The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4MATIC SUV at a sneak peek in Lisbon ahead of its world debut. The SUV will have 649 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque.Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans/Courtesy of manufacturer
The Mercedes-Maybach ultraluxury nameplate unveiled its first electric vehicle – the EQS 680 4Matic SUV – a 649 horsepower limo, where all the goodies are in the back seat.
While it’s based on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, it gets exclusive Maybach touches that raise the bar, and most likely the price. Prices haven’t been announced, but the base 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 SUV starts at $136,000, while the top EQS 580 trim is $158,500. Expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars more for the Maybach name, design tweaks and extra power.
The Mercedes-Maybach EQS will have dual electric motors that produce 701 lb-ft of torque and have a provisional range of up to 600 kilometres, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) figures, which are often higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings. But electric power wasn’t the focus during our sneak peek in Lisbon ahead of its world debut Monday at the 2023 Shanghai auto show. Design was at the forefront, especially the interior and rear-seat cabin space, which is designed for passengers to be chauffeured around in comfort.
Inside, it’s exquisite with handcrafted details and high-quality craftsmanship. Like the front seats, the two well-sculpted rear seats are equipped with ventilation, a massage function and neck and shoulder heating. There’s also a calf massage and a Chauffeur package, which lets you recline the passenger-side rear seat and stretch out – the front passenger seat automatically moves forward to create extra legroom. Between the rear seats are two thermal cup holders, a shelf for the MBUX rear tablet, which can also be used outside of the vehicle, two folding tables, two silver-plated champagne flutes and a refrigerator for chilling the bubbly; the fridge is stored in the cargo area but can be easily removed when not in use. For added comfort there are plush head pillows adorned with Maybach emblems, individual throw cushions, and twin 11.6-inch screens on the backrests of the front seats for both rear seat passengers. Besides a digital personal assistant, there’s a MBUX Interior Assist system which lets passengers use body and hand gestures to perform functions such as switching on the reading lights.
The back seats recline and come with two silver-plated champagne flutes and a fridge to keep the bubbly cold.Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans/Courtesy of manufacturer
A vibrant blue carpet of light runs throughout the cabin, across the dashboard and along the rear doors.Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans/Courtesy of manufacturer
This SUV is the first model from Mercedes-Benz to be fitted with vegetable-tanned leather. In this case, the espresso brown and balao brown pearl nappa leather is processed sustainably. Coffee bean shells are used as tanning agents. The water used for tanning is conducted in a closed circuit and flows back into natural bodies of water after recycling. The leather itself isn’t preserved with salt. As a result, the process saves around 45 kilograms of salt per vehicle. And the coffee farmers benefit from a second income from selling the coffee bean shells.
The cabin isn’t just elaborate, it also awakens all of the senses. Inside, there’s Active Ambient Lighting with 253 individually controllable LEDs and 64 individually selectable colours. In this case, a vibrant blue carpet of light runs throughout the cabin, across the dashboard and along the rear doors creating a cohesive, calming atmosphere. The sound system is incredible with crisp clarity and depth owing to the standard Burmester 4D surround sound system, Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience and 15 speakers. It’s ideal for blaring the tunes or listening to nature sounds. There’s also a special fragrance created for this vehicle dubbed “No. 12 MOOD Ebony.”
When you approach or walk away from the SUV, there’s a symphony of music and lighting sequence to welcome you or say goodbye. Bold chrome accents appear everywhere on its body from the side windows and B-pillar trim to the tailgate and rear spoiler lip. Likewise, brand emblems are everywhere including Maybach letters placed intricately on the wheel hub caps. At the front, the Maybach name appears along with an upright Mercedes star on the hood. A closed black panel front is adorned with vertical, chrome-plated trim strips in a three-dimensional depth look that’s typical of the Maybach brand and reminiscent of an internal combustion engine design. Also typical of Maybach is the stunning two-tone paintwork with a filigree pinstripe. It’s all applied by hand at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4MATIC SUV is expected to arrive at Canadian dealerships in the fall of 2024.
The SUV is expected to arrive at Canadian dealerships in the fall of 2024.Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans/Courtesy of manufacturer
Tech specs
2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 4MATIC SUV
- Price: TBA
- Claimed Range: 600 kilometres (provisional WLTP values)
- Horsepower/torque (lb-ft): 649 / 701
- Motors/drive: dual permanently excited synchronous motors / All-wheel drive
- Charging time: Level 2 (240V) – 11.5 hours; DC Fast Charger – 31 minutes (10-80 per cent)
- On-board charger: 9.6 kilowatts
- Alternatives: Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV70
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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