Mercedes-Benz Starts Producing the EQS SUV in Alabama

Mercedes-Benz has started producing the all-electric EQS SUV at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant.

The company says(Opens in a new window) its Tuscaloosa plant “uses state-of-the-art digital, sustainable, efficient and flexible production methods and follows the blueprint of the company’s Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany, which symbolizes the future of automotive production of Mercedes-Benz.”

The EQS SUV isn’t the only thing Mercedes-Benz is manufacturing in Alabama. The company is also producing the “highly efficient battery systems” used in the vehicle in a Bibb County plant that officially launched in March. (Mercedes-Benz announced the EQS SUV itself in April.)

Both plants are said to “operate on a CO2 neutral basis,” and Mercedes-Benz says “the Bibb County battery site’s entire electricity needs will be met through renewable energy sources from 2024 onwards,” too. It’s also collaborating with other companies on recycling the batteries it makes.

As for the EQS SUV itself: Mercedes-Benz says the all-electric SUV offers a maximum range of 333-410 miles for the base model, or 315-380 miles for models upgraded with all-wheel drive, and should take 11.5 hours to fully recharge using the onboard charger’s 9.6kW AC connection.

“The EQS SUV is the third model series with this architecture developed for electric vehicles,” Mercedes-Benz says. “The SUV offers plenty of space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers in its avant-garde, luxurious interior.”

More information about the EQS SUV is available via the Mercedes-Benz website(Opens in a new window). The company says it also plans to start production on the EQE SUV at its Tuscaloosa plant later this year.