The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV arrives with upgrades over the Benz EQS SUV.
Ultra high-end luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce and even Maybach have been feeling the pressure to move into the battery electric vehicle market for a few years now. In theory, EVs should work quite well in this particular segment as customers want the most quiet and high-tech vehicles available, plus they’re more than prepared to pay a price premium. Unfortunately, these vehicles also tend to be the heaviest in class before a battery pack is even introduced. Now it seems the engineering work has finally been done on Maybach’s side. They’ve introduced their first ever battery electric vehicle today – the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV. As the name suggests, it’s based on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
The Maybach EQS SUV features a unique design treatment with the typical Maybach pinstriped grille being reinterpreted for the black panel front “grille” and two-tone paintwork is available as an option. Inside, this version of the EQS gets better materials and more attention to details while still offering the same spaciousness. The car is planned to hit the market in a few weeks starting with the USA, then China and finally Europe.
Just like the non-Maybach model, the EQS SUV is based on the EVA platform. In this configuration, it gets all-wheel drive as standard with a permanently excited synchronous motor on each axle. Total output is rated at 484kW and 950Nm of torque. For context, the most powerful Benz variant has an output of 400kW and 858Nm of torque. 0-100km/h takes just 4.4 seconds and the top speed is limited to 210km/h. It has a provisional maximum range of up to 600km, about 10% lower than the Benz equivalent probably due to increased weight and motor output. 22kW AC charging allows for a full charge in 5.5 hours and up to 200kW DC fast charging is available, returning about 220km of range with a 31 minute charge. The official battery capacity for this new Maybach variant was not shared but the Benz EQS SUV comes with a 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The Maybach EQS comes with Airmatic air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ as standard. Rear-axle steering is also standard. There’s an exclusive Maybach drive programme that replaces the classic Comfort programme here. In this drive mode, only minimal body movements are transmitted to the occupants.
Despite being a Maybach vehicle the Mercedes three-pointed star hood ornament is present here. The black panel we mentioned earlier is a first for a Maybach vehicle. On this particular model, they’ve used indium to create an opaque black panel that hides the radar sensors while still letting the radar beams through. The silver pinstripes on the gloss black panel transition to actual physical chrome-plated filigree slats on the air intake on the lower bumper. A continuous light strip connects the two Digital Light headlamps in traditional ‘EQ’ fashion. ‘Maybach’ lettering is incorporated into a chrome-plated decorative strip along this light strip. They’ve also given this model some unique lighting animations.
Viewed from the side, you’ll find chrome surrounds the windows and the B-pillar. The D-pillar features a Maybach emblem and “EQS” is written near the A-pillar. This model gets exclusive 21″ and 22″ alloy and forged wheels. The running boards light up in the dark. Around back we find another continuous light strip with a two-part helix and exciting lighting animations.
A Maybach-exclusive feature on this model is automatic “comfort” doors. Doors open automatically when approached and can be controlled remotely via MBUX. The driver door closes automatically when the brake pedal is depressed. The system uses data from the ultrasonic sensors and cameras to prevent damage. It’s worth noting that the Tesla Model X could do this about a decade ago.
Inside, the MBUX Hyperscreen is standard with Maybach-specific animations. Rear passengers are treated to two 11.6″ displays with the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system. They use natural materials like wood, and sustainably processed nappa leather inside.
