Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 — luxury meets ultra luxury

If the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC is the consummate SUV, what then does that make the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680?

Tick, tick, tick . . . More of the same? You betcha!

Cut from the same mould, the two Evs are peas in a pod; the Benz makes 265kW/800Nm, the Maybach a steroiddal 484kW and 950Nm.

Of course the Maybach is a bit more expensive, well quite a bit more actually, at $328,607 versus $194,900 -- that's a difference of $133,707 more (plus on-roads of course).

Once a marque in its own right, Maybach was revived by Benz in 1997, but failed to produce the goods.

It became a sub-brand in 2013, basically producing a super duper version of the Benz S-Class targeted at the likes of the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The EQS 680 is the first electric Maybach and is "redefining automotive excellence in the age of electromobility," according to the spin.

The large five-seat SUV joins Mercedes-Maybach S-Class saloon and GLS SUV, with the extra comfort and attention to detail that characterises Maybach.

The all-electric EQS 680 is powered by two permanently excited synchronous e-motors mounted at the front and rear axles, with drive to all four wheels via 4matic all-wheel-drive.

It can reach 100km/h in as little as 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 210km/h.

With energy consumption of 20.2 kWh/100km, range is 600km (WLTP) and it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 31 minutes with a DC fast charger.

The design focuses primarily on the comfort of rear seat passengers.

Standard executive rear seats are sumptuously equipped with ventilation, massage function, neck and shoulder heating and a calf massage.

Additionally, the standard Chauffeur package ensures that when the left rear passenger seat is reclined, the front passenger seat automatically moves forward to maximise space.

A pair of 11.6-inch displays on the backrests of the front seats are fitted with the MBUX hi-end rear seat entertainment system, including two wireless headsets.

Content can be shared quickly and easily between passengers and it is possible to select and modify navigation destinations from the rear.

A rear tablet can also be used outside the vehicle.

For the ultimate in indulgence, the optional First Class Rear Suite includes two rear armchairs, separated by a heated rear-seat centre console that extends from the front of the cabin, along with temperature-controlled cupholders, a refrigerated compartment, and a holder for champagne flutes.

A pair of folding tables are installed into the backs of the front seats.

Standard air suspension adjusts damping continuously, while a special Maybach program replaces Comfort as the standard setting and is designed to maximise comfort for rear passengers with special attention to noise and vibration suppression.

Audio is provided by a Burmester 4D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos.

The 15-speaker system includes two exciters in each seat, while passengers in the front passenger seat and in the rear can also apply the 4D sound to the audio content of the headphones.

The sound can be individually adjusted for each user profile.

A special driving sound, “Aerial Grace”, was created for the all-electric Mercedes-Maybach and can be played in the interior.

It reacts to a dozen different parameters including accelerator pedal position, speed and recuperation.

Using intelligent sound design algorithms, the sounds are calculated in real time on the amplifier of the Burmester 4D surround sound system and played back by the loudspeakers.

Exclusive design elements lend the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV a distinctive character all its own.

For even further distinction, two-tone paintwork with a filigree pinstripe can be optioned that is applied by hand in five colour combinations.

EQS 680 is the first Mercedes-Benz model fitted with vegetable-tanned leather, where waste product such as coffee bean shells is used as a tanning agent, and water used in the process is recycled and flowed back into natural bodies of water.

In addition, a number of parts and components are made from resource-saving materials.

The interior is covered with Econyl carpet, made with a nylon yarn from recycled materials such as carpets and fishing nets.

Secondary steel and recycled aluminium are also included.

There’s also the optional Night Series Edition of the EQS 680 SUV, adding dark chrome elements, surfaces that catch the light like a cut jewel, and interiors that take Maybach design to a new level.

Exterior enhancements include headlights adorned with a Maybach emblem on rose gold, with dark chrome refinements; a grille panel enhanced with darkened Maybach pinstripes; and front air intake inserts with a dark chrome-plated pattern of the Maybach emblem.

Other unique accents and details include side windows with highly polished black edging in 3D design; a sporty rear and roof spoiler; black running boards featuring a Maybach emblem in dark chrome; and 21-inch Maybach 7-spoke light-alloy wheels that are unique to the Night Series.

Night Series customers can choose between Obsidian Black or Manufaktur Opalite White Bright paint finishes, or add the distinctive two-tone finish in Obsidian Black and Mojave Silver at an additional cost.

Inside, stunning extra features include dark brown open-pore walnut wood elements in herringbone pattern, which complement seat upholstery in Exclusive Nappa leather Maybach black pearl.

The new all-electric Mercedes‑Maybach EQS 680 SUV is priced at $328,607 and is available to order from this week onwards, with first deliveries starting in July.

The optional First Class Rear Suite package adds $14,900, while specifying the Night Series Edition adds $34,900; First Class Rear Suite package is required to option Night Series Edition).

Selection of one of the six two-tone paintwork finishes adds $34,800.