The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV Electrifies the Ultra-Luxe

Justin Mastine-Frost October 13, 2023

With the evolution of the EQ line in recent years, we all knew an all-electric Mercedes-Maybach was on the horizon. The luxury automotive space is a no-brainer for electrification; when quiet, comfort, and luxurious finishes take priority over pure speed-based performance, hiding the slight increase of mass required for an EV platform becomes an easy task.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV marks a new era in many respects — it’s not just their first EV, but rather the beginning of the brand’s transition away from internal combustion. That said, and we can attest to this, electrification does not mean compromise, and this first electric Maybach delivers on all fronts.

The SHARPest EQ?

The translation of the EQ exterior design aesthetic into Maybach guise was the first thing that sprung to mind as we boarded the plane to British Columbia for our drive experience. Having spent a fair bit of time at the wheel of the many various EQ models over the last year or two, I often pondered how the “Maybach treatment” would translate into such a tech-forward platform. The answer? Very well, actually. On the exterior, items so simple as dedicated Mercedes-Maybach wheels, returning the Mercedes star to a hood ornament, and the use of its two-tone paint schemes immediately set the tone.

Below the mighty star, the sub-brand’s vertical slat grille is present, albeit not in typical form. Like its EV siblings, the EQS 680 SUV has an entirely sealed grille. By using a wafer-thin layer of indium, covered in black lacquer, the engineering department was able to create a gloss finish with significant depth, all while hiding the car’s radar sensor kit entirely. There’s nothing quite as disruptive as those obnoxious black radar units plainly visible in the nose of a six figure car, and we’re thankful for this design decision here.

Of the few paint schemes on offer for testing, the new Night Series offering — a combination of a mojave silver upper half, and obsidian black lower, complemented with additional black trim and wheels — was the obvious star for those looking for the less traditional option of the pack.

Behind the Wheel

Though there’s always a bit of a debate of whether a Mercedes-Maybach is meant more for passengers or for drivers, neither seating position will disappoint in the least. From its 649 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque, to its thoughtful steering wheel mounted haptic infotainment controls, to its adaptive chassis and powertrain configurations, the EQS 680 SUV has enough going to to keep drivers engaged and entertained.

One of the key takeaways from our drive was how thoughtful the brand’s engineers were when it came to the sheer rolling mass of an electrified SUV of this stature. Our route ran from Nanaimo BC through to Tofino — one of the country’s most stunning driving roads out there, and in turn one of the most dramatic and winding. My first thought when hitting the road was how much I would love to take the route in a spry little sports car, but as we cruised along in the Maybach it was clear that the route wasn’t just about the destination.

It was a showcase of sorts. Yes, if you used all 649 horsepower and tried to drive the wheels off the EQS, you’ll get yourself into trouble and find its limits (not to mention a whole heap of trouble in these winding forest roads), but that’s not the point of this kind of vehicle. It’s quick, has all the passing power you could ask for, and with a light foot could extend to an estimated range of up to 600 kilometres. It’s also the kind of car you could cruise in for days in absolute quiet comfort.

Sitting Out Back

Surprise, surprise, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV shines when you’re feeling too lazy, lethargic, jetlagged, or preoccupied to pilot yourself to your next destination. Amenities abound (yes, there’s a champagne chiller option), every comfort, entertainment, and convenience function is available and smartly positioned. The standard MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment means a pair of 11.6-inch displays mounted to the back of the front seats, though when in chauffeur seating mode, a separate set of controls keep passengers from having to reach forward.

Of course, sound is of utmost priority with any Mercedes-Maybach, thus a Burmester 4D audio system also comes standard. This means the ability to play Dolby Atmos audio through its 15 speakers; if you’ve yet to experience Atmos, it lives up to all the hype. In turn, there’s also something to be said for turning everything off. With a superbly sealed cabin and no engine noise to speak of, the EQS 680 SUV delivers on the one true luxury that is hard to purchase: peace and quiet.

Is It Time for an EV SUV?

The biggest issue on this long and winding road to full electrification, for quite some time, has been charging. The more rolling mass, the more batteries, and the more batteries, the longer the charging. With the rollout of more 150 kw and 350 kw chargers across the country by Electrify Canada, and Tesla increasing the number of non-Tesla Supercharger stations, that dread of charge times is worthy of being thrown out the window.

At present, Mercedes-Maybach says its charge time on a DC fast charger is around 31 minutes, which seems plenty reasonable when you take the size and capability of the EQS 680 SUV into consideration. Between these hurdles being cleared and the overall execution of this new entry into the top-tier luxury segment, the answer is simple. Yes, it is time. To quote Daniel Lescow, the Head of Mercedes-Maybach, the EQS carries that “aura of the extraordinary” that we’ve come to expect from the brand.