Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for an electric future with its EQ models, featuring futuristic designs and the latest in infotainment technology. Several EQ models are already on the market, and now Mercedes is turning its attention to more traditional luxury.
The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is the first all-electric vehicle from Maybach, the super-luxury subbrand of Mercedes. This model builds on the EQS SUV introduced in 2022 but adds a touch of luxury, with more chrome on the exterior and additional comforts on the interior.
Set to hit the U.S. market this fall, the Maybach EQS SUV combines forward-thinking design with classic luxury. Before its official launch, Digital Trends had the opportunity to closely examine the vehicle to understand Mercedes’ approach to balancing these elements.
The Maybach name carries significant history for Mercedes. Wilhelm Maybach, one of the original automotive engineers, designed the first Mercedes-branded vehicle for Daimler (now Daimler-Benz) before leaving the company. His own company later produced luxury cars and engines for Zeppelin and German military vehicles during World War II. Daimler-Benz acquired Maybach in the 1960s but paused its passenger-car production, only to revive the brand in the early 2000s to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. This move essentially brought Wilhelm Maybach’s legacy full circle with Mercedes.
In the 21st century, Maybach started with standalone models like the Maybach 57 and 62 sedans but ceased production in 2012 due to declining sales. Mercedes then transitioned to producing Maybach versions of existing models, a trend that continues with the Maybach EQS SUV.
The Maybach EQS SUV features distinctive chrome styling similar to other Maybach models. It has a chrome grille, a hood ornament (the only EQ model to have one), chrome window trim, Maybach-specific wheels, and two-tone paint. The air vents are adorned with Maybach logos, reminiscent of high-end handbags.
The real transformation is inside. Unlike the standard EQS SUV, which offers a three-row, seven-seat configuration, the Maybach EQS SUV only comes with two rows. The standard five-seat layout includes a rear bench, but there’s an option for a four-seat version with individual reclining seats, a full center console, and a champagne cooler with glasses. This setup extends into the cargo area, slightly reducing space but making it easier to access your champagne.
The front seats are unique to the Maybach model, with both rows featuring Nappa leather upholstery, crafted through a more sustainable process involving coffee bean shells for tanning and a closed-circuit water system to conserve water. The interior also includes real wood and aluminum trim and the same advanced infotainment as the standard EQS SUV, including a 56-inch Hyperscreen and a 15-speaker Burmester 4D audio system.
Powering the Maybach EQS SUV is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system delivering 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the non-Maybach EQS SUV. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph. Engineers used techniques from the Mercedes-AMG performance division to achieve this power while tuning the vehicle for comfort, including a Maybach-specific drive mode and retaining the base model’s off-road mode.
Although official range figures haven’t been released, Mercedes targets 372 miles on the European testing cycle, with a likely lower range in the U.S. market. The standard all-wheel-drive EQS SUV reaches up to 285 miles, but the Maybach’s additional weight and less aerodynamic design could reduce this figure.
Charging options include a 9.6-kilowatt AC onboard charger, taking approximately 12.75 hours for a full recharge. The vehicle also supports 200-kilowatt DC fast charging, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in about 31 minutes. Mercedes plans to offer exclusive charging perks for Maybach owners at its future charging stations.
The Maybach EQS SUV will likely have a higher price tag compared to the standard EQS SUV, which starts at $105,550, but specific pricing will be announced closer to its release.
This marks the first electric SUV from an ultra-luxury brand, with competitors like the Rolls-Royce Spectre being a coupe and Bentley planning its first EV for 2025. Although Maybach is the first in this niche, it won’t be alone for long as other luxury brands prepare their own electric SUVs. High-end buyers might also consider an electric Range Rover, rumored to be in development, highlighting that while Maybach may lead now, the market will soon become more competitive.