EV meets luxury opulence as Mercedes-Benz debuts Maybach EQS 680

With standard and AMG versions of the existing EQ models already rampant, Mercedes-Benz has now introduced opulent luxury to its all-electric marque in the shape of the new Maybach EQS 680 SUV.

As its name points out, the Maybach uses the SUV rather than the sedan version of the EQS as a base, and while Mercedes-Benz has not altered any of its dimensions, it has made a number of changes inside and out in order for the newcomer to adhere to the Maybach principle.

The Maybach touch

The three-pointed star’s second Maybach-infused SUV after the Maybach GLS 600 that benefitted from a facelift earlier this month, the EQS’s exterior transformation comprises a sealed and blacked-out version of the corporate multi-slate chrome Maybach grille, Maybach badges on the C-pillar, a choice of five two-tone colours and forged 21 or 22-inch mono-block alloy wheels.

It doesn’t stop there though as the Maybach EQS 680 also receives illuminated running boards, an animated Maybach pattern projected onto the ground, sealed-off faux exhaust outlets and the standard inclusion of the otherwise optional Digital Light LED headlights.

Endless luxury

Unsurprisingly, the bulk of differentiating from the Maybach from the standard EQS SUV has taken place inside where seating is strictly for four and, therefore, without the option of a third row.

In addition to the 56-inch MBUX OLED Hyperscreen with Maybach specific animations being standard, a wide variety of materials, colours and veneers are available, along with the Maybach crest embroidered into the headrests and a partition, trimmed in Artico man-made fibres, separating the front from the rear.

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Unusually, the Maybach EQS comes with stainless pedals as well as the customary stainless illuminated Maybach door sills, Maybach floor mats and a special lining on the walls of the boot.

The back is where you want to be

Given its market positioning, rear seat comfort has had no expenses spared as apart from replacing the middle seat with a high-tech console, the standard Executive seats feature heating, cooling and a massage function, the ability to recline and with an added calf-massage setting.

The console itself sports a removable MBUX tablet, armrest-cum-storage-area, an affixed control module and when specified with the so-called First Class Rear pack, a pair of crystal-cut champagne flutes to go with the heated and cooled cupholders, folding tables and chilled storage compartment.

If that isn’t already enough, a pair of 11.6-inch MBUX infotainment system can be fitted as an option, though standard is a new Air Balance fragrance dispenser, a 64 colour ambient lighting system projected into a cabin via 253 individually controlled diodes, gloss wood detailing and a specifically designed 15-speaker Burmester 4D sound system.

Underneath

With a focus on luxury rather than outright EV acceleration, Mercedes-Benz has not only added more noise cancelling materials to improve noise, vibration harshness (NVH) levels, but adjusted the Airmatic adaptive air suspension and dampers while fitting the Rear-Axle steering as standard.

A special comfort designated Maybach mode has also been programmed into the Dynamic Select system and while it replaces the conventional Comfort setting, the Eco, Sport, Offroad and Individual settings from the standard EQS SUV have been carried over.

In terms of power, the 107.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the regular EQS SUV has been retained, but as the Maybach now carries the 680 instead of the 450+ of 580 nameplates, power and torque has been increased from the latter’s 400kW/858Nm and 404kW/950Nm.

For the all important Chinese market though, the Maybach EQS 680 will have an output of 470 kW and the same 950 Nm of torque.

Regardless of the outputs, Mercedes-Benz claims a limited top speed of 210 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, a range of 600 km and the ability to be charged from a 200 kW DC outlet where are 15 minutes, owners can travel 220 km.

South Africa forbidden for now

Going on-sale later this year, no pricing details for the Maybach EQS 680 was revealed, but should it be confirmed for South Africa, expect a substantial premium over the combustion engine GLS 600’s R3 652 592 sticker price.

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