This Is The First Mercedes-Maybach EV
It’s not just more luxurious than the donor model but more powerful as well.
Making its world debut at the Shanghai Auto Show is the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680. Never before has the Maybach name has been associated with an all-electric series model. The Mercedes-EQ EQS 580 forms the base of the Maybach version, with luxury, comfort and power dialled up. Even the look of the EQS 680 aligns with other Maybach models.
It looks a bit overwhelming, at least in photographs. The design changes include shifting the Mercedes-Benz logo from the grille to the bonnet, the chrome-heavy grille, faux lower intakes filled with Maybach logos, chrome B-pillar and the 21-inch alloy wheels. However, one could opt for 22-inch wheels and a dual-tone paint scheme. And onlookers can spot several Maybach logos inside and outside the cabin.
Indoors, the MBUX system has been tweaked to include Maybach-specific skins on all three displays, while the surrounds of instruments are in rose gold. And instead of the third row of seats, there’s a fixed bulkhead behind the two recliners. Those, by the way, can perform various functions, including electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massaging (including the calves). An unmovable centre console separates the rear seats. One could get it upgraded to make things grandeur.
Nappa leather is the chosen upholstery by default for the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680. However, the leather is tanned using recycled and plant-based stuff, such as coffee beans. According to the German carmaker, this procedure helps save about 45kg of salt per vehicle with leather seats. Not a bad way to introduce a sense of sustainability for the uber-rich. As for the trim, there are two Manufaktur wood finishes – brown birch and brown walnut. Buyers can also settle for a lacquered black piano finish.
Coming to the powertrain, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 uses two electric motors to boast an electric all-wheel-drive configuration. The motors, however, have been spruced up to produce a grand total of 658hp/950Nm. That’s enough for the luxury-laden SUV to hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.4 seconds and clock 210kmph flat out. The onboard battery can take feeds of up to 200kW. Under ideal conditions, it can replenish from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes. Mercedes says the provisional range figure is “up to 600km”.
The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 also features a “Maybach” driving mode, replacing the standard “Comfort” mode. The new feature, which is also the standard setting, is focused on maximising the ride comfort for the rear passengers by limiting body movements. In addition, the “oscillation node” under the rear seats ensures the amplitudes are at their lowest.
So, there you have it. The Maybach brand finally gets an all-electric model under its umbrella. And with no fossil-fuel-powered engine in the mix, the EQS promises to be the quietest Maybach ever.
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