We’ve seen the regular EQS SUV debut and soon it’ll be time for the even more luxurious Mercedes-Maybach version.
The Mercedes-Maybach department is working on its take of the EQS SUV – Mercedes’ flagship electric SUV. Last year’s concept previewed plenty of design details that could make their way over to the production model and now we have a better idea what to expect having seen it in the metal.
Just like the upcoming facelifted model of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS (the EQS SUV’s internal-combustion-engined alternative), we don’t expect to see any major changes to the body. These spy shots show minimal camouflage, suggesting a car that’s near production ready.
Judging by the front of this test car, we expect to see a new grille shape and headlight design with large lower air intakes.
The wheels of this development car are modest given Maybach’s history. The concept featured 24-inch rims and, given the standard EQS SUV has 21-inch wheels, there’s scope for the Maybach to have even larger versions. Mercedes says the side steps actually help with aerodynamic efficiency, so they’ll likely feature on the finished product.
The metalwork at the rear is almost entirely covered. Even so, you can expect to see a Maybach logo on the rear pillar and for the car to get prettier rear lights.
Underneath the Maybach EQS SUV will be the EVA II architecture that underpins all EQE and EQS models. It gets a 107.8kWh battery – for a range of around 610km – and two electric motors producing 400kW and 858Nm of torque. That’s enough to get it from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The EQS SUV goes on sale in 2023, while the posh Maybach variant will likely follow a few months later.
Mercedes debuted its Maybach concept at the Munich Motor Show in 2021. The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS was meant to showcase the EQS SUV’s design, along with the extra-luxurious and sustainable treatments that will feature on its Maybach derivative. The exterior features an enormous flush front grille, ultra-slim headlights and a specific Maybach two-tone colour scheme in black and red metallic paints.
Other bespoke features for the luxury sub-brand include chrome pin-striping, vast 24-inch alloy wheels and detailing on the running boards at the base of the sills, along with sensors in the driver’s door that will open it automatically as the driver approaches. The rear doors can also be opened remotely. It’s not known if these feature will reach the production car.
Inside, the concept offered several features taken from the latest S-Class, including a pair of ‘first-class suite’ seats in the rear, along with a high-end entertainment system and a ‘vase insert’ in the central tunnel. The layout incorporates a storage area that can accommodate folding tables, a box of champagne glasses or a refrigeration unit. Mercedes says that the extra seat height permitted by the SUV body allows larger calf rests on the seats than on the conventional limousine.
Up front, there’s an enormous MBUX Hyperscreen, complete with Maybach-specific graphics, that extends almost the entire width of the dashboard. It incorporates a 12.3-inch OLED screen for the front passenger, giving them their own display and control area. The system uses eye tracking technology to comply with rules on screen use; if it detects the driver is looking at the passenger’s display, it dims certain types of content that would be prohibited.
Alastair Crooks