Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV vs Lotus Eletre
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV starts from $225,900 before on-road costs, while the Lotus Eletre opens at $189,990. That makes the Lotus Eletre the more affordable entry point by $35,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $248,490 and $208,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV stands out with panoramic roof, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lotus Eletre. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV uses a Electric producing 265kW and 568Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Lotus Eletre responds with a Electric Motor making 450kW and 710Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Lotus Eletre has the clear power advantage at 450kW vs 265kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Eletre is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 108.4kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV) vs 112kWh (Lotus Eletre), giving WLTP ranges of 616km and 530km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV) vs 350kW (Lotus Eletre).
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV measures 5,125mm long on a 3,210mm wheelbase, 22mm longer than the Lotus Eletre at 5,103mm (3,019mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 645L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and 611L in the Lotus Eletre, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV a 34L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m diameter
Large
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lotus Eletre). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Eletre if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lotus Eletre takes 6 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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