Mercedes-Maybach has presented its first fully electric production model. The Maybach EQS 680 SUV is based on the technology of the EQS SUV from Mercedes-Benz and combines it “with the exclusivity of Maybach”.
The Mercedes-Benz version of the EQS SUV, which is already not exactly poorly equipped, is available at most as the 400 kW 580 4MATIC. Not only the appearance of the body and the luxury interior have been adapted for the Maybach model, but also the drive system: the output of the standard all-wheel drive in the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV is 484 kW, the range of up to 600 kilometres. However, the latter value is a provisional figure.
The heart of the electric drive system is the same, however: the battery of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV consists of twelve modules and has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. Since the battery of the EVA2 platform is designed for 400 volts, the Maybach model also has a maximum charging capacity of 200 kW and a charging time of 31 minutes – more is not possible at 400 volts with the CCS standard, which is limited to 500 amperes. One difference to the “normal” EQS SUV: the 22 kW AC charger is part of the standard equipment in the Maybach.
Instead of focusing on details of the drive, which is almost the same anyway (the output of 484 kW is actually only mentioned in the last paragraph of the press release before the table with the technical data, the 950 Nm of torque can only be found in this table), Mercedes puts a completely different focus in the press release: it is about the “redefinition of automotive excellence in the age of electromobility”, “highest luxury and comfort with cocooning effect in the rear” and the noise comfort.
In fact, compared to the Mercedes model for the Maybach, the further developments mainly revolve around the passengers in the rear. There are, for example, two 11.6-inch displays for entertainment, an ‘MBUX Interior Assistant’ that uses cameras to recognise the passengers’ operating preferences based on body and hand movements and executes the corresponding functions, and “Executive” rear seats with ventilation, massage function and neck and shoulder heating ex works. The “First-Class Rear” package is also available as an option. “In the rear of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, the combination of exquisite materials, consummate craftsmanship and exclusive details creates a self-contained feel-good atmosphere for all the senses – the so-called cocooning effect,” says Mercedes.
In addition to integrated designer lamps and special Maybach fragrances for the standard Air Balance package (original description: “No. 12 MOOD Ebony is an extraordinary and polarising fragrance. It does not aim to please but to seduce. Stimulating sandalwood combines with notes of spices to create an exclusive composition.”) there is, among other things, an adapted Burmester sound system. Another change for the driver (or in this case, rather to be called chauffeur): The Comfort driving mode has been replaced by the “Maybach” setting, which is “entirely designed for maximum driving comfort for the rear passengers”. Eco, Sport, Offirad and Individual, however, remain.
“Mercedes-Maybach customers expect the extraordinary, and we aim to exceed their high expectations,” says Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius of the electric luxury model. “The Mercedes‑Maybach EQS SUV unites our ambition to lead in digital and electric with our focus on the luxury segment. The very first all-electric vehicle from Mercedes-Maybach complements the best technologies from Mercedes‑Benz with the extra comfort and individual details that are only available from Mercedes‑Maybach.”
Like the standard model, the Maybach variant of the EQS SUV will be produced at the Tuscaloosa plant in the US state of Alabama. Prices have not yet been announced.
With reporting by Sebastian Schaal, Germany.
Keyword: Mercedes-Mayback EQS SUV produces 484 kW