Mercedes’ Maybach Brand Goes Electric With EQS680 SUV

Mercedes-Benz crowns its EQ electric-vehicle lineup with the EQS680 SUV from its upscale Maybach division.

Unveiled at the 2023 Shanghai auto show in China, it is the first Maybach to feature an electric drivetrain.

The EQS680 4Matic SUV is also only the second SUV to wear the Maybach name, following the internal-combustion-engine GLS600 launched in 2019.

Based on the EQS SUV, alongside which it is produced at Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Tuscaloosa, AL, the high-riding 4-seater is positioned well upmarket from its standard sibling with altered exterior styling, more-exclusive interior features, higher-quality materials and a roomy layout that provides rear-seat passengers with limousine-like levels of comfort and appointments.

“Mercedes-Maybach customers expect the extraordinary, and we aim to exceed their high expectations,” says Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius.

Details of North American sales aren’t final, but Mercedes-Benz officials indicate deliveries are set to begin in key markets, including the U.S., the Middle East and China, during the second half of 2023.

Pricing will extend well beyond that of the GLS600, which retails for $170,000 in North America, with estimates putting it at over $200,000.

The exterior styling of the EQS680 4Matic SUV draws heavily on that of the standard EQS SUV but with a number of traditional Maybach design elements.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 front end

The most noticeable of these is a grille that features 29 vertical chrome elements within a high-gloss black plastic insert (pictured, above), giving the SUV a bold appearance enhanced by chrome embellishments and a series of Maybach logos within the outer sections of the front bumper.

In a first for Mercedes-Benz’s EQ-branded electric models, a 3-pointed star emblem sits atop a newly designed hood, which features greater contouring than other EQS SUV models.

A panoramic glass roof is available as an option.

The tailgate receives a chrome element beneath the wiper, together with Maybach name badges (pictured, below).

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 rear end

The EQS680 4Matic SUV comes with a choice of uniquely styled 21- and 22-in. wheels as well as a series of optional 2-tone paint schemes.

It is inside, though, where Mercedes-Maybach has focused even more attention to detail.

Up front are Maybach graphics for the digital instrument and infotainment displays together with a Maybach-branded steering wheel, chromed pedal caps and new color combinations for the ambient lighting. All four seats offer ventilation, heating and massage functions, as well as cushioned headrests as standard. The standard upholstery is synthetic, though Nappa leather is optional. Wooden trims include birch and walnut.

In keeping with its upmarket positioning, the EQS680 sets out to deliver a first-class rear-seat experience with lounge-like qualities to the individual reclining seats, which can be ordered with folding tables and a cooling compartment with silver-plated champagne goblets (pictured, below). There are video screens within the backrests of the front seats, as well as a tablet device and up to four USB ports and two HDMI interfaces.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 2nd row

A Burmester 4D surround-sound system is among a long list of standard features. Equipped with Dolby Atmos functionality, it comprises 15 speakers, including two mounted within the front seats, together with headphone connectivity for each individual occupant.

The SUV also receives a unique synthesized driving sound: Aerial Grace.

A newly designed luggage cover, attached to the upper edge of the rear-seat backrest, is claimed to provide improved suppression of cargo-compartment noise.

At a nominal 15.5 cu.-ft. (439 L), the cargo capacity is a significant 7.2 cu.-ft. (204 L) less than that offered by the standard EQS 4Matic SUV, owing, in part, to the relocation of the rear seats farther back in the cabin for added legroom.

Powering the EQS680 4Matic SUV is an upgraded version of the existing EQS580 SUV’s dual synchronous electric-motor drivetrain. Power and torque have increased by 113 hp and 68 lb.-ft. (92 Nm) to a respective 649 hp and 700 lb.-ft. (949 Nm), making it the most powerful model in the EQS SUV lineup.

Drive is handled by a single-speed reduction gearbox on each motor to all four wheels. In addition to the Eco, Sport and Off-Road driving modes already seen on the EQS580, the EQS680 adds a new Maybach mode as an alternative to the usual Comfort mode. New here is a so-called oscillation node mode? that is aimed at minimizing body movement for even greater ride comfort.

Mercedes says its latest model will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 131 mph (211 km/h).

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 rear 3.4

Electric energy is stored in a 108.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. Operating at 400V, it is claimed to provide the EQS680 4Matic with average energy consumption of between 2.5 and 2.8 miles per kW on the WLTP test cycle for a yet-to-be-certified range described as being “in the region of 373 miles” (601 km).

Lending to the overall economy are developments first brought to the Mercedes-Benz EQE 4Matic SUV, including a so-called Disconnection Unit. Yet to be adopted on standard EQS 4Matic models, it decouples the front electric motor at lower speeds for added energy savings.

By comparison, the EQS680 SUV boasts a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds and the same 131-mph top speed in combination with average consumption between 2.6 and 3.1 miles per kW and an official WLTP range of up to 383 miles (617 km).

As with standard EQS 4Matic SUV models, the battery can be charged at up to 22 kW via an onboard charger and at a maximum 200 kW on a high-power DC charger.

The automaker says a 15-minute top-up on the latter nets an additional 134 miles (216 km) of range under optimal charging conditions, with a 10%-80% recharge of the battery claimed to take 31 minutes.

The first electric-powered Maybach comes as standard with an AirMatic air suspension and electronic damping control. Ground clearance can be increased up to 1.4 ins. (36 mm). Standard four-wheel steering also provides the EQS680 with a turning circle of 36.1 ft. (11 m).

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 cabin