Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Luggage Test: How much space behind the third row?

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a three-row vehicle in that it literally has three rows of seats, but to lump it in with other large, luxury three-row vehicles would be generous. Quite simply, that third row and the amount of cargo space behind it are barely usable. Mercedes' own GLS-Class is far more functional, which means that the EQS SUV is hardly the all-electric answer to the biggest Benz SUV.

In terms of cargo area specs, I have absolutely no idea what the EQS SUV supposedly provides. The official specs show only the 5-passenger version and even then lists 22.7 cubic-feet "behind rear seats." There's WAY more space behind Row 2 than what 22.7 cubes would usually indicate, and WAY less space behind Row 3. This wouldn't be the first time Mercedes seems to be using a different measuring method, though. Either way, it just validates this whole luggage testing exercise.

Since I usually only test the areas behind the third row of three-row vehicles, let's start there. My guess is we're looking at 11 cubic-feet here or less, but regardless of figures, it's really small. It was immediately obvious that it was going to be in the running with the Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander for smallest third-row vehicle I've tested.

As in every luggage test I do, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).

We have a new leader! Or loser! Or whatever!

This is the least amount of luggage I've been able to fit behind a third row to date. These are the three smallest bags, and as you can see, the fancy bag must be totally smashed just for this to work. So yeah, you'd better buy a roof box and racks if you're planning on going anywhere for an extended period of time with a full load of people on board.

That said, those people had better be really small, cause there just isn't much head- or legroom back there. Realistically, the EQS SUV is a five-passenger SUV with a bonus third row available.

As such, and given the odd cargo numbers, let's at least take a look at how many bags can fit behind row 2.