NEW Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV 2024 #new_car #mercedes #maybach #EQS680 #2024cars

NEW Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV 2024 #new_car #mercedes #maybach #EQS680 #2024cars

Mercedes decks out its new top-flight electric SUV with an abundance of distinguishing characteristics compared to the standard EQS range. A pinstripe-patterned grille with Maybach branding on top resides near the upright Mercedes star on the hood for instant recognizability. If you're carrying the key, which feels as solid as an ingot, the Maybach EQS680 greets you with a dazzling LED light show upon approach and follows up with a similar display from the puddle lights when the doors open.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the Maybach version layers on the brand's characteristic veneer of cushy comfort and extra glitz. The extra glitz starts up front with a Maybach-specific look. In place of the large front grille of the brand's gas-powered models, those characteristic vertical chrome bars are instead rendered in a solid front fascia. The stand-up hood ornament is another nod to tradition, although you'll note that it's a Mercedes three-pointed star rather than the Maybach logo. Not to worry, there are numerous Maybach logos scattered about the exterior. The outer pods in the lower front bumper, for instance, each contain a mass of logos.

The extra-large wheels (21-inch at launch with 22s to follow) with their solid-disc appearance are another Maybach brand cue, as is the thick band of brightwork outlining the side windows. Two-tone paint is optional. Running boards are standard and are illuminated.

For the chauffeur, the environs are not much changed from those of the Mercedes EQS SUV, although the pedals have been dressed up. The Hyperscreen is present, of course, and there's a Maybach-specific welcome screen and instrument-cluster display option. There's also a Maybach-exclusive choice among the artificial "soundscapes" available if passengers don't want to cue up anything on the standard 4D Burmeister stereo. There's also an exclusive fragrance for the built-in ionizer: No. 12 Mood Ebony. Disappointingly, it doesn't smell like money, instead pairing sandalwood and spices.

In place of the EQS580 SUV's 536-hp powertrain, the Maybach EQS SUV borrows a more potent set of electric motors from Mercedes-AMG. The front and rear motors are good for 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, the same as in the Mercedes-AMG EQS sedan —although it's missing the AMG's boost function that temporarily bumps output to 751 horsepower. Still, Mercedes is claiming a 4.1-second 0-to-60-mph time.

For sonic stimulation, there's a standard 15-speaker sound system from Burmester that's notable for its two large speakers mounted on the luggage cover. Mercedes-Maybach claims this is a 4D arrangement as there are also exciters in the seats to provide a physical sensation to accompany the audio. We'll let you arrive at your own conclusion on that one, but from a more objective standpoint the sound system is also compatible with the Dolby Atmos surround-sound format, which is available through streaming services including Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. It's a niche feature aimed primarily at audiophiles, but regardless of the format you use, the Burmester sound system is crisp and free of distortion.

The suspension, with air springs and adaptive dampers, gets a Maybach-specific tune, while a "Maybach" drive setting replaces the default Comfort mode and prioritizes a smooth ride for rear-seat passengers. Four-wheel steering (with the rear wheels turning up to 10 degrees) is standard here, to aid maneuverability.

A 108.4-kW battery (same as in the Benz version) is said to be good for 372 miles of range on the European WLTP cycle. The Maybach EQS adopts the front-axle disconnect just introduced in the EQE SUV as well as that model's heat-pump HVAC system. The Maybach EQS is capable of recharging at up to 200 kilowatts.

A trap door between the rear seatbacks accesses a refrigerated compartment. That's where you'd keep the chilled champagne, and the center console has two sets of cupholders, one with clips at the bottom to hold stemware (such as the available silver-plated champagne flutes). The fridge unit, though, takes up a significant portion of the trunk space, so it's designed to be easily removed if the journey calls for more Louis Vuitton cases and fewer chilled champagne bottles. The rear console also includes a removable tablet, and there are 11.6-inch infotainment screens in the front seatbacks. On the C-pillars, stylized lamps again feature the Maybach logo, and the ambient lighting adds Maybach-exclusive color schemes. There are also pillows, small ones attached to the front and rear headrests with larger throw pillows for the rear-seat passengers.