There’s no denying it — the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ SUVThis car is amazing. Sure, the exterior design isn’t for me, and the bulbous nose, while not as bad as on the standard EQS, proves that many carmakers still have no idea what to do with a grille-less design. But sit inside the car and you’re greeted with stunning finishes, beautiful build quality, modern tech, and a super-comfortable ride.
I’ve spent a week testing the EQS 450+ SUV and loved almost everything about it. It has plenty of oomph when you hit the accelerator, and while the suspension is a little mushy, it feels like you’re driving a cloud.
But then there’s the price. The price of luxury electric cars is well-known. However, the EQS 450+ SUV goes beyond that. It starts at $105,550 and can go up to $130,000 in certain trims. Sure, some will want to pay for that Mercedes logo and luxury interior — but if you truly want the best electric SUV experience out there, it’s probably worth looking elsewhere. Here are five stunning electric SUVs that prove you don’t need to spend crazy cash to get a great car.
Rivian R1S
If you’re looking for one of the best electric SUVs right now, and are willing to pay some cash, the Rivian R1S should be at the top of your list. The R1S isn’t necessarily as luxurious as the EQS 450+ SUV, but it easily outpaces the Mercedes in terms of the tech, battery, charging system, and more.
Although the Rivian R1S’s design is controversial, I love it. It looks very modern, and I find the oval headlights on the front to look unique — in a good way.
Excellent battery and charging technology. Rivian R1SIt can travel up to 316 miles, which is slightly more than the EQS 450+ SUV’s 305-mile range. It can charge at up 220 kilowatts. This is slightly more than the 200kW charging speed offered by the EQS.
One of the most striking differences is undoubtedly the interiors of the cars. While the EQS 450+ SUV exudes luxury, the R1S is more focused on practicality. However, the R1S interior is still exceptional. It has premium touches like heated seats or steering. The R1S also has more space, which is great for families or those who travel a lot.
The R1S starts at $91,075, which is less than the EQS 450+ SUV. But only if you have the budget to wait. Preorders placed today aren’t expected to arrive until late 2023.
BMW iX
If you’re looking for German luxury and want a high-end SUV, then the BMW iX is the way to go. The BMW iX boasts many of same luxurious features as the EQS 450+ SUV. It also has heated seats and a panoramic sunroof. The sunroof on the iX is electrochromic so that you can turn the shading on and off with a touch of a button.
The BMW iX is a great electric car, offering over 300 miles range depending on your options and a fast charging speed of 150kW. That’s not quite as high as the EQS 450+ SUV, but should still charge your car from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
The BMW iX designDepending on who you ask, it is likely to be on par with the EQS 450+ UAV. They’re controversial in different ways due to the large faux grille on the front of the iX, and the bulbous nose on the EQS 450+ SUV. The base price is $84,100. It offers a more luxurious experience than the EQS 450+, but still beats it in value.
Audi e-Tron
If you’d like to save even more money on a luxury electric SUV, then the Audi e-Tron is worth considering too — though there are a few caveats. While the e-Tron looks similar to other Audi cars, it isn’t completely redesigned to be bold and futuristic. For many buyers, that’s a good thing.
The interior also features a stunning design. The e-Tron offers a range of great-looking screens for infotainment and instruments, and there’s comfortable leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
The EQS 450+ SUV is a better choice than the etron, but in certain ways the etron does not compare well to it. For example, you’ll only get a range of 222 miles on the base model, which is almost 80 miles less than the Mercedes.
Genesis GV60
Next is The Genesis GV60, a relative of the highly regarded Hyundai Ioniq 5 that is another step down in luxury compared to the EQS 450+ SUV, but still offers a great driving experience for $59,290.
The exterior design of the Genesis GV60 is very attractive, with its modern and stylish curves. While it may not be the best design, I prefer it to the overall look and feel of the EQS. The interior is nice too, and while certainly not as luxurious as the Mercedes option, it’s comfortable and spacious, which is very helpful.
In terms of electric car features, the GV60 can’t measure up to the EQS. It has a range up to 248 miles which is a little less than the EQS 450+. This car is the fastest charging on the list at 350kW.
Cadillac Lyriq
Last but not the least, is Cadillac LyriqIt starts at $62,990 and is also considerably cheaper than the Mercedes. The Lyriq is another car that you wouldn’t know is an EV at first glance, and it’s not necessarily the most modern-looking car out there, but it still looks great.
The interior of this car isn’t as luxurious as the EQS, but it’s still quite nice. You’ll get a huge 33-inch curved display that stretches across the front of the car for instruments and infotainment. And it’s relatively spacious, which is quite nice.
One of the best things about the Lyriq is the fact that it has a solid range, coming in at an estimated 312 miles — which is more than the EQS 450+ SUV. The Lyriq can also charge very quickly, with a max of 190kW. This is almost on par with the SUV EQS.
Editors’ Recommendations
