Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Debuts As The Most Luxurious EQ Model Yet

The Auto Shanghai 2023 is one of the biggest auto shows in the region, featuring not only China car brands, but also several international marques as well. Amongst a slew of EV models launching and being put on display, this auto show also hosted the global debut of what is perhaps one of the most luxurious EVs available out there.

Apart from the AMG-badged versions, Mercedes-Benz’s EQ EV lineup is getting a luxurious Maybach treatment, in the form of this newly-launched Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Based on the standard EQS SUV model, this Maybach EQS680 features key design cues that mirror its ICE-powered twin, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic.

These design cues include Maybach’s signature dual-tone exterior finish plus a hand-painted pinstripe, chrome-cladded trims and exterior parts, as well as the 21-inch chrome wheels, with an option to upsize to 22-inch ones.

At the front, the Maybach EQS680 sports a faux grille with vertical stripes design, crowned by a chrome strip and Mercedes three-pointed star emblem. There’s also a tiny Maybach logo pattern that adorns the faux lower front bumper air intake vents – a la Louis Vuitton pattern. Also present is the animated Maybach logo puddle lights on either side of the doors.

Elsewhere, the Maybach EQS680 pretty much looks the same as the standard EQS SUV model, with the exception of the Maybach and EQS680 nameplates on the rear part of the SUV, ensuring that people can distinguish it from the standard EQS, not that its flamboyant styling isn’t enough to do so.

On board, the Maybach SUV oozes luxury, primed with premium materials and a slew of comfort and tech amenities. Maybach’s decision to ditch the third row seats proved to be a wise one, as it grants the EQS680 ample space to fit the throne-line rear seats that can be reclined. Interestingly, only the right rear seat comes with a pop-out ottoman, granting the passenger an almost bed-like seat configuration.

These seats come standard with calf massager, multi-way power adjustments, plus both heating and cooling functions. There’s also a fixed central console that separates the two rear seats with heated cup holders, four USB-C ports, two HDMI ports, as well as a tablet stand. The central console is connected to the fixed bulkhead that houses two silver-plated champagne flutes and a removable mini fridge.

Should those drinks won’t keep the rear passengers entertained, there’s also two 11.6-inch displays mounted on the back part of the front seats for each passenger, with direct connection to the car’s MBUX infotainment suite.

As for the front passengers, they will get a dedicated MBUX hyperscreen layout, which now includes Maybach-specific graphics. Elsewhere, drivers will get Maybach-badged foot pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as digital driver’s display – also with Maybach-specific graphics.

The cabin is laced with newer version of Nappa leather, where the leathers were tanned using recyclable and plant-based materials, where Mercedes claims this new process is better for the environment. Apart from the leather, there are two Manufaktur wood veneer options available – brown birch or walnut, as well as a single non-wood lacquered piano black option.

The Maybach EQS680 carries the same dual-motor setup as the standard EQS, but with a different state-of-tune. This twin-motor setup now outputs 649 HP and 950 NM, which propels this heavy EV SUV from nought to 100 KM/H in just 4.4 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the EQS 450 4Matic.

More importantly, the EQS680 mechanical upgrade list includes the modified air suspension system that is calibrated to fit with the new super comfort Maybach driving mode. This new mode replaces the standard Comfort driving mode, ensuring better and improved comfort for passengers on board.

Fully-built at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, US, the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV is poised to commence its delivery later this year. Though the automaker has yet to disclose its price, we can expect it to be much heftier than the standard EQS SUV’s prices, which starts at around $200,000 (RM887,500).