2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV

Overview

Ultra-luxury is about to go electric with the Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV but is even more ostentatious. The EQS680 SUV’s electric powertrain includes two electric motors that combine for 649 horsepower and offer standard all-wheel drive. Range should be similar to the Benz-branded EQS580 SUV, which is rated for around 285 miles of driving per charge. While the concept was shown with gorgeous 24-inch wheels, the production model gets 21 or 22-inch rollers. Luckily, the concept’s flashy exterior styling elements and a most deluxe cabin have made the leap to real life. The Maybach is set up to pamper rear-seat occupants the most, with reclining rear seats, a beverage chiller, and an available matching stemware set. And although this is clearly an EV made for chauffeur duty, it still should offer some fun for the driver, with an estimated zero-to-60-mph time of just 4.1 seconds.

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 EQS680 SUV will be a new model for the Mercedes-Maybach brand when it hits dealer showrooms in fall 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

With a starting price deep into six-figure territory, we expect the Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV to come with just about every luxury as standard, although a few options and customization features will likely be offered for an additional fee.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Two electric motors give the EQS680 SUV all-wheel drive and a combined 649 horsepower. Mercedes-Maybach says that’s enough to get this rolling palace up to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, although doing so may cause those relaxing in the back to spill their champagne if you don’t give a warning. Air springs with adaptive dampers are standard, and the EQS680 SUV also has a four-wheel steering feature that should help the driver maneuver in tight places. When we get a chance to test drive the EQS680 SUV for ourselves, we’ll update this story with driving impressions.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

A 108.4-kW battery pack lies beneath the Maybach EQS’s floorboards. In the Benz model, this battery holds enough electrons for up to 305 miles of driving between charges. Here, due to the more powerful electric motors and presumably heavier curb weight, we expect to see a range of about 280 miles per charge. Luckily, the EQS SUV can charge at speeds up to 200 kW, which Mercedes says will take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes when connected to a compatible DC fast charger.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Although the EPA hasn’t released any official estimates yet, we expect to see the EQS680 SUV earn the same results as the Benz-branded EQS580 SUV, which is rated for 79 MPGe city and 74 MPGe highway. When we get a chance, we’ll take the EQS680 SUV on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with its results. For more information about the EQS SUV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the Benz model offers three rows of seating, the Maybach comes with only two, and a bulkhead behind the second row helps seal off noise. The second row is available as a three-seat bench or individual captain’s chairs, both with power-operated footrests for the two outboard positions. With the individual seats, one can get a beverage cooler between the two seatbacks and a large center console with a removable tablet to control the rear seat’s dual 11.6-inch infotainment screens. The cabin is deluxe, with plenty of leather and aluminum throughout the design. The rear seats even come with color-matched leather pillows should you need to squeeze in a quick nap between board meetings.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The EQS680 SUV’s dashboard is a literal wall of screens—something Mercedes has dubbed Hyperscreen—with a giant infotainment touchscreen taking center stage and smaller displays serving the driver with gauges and the passenger with entertainment options. Rear-seat riders aren’t left out either, as there’s an 11.6-inch infotainment display on each of the front seatbacks. Every EQS SUV comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Burmester audio system, and wireless device charging.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Like the Benz-branded model it’s based on, the EQS680 SUV has a host of standard driver-assistance technology. Along with ordinary safety equipment, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlamps, the SUV also has a self-parking feature. For more information about the EQS SUV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes’ warranty periods align with other luxury automakers, such as Audi and BMW. However, unlike those German competitors, Mercedes-Maybach models don’t include any complimentary maintenance.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance