Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches the 2023 EQS 500 4Matic CKD, their first locally assembled EV

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the 2023 EQS500 4Matic CKD, their first locally assembled electric vehicle in Malaysia.

The launch and significant milestone were graced by Minister of International Trade and Industry YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz at Mercedes-Benz Production Plant in Pekan, Pahang. 

Priced from RM648,888, the more powerful variant undercuts the pricing of the fully imported EQS 450+ by around RM50k. 

Even though the EV is cheaper than the fully imported model, it comes with more features, including a more potent drivetrain system. 

Compared to the EQS 450+, the 500 4Matic variant generates up to 443hp and 855Nm of torque - which is about 114 hp and 287Nm more than its rear-wheel-drive sibling. 

This allows the EV to complete the century sprint in 4.8 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating EQS in the country. However, both variants' top speed is similar, maxing out at 210km/h.

Speaking of rear-wheel drive, the EQS 500 4Matic is equipped with two electric motors, allowing it to have an all-wheel drive system. Completing the spec list is Mercedes' clever adjustable Airmatic air suspension with selective damping as well as rear-axle steering (rear-wheel steering).

The battery size of the EQS 500 is similar to the 107.8 kWh pack found on the EQS 450+, which means it trades off driving range for performance. Nonetheless, the EQS 500 can still achieve an impressive drive range of around 696 km based on the WLTP rating.

As the battery is the same size, the two variants' charging times are no different.

Unlike the EQS 450+, which is kitted with an AMG exterior pack, the 500 comes with an Electric Art design, which gives the car more exterior chrome trims and new 20-inch five-spoke alloy rims. 

Just like the 450+, the 500 is also equipped with the iconic EQ radiator grille, along with a panoramic sunroof, to make the cabin feel more spacious. Not to be left out, the luxury sedan also comes with sophisticated DIGITAL LIGHT headlights.

The cabin space in the 500 is also themed under the Electric Art design language, which gives it a luxurious feel as it is equipped with high-quality materials and carpentry. This can be seen through the finish on the dashboard, door panels and seats.

Everything else is similar to the EQS 450+, which means the 500 comes with Mercedes' impressive 64-colour ambient lighting and much talked about 56inch Hyperscreen, which consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch OLED central touchscreen and another 12.3-inch OLED touchscreen all under one piece of glass.

Safety-wise, the luxury electric sedan comes with Driving Assistance Plus Package, which includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, extended automatic Re-start in traffic jams, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Evasive manoeuvre support, PRE-SAFE® impulse side, and rear sensors for the lane departure assistant. 

Sagree Sardien, CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, said, "Mercedes-Benz has reached a new milestone with the rollout of its first locally-assembled electric vehicle EQS 500 4MATIC."

"This supports our global business strategy of offering our customers a comprehensive EQ range and contributing to a higher EV adoption in Malaysia."

As a company, we are committed to our sustainability vision and "Lead in Electric" by evolving our fleet of new passenger cars to be CO₂-neutral over the entire life cycle by 2039 to support our introduction of all-electric vehicles by the end of the decade, wherever market conditions allow."