Is this the biggest rival for the Tesla Model X yet? 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS seven-seat SUV to debut in Australia next year as premium flagship electric car

Take a look at the car that could give Tesla nightmares.

Mercedes-Benz has ripped the covers from its EQS SUV, which, as its name suggests, is a higher-riding SUV version of the imminent EQS sedan.

According to Mercedes-Benz Australia, the EQS SUV will hit local dealerships in the first half of 2023, about a year after its sedan sibling.

When it gets here, it will face off with its most obvious trivial, the updated Tesla Model X that still doesn’t have a confirmed delivery date for Australia. It will also battle with the future all-electric version of the next-generation Range Rover that’s due in 2024.

Given its size, it will be larger than other electric SUVs like the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and BMW iX, and even larger than the Model X.

The EQS SUV measures in at a lengthy 5125mm long, 1959mm wide and 1718mm tall. Its 3210mm wheelbase matches the EQS sedan, but it sits a full 20cm higher than the sedan.

Working in Benz’s favour is the fact that, like the Tesla, the EQS SUV is available as a seven seater.

Mercedes says the model’s dedicated electric platform has liberated more interior space, meaning it can swallow four golf bags in the boot. Luggage capacity for the seven-seat version is 565 litres with all seats in place, increasing to 2020L when the second row is lowered.

The second-row seats are electrically adjustable and the third row features two individual seats.

Like the sedan, the SUV will be capable of adding new features via over-the-air updates. Benz says features like Augmented Reality Navigation or Trailer Manoeuvring Assist can be added later.

Initially, Benz will offer three variants. The EQS450+ is the sole single-motor, rear-wheel drive offering, pumping out 265kW/568Nm with a 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery, and capable of driving for 536-660km (WLTP) before needing a charge.

The EQS450 4Matic delivers 265kW/800Nm and a driving range of 507-613km, while the flagship - for now EQS580 4Matic offers 400kW/858Nm and the same driving range as the 450 4Matic.

DC charging capacity is 200kW and it can be fully topped up at a fast charger in 31 minutes.

Air suspension with adjustable damping is standard, allowing the SUV to be raised or lowered by several centimetres, while driving models include Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, while 4Matic all-wheel drive versions also have an Off-road mode.

Inside, the EQS SUV features Benz’s MBUX ‘Hyperscreen’, the massive curved display that stretches the width of the dash and includes a 12.3-inch OLED screen for the front passenger.

It also features the Dolby Atmos 360-degree audio experience.

The EQS SUV falls under Benz's EQ electric portfolio that already includes the EQA and EQB small SUVs and the EQC medium SUV and will also soon feature the EQE medium sedan and the yet-to-be-revealed EQE SUV.