case you actually need the most effective electrical SUV expertise on the market, it’s in all probability value wanting elsewhere. Listed here are 5 gorgeous electrical SUVs that show you don’t have to spend loopy money to get an amazing automobile.
Rivian R1S
Should you’re in search of probably the greatest electrical SUVs proper now, and are keen to pay some money, the Rivian R1S must be on the high of your checklist. The R1S isn’t essentially as luxurious because the EQS 450+ SUV, but it surely simply outpaces the Mercedes when it comes to the tech, battery, charging system, and extra.
The design of the Rivian R1S is slightly controversial, however I personally find it irresistible. It appears very fashionable, and I discover the oval headlights on the entrance to look distinctive — in a great way.
The battery and charging tech right here is great too. The Rivian R1S provides as much as 316 miles of vary, which is a bit more than the already-great 305-mile vary of the EQS 450+ SUV. It will possibly cost at as much as 220 kilowatts, which is a slight improve over the 200kW charging velocity on provide by the EQS.
After all, the inside of the vehicles is maybe one of many greatest variations. The EQS 450+ SUV oozes luxurious, nevertheless, the R1S is a bit more targeted on performance. However the inside of the R1S continues to be supremely snug, with premium touches like heated seats and steering. It additionally provides extra room, which is useful for individuals who plan on adventuring so much, or who’ve a household.
Beginning at $91,075, the R1S is cheaper than the EQS 450+ SUV, however provided that you possibly can afford to attend. Preorders positioned at present aren’t anticipated to reach till late 2023.
BMW iX
Should you’re in search of German luxurious and desire a high-end SUV, then the BMW iX is the best way to go. This automobile boasts most of the identical luxurious touches because the EQS 450+ SUV, together with a really snug inside with issues like heated seating and a panoramic sunroof. On the iX, that sunroof is electrochromic, so you possibly can allow and disable shading with the contact of a button.
The BMW iX is nice as an electrical automobile too, with over 300 miles of vary, relying on the choices you go for, and a charging velocity of 150kW. That’s not fairly as excessive because the EQS 450+ SUV, however ought to nonetheless cost your automobile from 20% to 80% in below half-hour.
The design of the BMW iX might be on par with the EQS 450+ SUV, relying on who you ask. They’re controversial in several methods because of the giant fake grille on the entrance of the iX, and the bulbous nostril on the EQS 450+ SUV. However at a base worth of $84,100, it simply beats the EQS 450+ SUV when it comes to worth, whereas nonetheless retaining an expensive expertise.
Audi e-Tron
Should you’d like to save lots of much more cash on a luxurious electrical SUV, then the Audi e-Tron is value contemplating too — although there are a number of caveats. The e-Tron is fascinating in that it appears like different fashionable Audi vehicles, and isn’t completely redesigned to look daring and futuristic. For a lot of consumers, that’s a superb factor.
The good design extends to the inside. The e-Tron provides a variety of great-looking screens for infotainment and devices, and there’s snug leather-based upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
The e-Tron does fall slightly quick in comparison with the EQS 450+ SUV in some methods. For instance, you’ll solely get a variety of 222 miles on the bottom mannequin, which is sort of 80 miles lower than the Mercedes.
Genesis GV60
Subsequent up is the Genesis GV60, a relative of the extremely regarded Hyundai Ioniq 5 that’s one other step down in luxurious in comparison with the EQS 450+ SUV, however nonetheless provides an amazing driving expertise for $59,290.
I fairly like the outside design of the Genesis GV60, because of its fashionable curves and fashionable look. Not everybody will find it irresistible, however I typically want it to the general look of the EQS. The inside is good too, and whereas actually not as luxurious because the Mercedes possibility, it’s snug and spacious, which could be very useful.
When it comes to electrical automobile options, the GV60 can’t measure as much as the EQS. It provides a variety of as much as 248 miles, which is kind of a bit lower than the EQS 450+ SUV. That mentioned, the charging velocity is up to an enormous 350kW, which makes this the fastest-charging automobile on this checklist.
Cadillac Lyriq
Final however not least is the Cadillac Lyriq, which can also be fairly a bit cheaper than the Mercedes, beginning at $62,990. The Lyriq is one other automobile that you simply wouldn’t know is an EV at first look, and it’s not essentially essentially the most modern-looking automobile on the market, but it surely nonetheless appears nice.
The inside of this automobile isn’t as luxurious because the EQS, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly good. You’ll get an enormous 33-inch curved show that stretches throughout the entrance of the automobile for devices and infotainment. And it’s comparatively spacious, which is kind of good.
The most effective issues concerning the Lyriq is the truth that it has a strong vary, coming in at an estimated 312 miles — which is greater than the EQS 450+ SUV. And, it will probably cost fairly rapidly too, at as much as 190kW, which is about on par with the EQS.
Editors’ Suggestions
