Art Installations, an Iconic Car Wash and a Luxury New Resort—Here’s Where to Head on Your Next Road Trip in an Electric Mercedes-Benz SUV
Glamping has been getting all the credit for too long. Many believe it’s not about the destination, but the adventure—the drive. Road-tripping in style is the way to hit the outdoors this year, and there’s no better way to do it than by taking a desert trip from Newport Beach to the Joshua Tree and Palm Springs area in the luxury electric vehicle of your dreams: the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. This spacious SUV seats up to seven—it’s the ultimate electric SUV for any road trip considering the charge exceeds 400+ miles and there are three rows of seats and second row touchscreens for individual entertainment. Everything futuristic and fascinating, the EQS450 uses artificial intelligence alongside intuitive dual screens that each span over 12 inches. It’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a spaceship as you zip down the 91 in style. Not to mention, the MBUX navigation system is out of this world with electric intelligence seamlessly helping best plan your route. Set the mood right with some desert-worthy music like Gram Parsons or Goth Babe and put that pedal to the floor.
The drive for a freer-breathing future starts inside the EQS SUV. Beyond up to five available climate zones, you can enjoy HEPA filtration or a symphony of seat comfort, sound, aroma and ambient light. You can even pre-purify the cabin while the car charges. Dramatically futuristic, the EQS SUV is also a timeless Mercedes-Benz mix of athleticism and elegance and with its all wheel steering capabilities, maneuvering through any environment is a breeze. Now let’s hit the road!
First Stop: Hadley’s Fruit Orchards
Map Your GPS to: 47993 Morongo Trail, Cabazon, CA 92230
Hadley’s Fruit Orchards is a road-trip staple. It’s the ideal pit stop to load up on goodies for a long day of sunny driving. Stocked with jerky, honey, fruit, baked goods and sweets, Hadley’s is the ultimate highway pitstop. Of course, the crown jewel of the historic market is the Hadley’s World Famous Date Shake. The date shake alone is worth the scenic 85-mile drive from Newport Beach to Cabazon. The question over which flavor is better, original or banana, is an everlasting family debate. Don’t worry about eating in your car, with HEPA filtration and different cabin aroma options can purify the interior in an instant! If needed, top off your EQS’ battery at the EV charging site just around the corner.
Second Stop: The Integratron
Map Your GPS to: 2477 Belfield Blvd, Landers, CA 92285
Your EQS will glide through the high desert for the 48-mile journey to your ethereal sound bath at The Integratron. Your heated and ventilated front seats offer massage options for the ultimate relaxing ride to prepare you for your sound bath. This Mercedes-Benz is one of the most aerodynamic and futuristic cars ever made, so you’ll feel like you’re exiting a spaceship as you get out to explore the curated grounds of the historic, acoustically perfect structure until your sound bath begins. Feel both your body and mind connect with the energy vortex during the 35-minute crystal singing bowl session, which is designed to bring peace and awareness. The Integratron will allow you that well-deserved relaxation that every epic road trip should provide.
Third Stop: “Transmission” Sculpture
Map Your GPS to: 2015 Sunfair Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
A short 15 miles down the road in Joshua Tree, The Mojave Moon Ranch is home to an out-of-this-world sculpture intended to push towards cosmic expansion. At 28 feet tall, “Transmission,” designed by artist Daniel Popper, will enhance that feeling of connectedness you’ve been cultivating on the drive so far. The larger-than-life head and hands rising from the wild landscape are mystifying from a distance and might just be transformative up close. If you’re hoping to stay mystified in Joshua Tree a bit longer, Retrograde Retreat is an Airbnb you need to check out.
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Fourth Stop: The Copper Room
Map Your GPS to: 57360 Aviation Dr, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
With impressive handling and horsepower, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC can go 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. With its class leading acceleration, you might just feel like you’re ready to take off down the runway. For an equally inspired dining experience, fly (safely) 16 miles down the road to Yucca Valley’s ode to the 1950s aviation pioneers, The Copper Room, which is known for its delicious shareable plates. Sitting right at the Yucca Valley Airport, The Copper Room accepts visitors via the road or the runway. Don’t pass up the grilled shishito peppers or the one-third pound burger before you hit the road once again.
Fifth Stop: Elephant Car Wash
Map Your GPS to: 71490 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
At this point on the trip, your Mercedes-Benz will have taken excellent care of you. It’s time to show your car some love back. The sleek exterior of your Mercedes-Benz EQS will have rightfully collected some dirt on your journey through the desert hills of SoCal. Buckle up for your 50-mile drive to Rancho Mirage where you’ll unwind for the night—right after you treat your Benz to the Manager’s Special at the Elephant Car Wash. The chrome accents and LED headlights will be sparkling for the perfect photo-op under the neon elephant that’s been a landmark since 1966.
Stay the Night: Sensei Porcupine Creek
Map Your GPS to: 42765 Dunes View Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Located in the picturesque mountains of Rancho Mirage—and just two miles from an EV charging station—the brand-new Sensei Porcupine Creek delivers nothing less than peak luxury for your trip. With all the amenities offered, the highway’s call may just get a little quieter. With extensive spa offerings, dining by Nobu, a private golf course, tennis courts and hiking trails, you’ll soon realize one night may not be enough. Bask in the desert sun and use Sensei as your gateway to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Just be sure to pack all the essentials in your Mercedes-Benz’ 22 cubic feet of cargo space.
Next Stop: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Map Your GPS to: 1700-1844 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Be sure to have a full charge for an outing to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, about 80 miles from Rancho Mirage. The EQS aims to set the standard for all EVs—purchasing or leasing a new EQS includes complimentary 30-minute sessions at Electrify America DC fast chargers for two years. A gem in the wilderness, Anza-Borrego will soon bloom with wildflowers after the winter rains. The state park has free entry and opportunities for free camping. The roads can be rougher and rockier here with certain areas requiring higher clearance, but there’s plenty of road for your EQS. Look for bighorn sheep at Palm Canyon Oasis, and be sure to visit the Galleta Meadows Sculptures. Charge up in Borrego Springs and get ready for your trip back home—take the coast for those stunning ocean views!
