Mercedes-Maybach presents its first EV

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 luxury SUV is now available to order in New Zealand. A large five-seat SUV based on the Mercedes EQS SUV, it is the first fully electric model in the Mercedes-Maybach range, bringing the tally to three different models. The firm hopes this new addition will build on the 23,000 sales it made last year. The electric SUV competes in the top end of the luxury sector where Rolls Royce and Bentley cannot yet offer a rival.

The new all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV features two e-motors mounted at the front and rear axles, producing a total of 484kW and 950Nm. The power arrives at all four wheels via a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Accelerating from a standstill, the EQS 680 SUV evidently takes 4.4sec to reach 100km/h and tops out at a governed 210km/h.

The firm quotes combined power consumption of 20.2kWh/100km, which gives the EQS 680 SUV an NEDC estimated maximum driving range of 662km. Battery capacity is 108.4kWh and it can tether to fast chargers of up to 200kW, so a 10 to 80 per cent regen should take around 31min.

Rear seat occupants take precedence

A key point of difference from the EQS 580 is a top flight environment for rear-seat passengers. Think more opulence.  Standard executive rear seats are equipped with ventilation, massage function, neck and shoulder heating and a calf massage facility. The Chauffeur Package ensures that when the left rear passenger chooses the reclining position, the front passenger seat automatically moves forward to maximise available space. The passenger behind the driver will just have to make the best of the 11.6-inch display while the other rests. It’s part of the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. There’s one for the sleeping passenger as well, along with a wireless headset each. The passengers cab share content. Rear seat passengers also have electrically operated blinds on their doors, offering both privacy and sun protection.

An optional First Class Rear Suite package comprises two rear armchairs separated by a heated rear-seat centre console. That includes temperature-controlled cupholders, a refrigerated compartment, and a holder for champagne flutes. A pair of folding tables is installed into the backs of the front seats.

Facilitating all this indulgence is standard Airmatic air suspension with continuously adjustable damping. The vehicle height can raise up by as much as 35mm to increase ground clearance.

A dedicated drive program replaces Comfort with Maybach as the standard setting in Dynamic Select. It aims to optimise ride comfort for the rear passengers, ensuring only minimal body movements beneath the rear seats thanks to an ‘oscillation node’. This apparently means suspension amplitudes are the lowest above that point. Rear-axle steering contributes to ride comfort at higher speeds, and also helps with parking. The system reduces the turning circle to 11.0m.

Serenity within

Noise and vibration suppression is said to be first rate. The electric drivetrain is encapsulated front and rear, while the drive units are doubly decoupled via rubber mounts. Acoustic foams were also sprayed in certain places to reduce unwanted noise further.

A luggage compartment cover that is fixed to the body suppresses potential clamour from the cargo area. A Disconnect Unit (DCU) decouples the electric motor on the front axle, while laminated glass and external wind deflection measures all contribute to noise suppression.

A Burmester 4D surround sound system features 15 speakers and bass shakers in each seat. Individual adjustment of sound is possible for each MBUX user profile.

A distinctive appearance

Design elements include a Mercedes star on the bonnet and a black front panel inset with chromed strips. Within are forward radar sensors. The Maybach emblem sits on the D-pillar. Pronounced wheel arches wrap around 22-inch Maybach alloys. Running boards feature treads made of anodised aluminium, and they illuminate in the dark.

Digital headlights perform a show when the keyholder arrives or leaves. At the same time the door handles extend outward. Why the driver’s door even opens automatically if so desired. Other doors can be activated remotely. The driver’s door also closes by itself.

Within is an MBUX Hyperscreen, as in the Mercedes donor car. This comprises three screens beneath a single layer of Perspex. Most common interactions activate directly without changing the application. 

The front seats are heated and cooled with power adjustment and memory settings. On the standard specification list are a panoramic sliding sunroof, multifunction steering wheel, head-up display with augmented reality, and MBUX navigation system with Live Traffic Information and updates. Seats, dashboard, door skins and the roof liner are finished in vege-based Nappa leather, the centre console and trim in birch wood, and there are deep-pile floor mats.

No sustainable stone left unturned

The EQS 680 SUV is fitted with Active Ambient Lighting and Maybach emblems abound. It is the first Mercedes-Benz model fitted with vegetable-tanned leather. Real leather is sustainably processed. Secondary steel and recycled aluminium are included in the build.

Finally, there’s an optional Night Series Edition of the EQS 680 SUV. It uses dark chrome elements, side windows have polished black edging in 3D design and there’s a rear roof spoiler. The 21-inch wheels are unique. Obsidian Black or Opalite White are the paint finishes, while a two-tone Obsidian Black and Mojave Silver is a cost option.

The list price for the EQS 680 SUV is $304,500 and it is available to order now, with first deliveries starting in July. The First Class Rear Suite package adds $14,900 while specifying the Night Series Edition adds $34,900. Selection of a two-tone paintwork finish means a further $34,800 outlay.