Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic CKD Officially Rolls-out, Priced At RM648,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has officially rolled out its first locally assembled (CKD) full-electric EQ model, and it’s none other than the Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic.

The model was presented during an official roll-out ceremony held earlier this week at MBM’s plant in Pekan, Pahang. Amongst the attendees present were both YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry, as well Sagree Sardien, MBM’s CEO & president.

“This supports our global business strategy of offering our customers a comprehensive EQ range and contributing to a higher EV adoption in Malaysia,” said Sagree upon presenting the localised flagship electric vehicle (EV) model during the roll-out ceremony.

As reported prior, the new and localised EQS 500 4Matic now replaces the EQS 450+ model that was initially launched by MBM last year. Like the variant it replaces, it now sits as the three-point star brand’s flagship luxury EV offering from its EQ stable, which also includes the likes of the EQA, EQB, EQC, and more recently the EQE.

As you can probably guess from its 4Matic suffix, this variant of the EQS employs an all-wheel-drive (AWD) driveline that stems from a dual-motor setup – one over each axle. Compared to the EQS450+ it replaces, which outputs 329 HP ( 245 kW) and 568 NM, this variant offers peppier outputs of 443 HP (245 kW) and 828 NM instead.

And unlike the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) EQS 450+, the EQS 500 4Matic also sees improved performance by dispatching 0-100 KM/H in just 4.8 seconds as opposed to the former variant’s 6.2 seconds. V-max, on the other hand, remains unchanged at 210 KM/H.

Of course, the bump in power and performance, plus the dual-motor and AWD setup, does see the EQS 500 4Matic lose on range. Compared to the EQS450+, which had a claimed 782 KM maximum range figure, its up-specced replacement promises up to 686 KM on a single full charge instead.

Speaking of charge, the EQS 500 4Matic harnesses the same lithium-ion battery pack as the EQS450+ it replaces, but it boasts a slightly higher rating of 108.4 kWh instead of 107.8 kWh. Unchanged here too is the system’s ability to accept both regular AC and rapid DC charging inputs, the former up to 11 kW and the latter up to 200 kW.

As for charge times, regular AC charging at 11 kW will see charges from 10% to 100% taking about 10 hours. Opt for the rapid DC charging method up to 200 kW and it grants 10-80% charges in just 31 minutes.

As for specification, the EQS 500 4Matic mirrors what’s seen in the EQS450+ it replaces, with key highlights that include adjustable Airmatic air suspension with selective damping, rear axle steering (up to 10 degrees) and Dynamic Select drive modes. It also gets the ‘Electric Art’ interior and exterior trimlines instead of the sporty ‘AMG Line’ kit that dresses the EQS 450+.

The switch from AMG Line to Electric Art aesthetics sees the former’s 21-inch wheels swapped out for slightly smaller 20-inch units sporting a five-spoke design. This package also sees the exterior of the EQS 500 4Matic furnished with a number of chrome trim elements too.

Note: CBU EQS 450+ interior images featured.

On board, the Electric Art package sees the cabin furnished with Nappa leather upholstery  a black/space grey colourway, followed by black fabric headliner, velour floor mats, anthracite line-structure lime wood trim elements, as well as anthracite open-pored line structure lime wood centre console plus a 64-colour ambient lighting suite.

Unchanged here is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Hyperscreen display, which consists of three screens spanning the dash and measure 141 CM wide. The suite includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, 17.7-inch central OLED touchscreen and 12.3-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment units up front.

Tying those up is the Mercedes me connect services that offer over-the-air update support, augmented reality navigation display, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, MBUX Interior Assistant for both the front and rear, not forgetting a premium Burmester 3D surround audio system too boot.

Also unchanged is the presence of Comfort seats that offers powered adjustments plus heating, ventilation and memory functions up front. Rear passengers will get to bask in the Rear Seat Package Plus that boasts electrically-adjustable seats, luxury head restraints, seat climate control and a comfort armrest. Other tech present in the rear include a wireless mobile device charging suite and the novel MBUX tablet.

Lastly, Driving Assistance Plus Package comes as standard equipment, lining the EQS 500 4Matic with an arsenal of semi-autonomous deriving tech. it includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Active Distance Assist Distronic (adaptive cruise control), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe (with impulse side support), evasive manoeuvre support, Active Parking Assist, as well as the Parking Package with 360-degree camera and Urban Guard vehicle protection.

If all this bodes well with your desires, then be prepared – the EQS 500 4Matic commands a steep premium. Orders can now be placed at RM648,888 sans insurance. Notably, said figure marks an RM50,000 reduction from the fully-imported (CBU) EQS 450+ MBM offered prior.

Said price includes a rather lengthy but separate 10-year or 250,000 KM warranty for its EV battery, which comes on top of the standard vehicle warranty.

So, what do you folks think of the now localised and somewhat up-specced EQS 500 4Matic then? Hit the comments below with your thoughts.