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M ERCEDES' EQS 450+ SUV IS THE large, luxury utility based on new EV architecture that's also under the EQS sedan model. I foolishly assumed that the "+" suffix identified a higher priced variant than the EQS 450, but hadn't noticed the other 450's additional 4MATIC tag, signifying two electric motors creating all-wheel drive. However, while the plus sign doesn't indicate an added motor and a bit more acceleration alacrity, this model does offer a wee bit of added range at a slightly lower price, and those are both worthy attributes. Mercedes has kept the 450+ retail base price of $104,400 untouched for 2024 while increasing the battery's usable rating to 118 kWh, enhancing the braking system for better feel, and making the MBUX Hyperscreen, the display that sweeps across the entire dash, standard equipment. ere are many other improvements, and it's safe to say that there wasn't much luxury missing in our big, vivacious test car. And that's as it should be when you're dealing out six figures for the pride of ownership. Of course, if your appetite for refinement reaches higher than the EQS 450 series, add another $20,000 for an EQS 580 or zip right up to the ultra-luxury $179,900 Maybach EQS 680. e EQS is certainly substantial, measuring over 16.5 feet in length and weighing in at just under 6,000 pounds, but it doesn't behave like some of the big truck-based critters that loom in the luxury livery. Smooth electric power helps, along with a low center of gravity and four-wheel steering that creates the nimbleness of a smaller vehicle. e long 126.4-inch wheelbase maintains stability. Stepping into the EQS is not as challenging as many other big SUVs, but Mercedes decided that fixed, narrow running boards were an attribute. I didn't bother trying to step up on them and my wife found the shiny step plates more distracting than helpful. While I'm making a squawk list, I'd add the audio volume control that begins life as a petite, finger slide switch in the steering wheel spoke: Once triggered, it causes a virtual graphic control to appear for just a moment or two on the big display. And if you've got little detour transportation PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ Living Large Mercedes-Benz style, electrified BY BRIAN DOUGLAS ranchandcoast.com 84 MAY 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE