Test bench | Competition from the Mercedes EQS SUV

The electric SUV niche really has the wind in its sails. The Mercedes EQS SUV has to contend with the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX and Tesla’s Model X.

Audi Q8 e-tron

Price: from $95,000 (estimate)

Some brands are taking advantage of the electric transition to overplay the innovation card. This is the case of Tesla, BMW and, to a lesser extent, Mercedes. Audi is taking a different path. The Q8 e-tron seeks rather to accompany, even to reassure its owner. This one will not be confused at the wheel and will not have to grope for a long time to locate the controls. More cautious in its approach, the firm with the rings nevertheless offers sophisticated technical advances (it was one of the pioneers in its segment) and mastered. For now, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not communicated the results of its tests, so it is impossible to establish a direct comparison. Never mind, the Q8 e-tron offers greater driving pleasure than the Mercedes.

BMW iX

Price: from $82,825

Just like the Audi Q8 e-tron, the BMW iX is not a direct competitor to the EQS SUV. However, if the seven-seat configuration and the towing capacity are not among your criteria, the two vehicles have fairly similar attributes. Especially when the iX comes in its M60 livery. More powerful than the Mercedes, the BMW accelerates harder, but provides slightly less range according to tests conducted by the EPA. Starting at $129,502, the BMW offers a much sportier temperament than the Mercedes, but at the cost of a very firm suspension.

Tesla Model X

Price: from $156,000

The Model X was certainly in Mercedes’ specifications when defining the EQS SUV. Apart from the vertically opening rear doors called “falcon wings”, the Model X seems, in appearance, more minimalist than Mercedes’ offer, but it is not. By opting for example for the Plaid version, the Model X literally makes dust rings around the EQS SUV. Both in terms of acceleration (0-100 km/h: 2.6 s) and autonomy of more than 500 km (according to the EPA). On the other hand, the Model X does not offer a presentation as rewarding as Mercedes, which does not struggle to justify its price.