5 Minutes
Mercedes‑Benz has been spotted testing a mildly refreshed EQS SUV once again, this time in a white prototype that highlights the subtle styling updates the three-row electric flagship will receive before it’s phased out. The facelift won’t rewrite the model’s future, but it will give the luxury SUV a cleaner, more contemporary face for its remaining production years.
Why the EQS SUV needs a last hurrah
The EQ sub-brand has struggled to capture the full loyalty of Mercedes customers, with many buyers citing conservative exterior styling and a lack of clear identity. Mercedes tried to recalibrate with a sleeker, S‑Class‑inspired grille on the updated EQS sedan, but sales momentum hasn’t been enough. As a result, production of the EQE, EQS, and their SUV variants is being scaled back in the U.S., while European manufacturing will continue for a limited period.
Design updates
Exterior tweaks
Spy photos show the facelifted EQS SUV wearing discreet changes rather than a full redesign. Up front, the most noticeable update is the new daytime running light (DRL) motif: Mercedes has integrated tiny three‑pointed star elements into each headlight — two per cluster — a design cue already previewed on earlier prototypes. Rear lighting appears largely unchanged from the outgoing model, with only subtle tweaks to the light signature. Camouflage tape hides the rear spoiler and parts of the front bumper, suggesting Mercedes is keeping the overall silhouette intact.
Interior and infotainment
The biggest tangible upgrade buyers can expect will likely be software and interface related. Mercedes is preparing to bring MB.OS, the software platform introduced on the refreshed CLA, into the EQS SUV. That means a more cohesive infotainment experience, improved driver assistance integration, and a step closer to software‑defined vehicle functionality. MB.OS will consolidate infotainment, automated driving systems, comfort and body control, charging management, and vehicle dynamics into a single, updateable platform.
Specifications and performance
Under the skin, don’t expect radical mechanical changes. The facelift is described as modest — optimizations and software refinements rather than new battery architectures or complete drivetrain swaps. A switch to a rumored EVA2M platform with an 800‑volt electrical architecture would require a major overhaul, which Mercedes is reportedly avoiding for the EQS SUV. Similarly, the eATS 2.0 electric drive units that debuted on the CLA are possible but unlikely for this late‑life update. In short: updated software, fine‑tuned electronics and potential small-range or efficiency improvements, but no wholesale platform change.
Market positioning and comparisons
The EQS SUV occupies the top end of Mercedes’ electric SUV range as a three‑row luxury option targeted at families and buyers seeking comfort-focused EV refinement. Still, it has lagged behind competitors and sister models that brought more eye-catching design or cutting‑edge electrical architecture. The recently refreshed CLA showcased Mercedes’ best tech to date, and those advancements are expected to filter into flagship models over time. However, major next‑generation EV architecture and powertrain upgrades are more likely to debut on the future S‑Class EV, scheduled closer to the end of the decade.
Technology and connectivity
MB.OS is central to the facelift story: the updated operating system will connect the EQS SUV to the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud and enable continuous over‑the‑air updates. The system is expected to support multiple AI assistants, including Google and Microsoft services and integrations like ChatGPT, improving voice interaction, navigation, and driver assistance support. These software upgrades will make day‑to‑day ownership feel fresher even without major hardware changes.
What to expect next
Anticipate a limited launch for the facelifted EQS SUV focused on styling refinements, improved infotainment, and incremental efficiency gains. Production will remain constrained as Mercedes shifts development resources toward the next wave of EV platforms. For buyers who want the latest electrical architecture and highest performance EV powertrains, the next‑generation S‑Class EV and future Mercedes models will be the place to look.
Conclusion
The facelifted Mercedes‑Benz EQS SUV represents a practical, measured move: freshened styling, a modernized software stack, and modest technical optimizations meant to keep the three‑row luxury electric SUV relevant through the end of its run. It’s a closing chapter for the EQS nameplate rather than a technological revolution — but for customers who value comfort, luxury features and improved infotainment, this mild redesign will still make the final model years more attractive.
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