Mercedes-Benz EQS Local Assembly (CKD) Has Reportedly Started

At the launch of the new EQE model not too long ago, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had announced its intention to localise a number of its all-electric EQ models this year. Now, reports by credible local sources have confirmed that MBM has begun said effort, and it starts with its flagship EQS model.

Citing production data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association, these reports indicate that MBM’s plant in Pekan, Pahang, has already assembled up to 27 units of said flagship electric saloon back in November 2022.

Notably, the variant assembled locally isn’t the same as the fully-imported (CBU) variant MBM initially launched in July 2022.In fact, MBM has opted to localise a higher trim EQS500 4Matic model.

Unlike the CBU EQS450+ variant launched initially, the EQS500 4Matic packs both a peppier dual-motor powertrain and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups. In this form, the EQS boasts 443 HP (or 330 KW) and 855 NM, plus a claimed 0-100 KM/H in sprint time of just 4.8 seconds too.

In contrast, the EQS450+ variant makes do with just 329 HP (or 245 KW) and 568 NM from a single motor setup driving its rear wheels, thus explaining its slower 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 6.2 seconds too.

While both the EQS450+ and upcoming EQS500 share the same 120 kWh (107.8 kWh useable) battery pack, the latter does sacrifice a little in range in the interest of performance. Instead of the 782 KM (WLTP) claimed figure of the EQS450+, the EQS500 4Matic has a claimed travel range of 685 KM (WLTP).

The shared battery also means that both variants should share similar charging times as well. Both AC charging (Type 2) up to 11kW and DC rapid charging (CCS2) up to 200 kW are supported, the latter allowing charges from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes too.

As for its features list, we can expect the EQS500 4Matic to pack similar levels of luxury and tech as seen in the EQS450+.

Price and launch date, on the other hand, remains unknown at this point. With the on-going localised EV incentives offered by the government though, there is a chance that this Pekan-built EQS500 4Matic will be priced lower than the CBU variant which currently commands a base price of RM698,888.