There’s no denying it — the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ SUV is an unbelievable automotive. Positive, the outside design isn’t for me, and the bulbous nostril, whereas not as dangerous 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 automotive and also you’re greeted with gorgeous finishes, lovely construct high quality, trendy tech, and a super-comfortable experience.
I’ve spent per week testing the EQS 450+ SUV and cherished nearly all the pieces about it. It has loads of oomph whenever you hit the accelerator, and whereas the suspension is just a little mushy, it feels such as you’re driving a cloud.
However then there’s the worth. 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. Positive, some will need to pay for that Mercedes emblem and luxurious inside — however for those who really need one of the best electrical SUV expertise on the market, it’s in all probability price wanting elsewhere. Listed here are 5 gorgeous electrical SUVs that show you don’t must spend loopy money to get an awesome automotive.
Rivian R1S
In the event you’re in search of the most effective electrical SUVs proper now, and are keen to pay some money, the Rivian R1S needs to be on the high of your record. The R1S isn’t essentially as luxurious because the EQS 450+ SUV, but it surely simply outpaces the Mercedes by way of the tech, battery, charging system, and extra.
The design of the Rivian R1S is just a little controversial, however I personally find it irresistible. It appears to be like very trendy, and I discover the oval headlights on the entrance to look distinctive — in a great way.
The battery and charging tech right here is superb too. The Rivian R1S gives 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 pace on provide by the EQS.
After all, the inside of the vehicles is probably one of many greatest variations. The EQS 450+ SUV oozes luxurious, nevertheless, the R1S is a bit more centered on performance. However the inside of the R1S continues to be supremely comfy, with premium touches like heated seats and steering. It additionally gives extra room, which is useful for many 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’ll be able to afford to attend. Preorders positioned right now aren’t anticipated to reach till late 2023.
BMW iX
In the event you’re in search of German luxurious and desire a high-end SUV, then the BMW iX is the way in which to go. This automotive boasts lots of the similar luxurious touches because the EQS 450+ SUV, together with a really comfy inside with issues like heated seating and a panoramic sunroof. On the iX, that sunroof is electrochromic, so you’ll be able to allow and disable shading with the contact of a button.
The BMW iX is nice as an electrical automotive too, with over 300 miles of vary, relying on the choices you go for, and a charging pace of 150kW. That’s not fairly as excessive because the EQS 450+ SUV, however ought to nonetheless cost your automotive 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 numerous 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 by way of worth, whereas nonetheless retaining an expensive expertise.
Audi e-Tron
In the event you’d like to avoid wasting much more cash on a luxurious electrical SUV, then the Audi e-Tron is price contemplating too — although there are a couple of caveats. The e-Tron is fascinating in that it appears to be like like different trendy Audi vehicles, and isn’t completely redesigned to look daring and futuristic. For a lot of patrons, that’s a superb factor.
The good design extends to the inside. The e-Tron gives a variety of great-looking screens for infotainment and devices, and there’s comfy leather-based upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
The e-Tron does fall just a little 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 nearly 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 gives an awesome driving expertise for $59,290.
I fairly like the outside design of the Genesis GV60, due to its trendy curves and trendy look. Not everybody will find it irresistible, however I usually want it to the general look of the EQS. The inside is sweet too, and whereas definitely not as luxurious because the Mercedes possibility, it’s comfy and spacious, which could be very useful.
When it comes to electrical automotive options, the GV60 can’t measure as much as the EQS. It gives a variety of as much as 248 miles, which is kind of a bit lower than the EQS 450+ SUV. That mentioned, the charging pace is up to an enormous 350kW, which makes this the fastest-charging automotive on this record.
Cadillac Lyriq
Final however not least is the Cadillac Lyriq, which can be fairly a bit cheaper than the Mercedes, beginning at $62,990. The Lyriq is one other automotive that you simply wouldn’t know is an EV at first look, and it’s not essentially probably the most modern-looking automotive on the market, but it surely nonetheless appears to be like nice.
The inside of this automotive 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 automotive for devices and infotainment. And it’s comparatively spacious, which is kind of good.
Probably the greatest 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 may cost fairly rapidly too, at as much as 190kW, which is about on par with the EQS.
Editors’ Suggestions
