since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
THE super elite class could now enjoy luxurious EV (electric vehicle) ownership experience in the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV (sport utility vehicle). As Maybach is acknowledged as the topmost premium marque in the Mercedes family, it’s obvious that the model chosen to carry the exclusive badge is of flagship status.
Thus, the first SUV EV to carry the elite Maybach status naturally goes to the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580. After all, it has already been given the AMG status in mid-2023 and the logical step was to elevate its flagship standing to a more exclusive and luxurious level. This earns it the prestige of being the first all-electric model from Mercedes-Maybach.
Giving it that exclusive step up is its name, Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680, and there is a Night Series to pander those who want a little more sophistication in their luxury SUV EV. As it were, the EQS 680 is already well endowed visually to stand it out as a Maybach although its roots are firmly conveyed by the Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.
The front is characterised by the brand-typical black panel with vertical, chrome-plated trim strips in a three-dimensional depth look. Mercedes says the large black panel is smooth and closed for the first time. Mercedes-Benz also succeeded in using the material indium, which is permeable to radar beams, in the entire panel area. The wafer-thin, shiny silver material is covered with a black lacquer finish. This creates a unique high-gloss black appearance with an extraordinary depth effect.
Chrome-plated, filigree slats are found on the bumper air intakes. The classic Maybach lettering is discreetly incorporated into a chrome-plated decorative strip, that flows with the continuous light strip of the digital light LED (light emitting diode) headlamps. The Maybach pattern with several small brand is also found in the side bumper trim parts. When the doors are opened, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV welcomes passengers with a Maybach emblem that is projected onto the ground via the door mirrors. To jazz it up further, an animated projection of the Maybach pattern lights up on the floor as well.
The side perspective sees specific features such as the bold chrome surrounds on the side windows and chrome-plated B-pillar trim. This is described as an integral part of the Mercedes-Maybach signature and highlights the length of the rear seating area. A Maybach emblem on the D-pillar underlines its high quality while the EQS lettering is subtly integrated on the front window triangles. Complementing the exclusive 21-inch Maybach multi-spoke light-alloy wheels are the running boards, which are illuminated in the dark. The treads are made of anodised aluminium to echo the pinstripe look of the black panel front.
At the rear, the LED lamps underline the exclusive character in a continuous light strip with a two-part helix and embellishments in the chrome trim elements on the tailgate, rear apron and spoiler lip along with the Maybach lettering. For overall effect, there is the ‘brand-typical’ two-tone paintwork with a filigree pinstripe. This is said to be applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria and is available in five colour combinations: high-tech silver/obsidian black, high-tech silver/nautical blue, obsidian black/selenite grey, obsidian black/kalahari gold and velvet brown/onyx black.
The optional Night Series package features dark chrome elements and surfaces that ‘catch the light like a cut jewel’. Each headlamp is adorned with a Maybach emblem in rose gold, with dark chrome refinements. Darkened Maybach pinstripes enhance the grille panel, while a dark chrome-plated pattern of the Maybach emblem ‘refines’ the front bumper air intake inserts.
The side windows feature highly polished, black edging in 3D design while the running boards are finished in black, sporting a Maybach emblem in dark chrome. The Night Series package is available in conjunction with the exterior colours of obsidian black, Manufaktur diamond white bright and the exclusive two-tone paint finish obsidian black/mojave silver.
The EQS 680 interior reflects largely the operating elements of the EQS 580 but customised to uphold its Maybach status. For instance, the overall visual appearance of MBUX Hyperscreen with ‘zero layer’ and Mercedes-Maybach specific start-up animations on all three displays is presented in an ‘elegant deep blue’. Among the numerous exclusive features is the animated display of the instrument cluster in Maybach mode. The surrounds for the round instruments are typically in rose gold.
The vehicle comes with Manufaktur brown open-pore walnut wood trim while other optional natural woods are available as trim parts: Manufaktur brown open-pore birch wood as well as Manufaktur piano lacquer black flowing lines. The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV comes with Exclusive Nappa leather in the warm colours of espresso brown/balao brown pearl. Macchiato beige/bronze brown pearl is optionally available. For an even more sophisticated look, Maybach Manufaktur Exclusive Nappa leather is available as an option in crystal white/silver grey pearl. The leather in all interior colours is said to come from sustainable processing. The wood/leather multifunction steering wheel comes with galvanised steering-wheel gearshift paddles.
Another exclusive feature is the automatic comfort doors at the front and rear. If the driver approaches the vehicle from the side, the recessed door handles extend from a distance of around six metres. The driver’s door opens automatically when the driver approaches the vehicle from a distance of about 1.5 metres. The driver’s door also closes automatically as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.
Rear passengers are suitably pampered; like the front seats, the Executive seats are equipped with ventilation, massage function, and neck and shoulder heating. There is also a calf massage feature. With the Chauffeur Package, as soon as the right rear passenger chooses the reclining position, the front passenger seat automatically moves forward to the chauffeur position.
Redesigned in the ‘First-Class Rear’ compartment, the front centre console continues like a floating band to the rear seats. Wooden trim is said to adorn the rear storage compartment for the first time. Also new is a projector in the centre console that discreetly projects the Maybach emblem onto the floor. On request, the centre console could include a refrigerated compartment with space for champagne bottles and bespoke flute holders.
Like the EQS 580, the Burmester 4D surround sound system should live up to its claims of offering the ‘ultimate sound experience’. It features the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience and the sound system includes 15 speakers: two bass speakers in the front footwell, one midrange and one tweeter in each door, two 3D speakers in the headliner, two surround speakers in the luggage compartment cover, and a centre speaker in the instrument panel.
Dynamically, the highest standards also apply to driving comfort. The Airmatic air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard. To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level could be raised by up to 25 millimetres. Rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up 10 degrees reduces turning circles by almost two metres.
The Dynamic Select driving programmes – Eco, Sport, Offroad and Individual - includes the special Maybach drive programme. It replaces the Comfort programme and is designed entirely for maximum driving comfort for the rear passengers by ensuring that there are only minimal body movements under the rear seats. An oscillation node is located there, so that the amplitudes are at their lowest. And the list of luxury goes on and on.
To power the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680, there is the HV battery with useable energy content of 118kWh. Its range (WTLP – Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is 560-608km, similar to that of the EQS 580. The output of the electric motor is rated at 484kW (658hp) and 950Nm torque.
We recalled our drive in the EQS 580 from Petaling Jaya to Penang in late 2023. With so much torque immediately available on take-off, you won’t feel the 3075kg kerb weight of the dimensionally sizeable EQS 580. It felt good cruising on the highway and moving about in urban areas, and we believe the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 should provide the same effortless driving in a quiet and relaxed manner.
A recap on the EQS 580 body dimensions show that it is 5216mm in overall length, 1926mm in overall width (including door mirrors) and 1512mm in vehicle height. Its interior roominess is comfortably assured with the long wheelbase of 3210mm. The luggage space boasts 620 litres that should accommodate a lot of luggage for a holiday.
To enjoy this Maybach luxury, the price of the imported Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 starts from RM1,088,888 on the road without insurance. It is RM1.2 million for the EQS 680 with the Night Series package.
