2023 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV AWD (658 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2023, the German automaker introduced the first full electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV on the market, trying to outpace its main competitor, Bentley, with this electron-powered luxurious vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz revived the Maybach brand in 1997 as a competitor for Rolls-Royce. It created a few limousines based on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class but failed. In 2013, it decided to pull the plug on that brand, and then, in 2015, it re-invented it as a trim level for the S-Class and then for the GLS. Eventually, when the electrification era started to pick up speed, it created the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV based on the Mercedes-EQS SUV. As a result, it was the first automaker to provide a super-luxurious production vehicle fitted with an electric motor under its skin.

While the overall shape of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV was similar to the Mercedes-EQS SUV, there were significant changes to the bodywork and, most importantly, to the interior. For instance, the front fascia featured a broad grille with vertical slats on the panel, which elegantly concealed the radar for the advanced safety systems that equipped the big and heavy SUV. The daytime running lights created a line above the grille connecting the headlights and creating a luxurious look, while on the lower bumper on the side scoops, the automaker made a mesh styling formed by Maybach’s logo. From its profile, the rounded shape of the vehicle was available with a two-tone paint scheme, while on the D-pillars that flanked the tailgate placed the Maybach badge.

However, the most significant changes compared to the Mercedes-EQS SUV were noticed inside the vehicle. The leather-wrapped interior with diamond stitching on the seats was unique for this super-luxurious vehicle. In addition, the wood trims with aluminum inserts mixed together well with the standard MBUX Hyperscreen and Maybach-specific animation at startup. The trims around the round instruments were in rose gold, which was a signature feature of the brand. In the back, the automaker installed two individual reclining seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Between them, Mercedes-Maybach placed a center console fitted with a cooler that could host a champagne bottle. Furthermore, there were two metallic glasses that could stick to the magnetic pad that those seated in the back could use as a table.

Under the skin, the automaker installed its best electric drivetrain available that combined two motors with a total output of 484 kW (658 hp) and a maximum torque of 950 Nm (701 lb-ft.). For the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, the automaker also used its most advanced platform fitted with all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering. Moreover, the adaptive air suspension could raise or lower the vehicle to allow it to pass over some obstacles, even though it was not an off-road vehicle.