First electric Mercedes-Maybach: The noblest form of the EQS SUV has a hood ornament

First electric Mercedes-Maybach
The noblest form of the EQS SUV has a hood ornament

By Patrick Broich, Ericeira
05/02/2023, 07:40 am

The first electrically powered Mercedes-Maybach is not a sedan, but a large SUV. This once again confirms where the global car body trend is headed.

Actually, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV is an old acquaintance. Because to be honest, it’s basically just the EQS SUV, about the ntv.de after all already reported. Now, of course, the Mercedes-Maybach employees would vehemently disagree. And in fact, designers and engineers have worked hard to make the finest variant of the EQS SUV as independent as possible. But before you go to the cuddly leather rear lounge to try it out, a few more details to write down.

Compared to the EQS 580, the Swabians saddle up a few more horses: the noble Maybach distributes an additional 114 hp to both axles, which does not in any way prompt the group to increase the top speed. Although the luxury SUV is supposed to rush to country road speed in a breathtaking 4.4 seconds, it remains at 210 km/h. The marketing strategists probably know that the target group for an electrically powered Maybach is already large in this country and that people prefer the twelve-cylinder sedan if it’s supposed to be a Maybach.

Classy with lots of chrome and two-tone paintwork

Be that as it may, the 5.13 meter long drum makes an impressive appearance even without a cylinder. The prominent radiator ornament (the Mercedes star), for example, contributes to this – it used to be customary, but today it is only available from a few representatives of the brand. The black panel also catches the eye, exuding more noblesse here than in the other models. Densely packed vertical chrome struts compete with each other to shine and definitely unfold their status-enhancing effect – especially in connection with the optionally available two-tone paintwork. Incidentally, chrome is generally the determining element here. In addition to the B-pillar and side windows, it also adorns the mighty 21- or 22-inch forged wheels. It remains to be seen whether the illuminated and non-cancellable footboard will meet European tastes.

Inside, the passengers can expect a stylish ambience that is not stingy with open-pored, noble-looking walnut wood or with Maybach emblems to keep the brand always present. The attention to detail goes quite far – even specific pedals with engraved logos can be found here. The hyperscreen also shows the brand logo and even has a special theme that is only available in the Maybach. Then the virtual display scales appear with a rose gold frame.

The Maybach version unfolds its full effect in the rear

Keyword infotainment: There is also a lot of that in the second row. In the form of two screens (11.6 inches) in the front seat backrests, for example. But the real highlight is the “First Class” rear compartment designed as a veritable private room with two separate armchairs. The fact that the armchairs, which were felt to be cuddly at first, have a massage function and air conditioning, needs no further explanation. Chic cushions are more likely to serve the snazzy look – to increase the comfort here strains any imagination.

Specially designed lamps in the area of ​​the C-pillars round off the experience in the rear together with so-called active ambient lighting. The latter consists of 253 separately controllable LED segments that shine in 64 selectable colors. The 4D sound familiar from other Mercedes models, in which the seats vibrate to the beat of the music, can of course also be enjoyed in the Maybach rear. Selected songs are also played in the Dolby Atmos standard.

Further insulation measures aim in particular to effectively reduce any road noise and wind noise in the rear. In addition, the air suspension of the 2.8-tonner offers a particularly comfortable Maybach mode in order to keep body movements as small as possible, especially in the rear. The first test drives will have to clarify whether it keeps what it promises. The fact that the all-wheel steering, which is also available here with a ten-degree steering angle on the rear axle, conjures up what feels like a compact car (eleven meter turning circle) from the battleship has already been proven by the basic version of the luxury-class SUV.

Back to the topic of sound: if desired, a driving sound specially developed for the Maybach can be heard with different impacts depending on the load or recuperation level.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV also has a long-distance battery with a capacity of well over 100 kWh. Range? Around 600 kilometers according to WLTP with a consumption of 22.5 to 24.4 kWh per 100 kilometers. Thanks to a charging capacity of 200 kilowatts, you can quickly refresh a declining battery. The bank account of the interested party should also have a bit of breath. Because less than 200,000 euros will not go far in terms of Maybach EQS SUV.