Mercedes-Benz EQS local assembly has started in Malaysia – CKD EQS500 4Matic to be launched soon?

Mercedes-Benz EQS local assembly has started in Malaysia – CKD EQS500 4Matic to be launched soon?

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) previously confirmed that locally-assembled (CKD) EQ models are on the way, and it appears the EQS is the first model from the German brand’s electric vehicle (EV) range to roll off the assembly line here.

As was the case with the CKD A-Class Sedan, production data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) revealed local production of the EQS has already begun at MBM’s Pekan plant. The report mentions 27 units of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship EV sedan were produced in November 2022, but they aren’t the EQS450+ variant (pictured here) that was launched in fully-imported (CBU) form last July.

Instead, the CKD cars are the more powerful EQS500 4Matic, which boasts higher outputs of 449 PS (443 hp or 330 kW) and 855 Nm of torque from its dual-motor, all-wheel drive electric powertrain. By comparison, the EQS450+ is rear-wheel drive only and packs 333 PS (329 hp or 245 kW) and 568 Nm, which enables a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds (the EQS500 4Matic completes the century sprint in 4.8 seconds).

Both variants share the same lithium-ion battery with a usable energy capacity of 107.8 kWh (120 kWh gross), although the EQS450+ offers more range at 782 km following the WLTP. The EQS500 4Matic, which was introduced globally in May last year, will do 685 km on a single charge, so range is sacrificed in the interest of performance.

The EQS450+ supports AC charging (Type 2 connection) up to 11 kW and will get from a 10-100% state of charge (SoC) in ten hours. There’s also DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) support up to 200 kW, whereby a 10-80% SoC is reached in just 31 minutes. These times should be the same for the EQS500 4Matic given the identical battery capacity.

With current incentives for CBU EVs, the EQS450+, which is dressed in AMG Line kit, is priced at RM698,888 on-the-road without insurance. If Thailand is any indication, the CKD EQS500 could be priced less than the CBU variant when it goes on sale here.

The EQS was launched in Thailand last May and was initially available in two CBU variants – both based on the EQS450+ – priced from 8.57 million baht (about RM1.1 million). Later in November, the CBU variants were dropped and replaced with the EQS500 4Matic AMG Premium that carried a more affordable price tag of 7.9 million baht (about RM1 million).

For now, MBM has not confirmed the existence of the EQS500 in the local line-up or even pricing, so we’ll have to wait for an official announcement. The EQS’ main rival from BMW is the i7, which has been sighted in Malaysia and is expected to be launched this year, although it is unknown if it will be a CBU or CKD offering. How much do you expect the CKD EQS500 to retail for?

GALLERY: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ AMG Line

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Rafizi Ramli on Jan 06, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    This car or Ferrari? Hmm…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
    • Katheryne Wong on Jan 06, 2023 at 10:22 pm

      Ferrari la. Merc is too common, quite boring.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • Rafizi Ramli on Jan 08, 2023 at 9:15 pm

        Thank you for your suggestion! I will go to their showroom as soon as possible.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Demand & Supply on Jan 06, 2023 at 8:49 pm

    EQE CKD is better demand for our market here

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • LaksaKL on Jan 07, 2023 at 9:36 am

    We getting alot CKD EV, job opputurnities for Malaysians.

    CBU EV Tax exemption can stop.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10
    • Isaac on Jan 07, 2023 at 1:29 pm

      So that you hurt EV car businesses that currently selling under CBU for other companies? Not fair right?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
      • Only sell CBU car trading business due to low volume..?

        Mau baiki repair, susah oh,
        No Malaysian expertise, no parts,
        Simply trial and error and use compatible cap Ayam parts.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
        • Lol Not Smart At All on Jan 07, 2023 at 8:53 pm

          Even with CBU or CKD, Not all companies got no spare parts, it all depends which parts can get from. Are you saying CBU electric cars are using Ayam parts? Get your logic right before you comment again.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
          • Isaac on Jan 09, 2023 at 1:30 pm

            You got points.
            CBU confirmed not using Ayam parts, Fully imported maa.

            Unless it’s recon or used, maybe got parts replaced due to aging and defective already..

            But who knows after suffering bad service from nearby center, resort to better third party shop for compatible parts. Then, no more manufacturer supervising them.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • T5 car. Is it really worth the CKD investment?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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