Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV: Luxury in Silence

The trend for ever-larger and more luxurious SUVs continues to dominate markets around the world. In regions like Asia, the Emirates, and the USA, affluent customers are always on the lookout for something that delivers more than just the ultimate in automotive prestige. Enter the Maybach EQS 680 SUV – a model that offers unparalleled luxury and just happens to be fully electric.

Luxury First, Electric Second

The fact that the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV is powered by a potent electric drivetrain is almost a side note. For buyers in this class, the focus is not on the engine but on luxury and exclusivity. These customers likely already have a fleet of vehicles with different powertrains for every occasion. The Maybach EQS 680 delivers both luxury and exclusivity in spades.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV combines our leadership in digitalization and electromobility with a focus on the luxury segment. Our first all-electric Mercedes-Maybach integrates the best technologies from Mercedes-Benz with extra comfort and unique details that are exclusive to Maybach.
Ola Källenius, CEO Mercedes-Benz

Subtle Design, Big Impact

For those grand entrances – be it at the opera, a trendy restaurant, or along the high-end shopping streets – the EQS SUV’s design might come across as a bit too understated, even with all the Maybach styling cues. At over €200,000, it looks very much like a regular Mercedes EQS SUV. It takes a few refined Maybach touches to set it apart from its electric sibling.

The same goes for the interior, where the luxury details are more a sophisticated trim option than something that stands out as an entirely distinct vehicle. The dark leather seats, high-end finishes, and plush carpets are impressive, and the comfort is second to none. However, the EQS SUV feels more modern inside compared to competitors like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga, thanks to its tech-savvy displays and clean, contemporary design.

Comfort with a Side of Luxury

Despite its 5.13-meter length, the interior isn’t quite as spacious as you might expect. A version with an extended wheelbase would feel more fitting for the Maybach brand, giving rear passengers more legroom to truly stretch out. Still, the rear seats are supremely comfortable, and the available features, like climate control and massage functions, make every minute in the Maybach EQS a relaxing experience.

With options like calf massage and heated neck and shoulder areas, it’s easy to drift off into luxury. While the rear compartment does come with a cooled compartment for champagne glasses, entertainment options like the dual rear screens and a tablet are likely more appreciated by modern buyers. And let’s not forget the sound insulation—thanks to extra padding and a leather-covered partition for the cargo area, the Maybach EQS is whisper-quiet.

Impressive Tech and Maneuverability

Despite its massive 21-inch wheels, the ride comfort is excellent. The rear-wheel steering system, which turns the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees, makes the EQS much more maneuverable, especially in tight spaces – a feature more appreciated in European or Asian cities than in the sprawling streets of the U.S. or the UAE. Weighing in at an astronomical 3,075 kg, the Maybach EQS SUV even outdoes the 2.9-ton Rolls-Royce Spectre.

However, this heavyweight still needs to be driven, and behind the wheel, the driver’s seat is nearly as comfortable as the rear. The one downside is the steering wheel’s touch-sensitive controls, which can be fiddly to use. At night, the massive Hyperscreen with its three-part display makes a striking impression, adding to the feeling of being in a high-tech luxury spaceship. The only downside to this rolling suite is the relatively small cargo space – at 440 liters, it’s not much for a vehicle of this size. And with a payload capacity of just 425 kg, there’s not a lot of room for heavy luggage either.

Smooth Power and Electric Efficiency

On the road, the Maybach EQS offers effortless power. The dual electric motors, delivering 484 kW (658 hp) and 950 Nm of torque, are more than sufficient to get this three-ton SUV moving. While it may not boast the wild power figures of some electric rivals, it’s plenty for luxury cruising.

The one drawback? The top speed is limited to just 210 km/h, meaning even a VW Golf might outpace you on the autobahn – a slightly awkward reality for such an expensive vehicle. But the real strength of the EQS is its range. With a 118 kWh battery, it’s capable of more than 600 km on a single charge under ideal conditions, though real-world figures are likely closer to 500 km. While it lacks the fast charging capability of some rivals, topping out at 200 kW, the luxurious comfort of the seats makes the wait at charging stations a bit more bearable.