‘Twas at Mercedes-Benz’s pop-up space at #01-01 Raffles City Shopping Centre called Crafted for the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Showcase that the new EQS SUV was launched. This electric vehicle (EV) also sees the convergence of luxury, technology and sustainability. Visitors can experience the EQS SUV and check out the sustainability-focused installations composed of upcycled auto parts and waste materials from 1-3 September 2023.

Two variants will be available initially – EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Electric Art and EQS 450 4MATIC SUV AMG Line – depending on whether one prefers a classic and elegant or sportier look. A claimed WLTP consumption of 20.5kWh/100km and range of up to 610km from its 108.4kW battery pack is helped by its very slippery 0.26Cd drag coefficient.

The battery pack powers two electric motors to put down 360hp and 800Nm of torque to all four wheels, dusting off 0-100km/h in six seconds flat and on to a top speed of 210km/h. All in the lap of luxury.

A DC fast-charging system is fitted on-board, enabling a maximum charge rate of 200kW which allows for 250km of range to be added in just 15 minutes. Based on my own experience with the EQE 350+ AMG Line, I’d guesstimate just over an hour to charge the battery pack to full from around 20% at a 100kW DC charger – perfect for a dinnertime juice-up. On AC, a maximum of 22kW charging is available.

AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping is standard fit, and this SUV can be raised by a further 25mm for added ground clearance when soft-roading. Rear-axle steering is standard and turns the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees, either in tandem with the front wheels for added high-speed stability or in opposition to reducing the turning circle in tight spaces.

Also standard is the Parking Package with 360° camera which helps with manoeuvring in tight spaces and Active Parking Assist which can smartly park the EQS SUV in carparks, alleviating worries about the size of this vehicle.

Boot space is something that families and golfers alike will appreciate. With the third row of seats up, 195 litres of carrying capacity is available. Knock that third row down and 645 litres of space is freed up. Slide the second row forward and 880 litres means up to four golf bags can be carried. Fold the second row down and 2020-litres of minivan-like capaciousness is liberated.

Luxury doesn’t mean practicality has to be sacrificed.

THERMOTRONIC five-zone climate control is standard fit, and rearmost passengers can set temperature and ventilation intensity independently of the other zones. Passengers in the second row have two zones of climate control, as do the front occupants. Everyone can be nice and cool in the EQS SUV.

MBUX is now in its second generation and features artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the software to learn and adapt to its occupant’s preferences and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.

A new zero-layer design means sub-menus and voice commands are a thing of the past since applications are situationally and contextually offered on the top level in the field of view.

Dolby Atmos takes centre stage (see what I did there ha ha) with the optional Burmester sound system, and in conjunction with Apple Music’s Spatial Audio, takes in-car audio to a whole new level. Revel in your favourite tunes while being enthralled by how music sounds far better than in any concert hall.

More to come when we drive the EQS SUV. Watch this space.

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Taking place from 24-30 Aug 2023, the ‘Crafted for the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Showcase’ pop-up experience is located at Raffles City shopping centre.

So what’s the fuss all about, you ask? Well, this is where you dive headfirst into the world of Mercedes’ electric dreams. The stars of the show? The EQA and EQB SUVs, the elegant EQE saloon, the groundbreaking EQS, and not to forget, the EQS53 AMG – because who said electric can’t be thrilling?

Now, this isn’t your regular showroom affair. This is an exploration, a journey into the heart of electric mobility. Get up close and personal with the tech that’s shaping the future, learn about charging solutions, and yes, they’re not holding back. You can even slip behind the wheel of selected EQ models and take them for a spin.

But that’s not where the magic ends. There’s a collection of upcycled furniture, ingeniously crafted from old car parts. These pieces, born from the minds of TANCHEN studio, are part of the Reincarnation collection that made waves at Green-House 2023.

‘Reclaimed Sculpture: Land, Sea, Air’ is another innovative example, a striking art piece that stands as a testament to Mercedes’ iconic three-pointed star. The materials? They’re from the Mercedes-Benz Concept Store in Great World, a place that held its own magic until it closed its doors in March this year.

Now, let’s talk about engagement. The weekend of the 26th and 27th of August isn’t just any weekend. It’s a crafting extravaganza. You can roll up your sleeves and create your very own key tag from repurposed denim offcuts. Oh, and there’s more – ever thought you’d make your own scent pouch from Japanese denim offcuts? Well, now’s your chance.

Mercedes-Benz has also teamed up with SP Mobility to offer a sweet deal for EV owners. If you’re one of the first 50 electric car owners to strut into the pop-up store daily, you get 30kWh of complimentary charging credits. It’s like a hug for your eco-conscious soul.

In the words of Claudius Steinhoff, the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore, “We’re not just dreaming of an all-electric future; we’re driving it.” And my friends, after stepping into this showcase, you might just believe it too. So go on, immerse yourself in the future of mobility, because at Mercedes-Benz, the road ahead is charged with excitement, sustainability, and the promise of a tomorrow we can all be proud of.”

So, mark your calendars, folks. From the 24th to the 30th of August 2023, the ‘Crafted for the Future – Mercedes-Benz Showcase’ is where innovation meets luxury, where electric dreams become a reality.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!