Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, the first electric Maybach model whose silent, smooth full electric architecture should be well suited to this iconic brand’s luxury positioning. Externally it builds on the EQS SUV’s dynamic design from Mercedes-Benz with Maybach specific elements, with its front dominated by a smooth high-gloss black panel with chrome-plated vertical trim strips with a 3D depth effect recalling the similarly imposing front grilles characterizing the iconic early 2000s 57 and 62 saloons. A chrome-plated strip discreetly incorporates classic MAYBACH lettering, while the brand’s emblems are also patterned into the  bumper side trim panels. All four powered self-actuating doors project an Maybach emblem onto the ground when opened.

The SUV’s entire body is visually defined with the brand’s signature two-tone paintwork with a finely hand-painted pinstripe. Along with the launch vehicle’s High-Tech Silver main body & Nautical Blue upper section combination, there are four other colour combinations to choose from including High-Tech Silver / Obsidian Black, Obsidian Black / Selenite Grey, Obsidian Black / Kalahari Gold, and Velvet Brown / Onyx Black. Other lateral features of note include the bold chrome window surrounds and chrome-plated B-pillar trim integrally forming the Mercedes-Maybach signature. High gloss black wheel arch claddings suitably emphasize the exclusive Maybach 21-inch multi-spoke wheels.

For buyers seeking a more sporting & progressive look, the optional Night Series package was also featured in the exclusive obsidian Black & Mojave Silver finish, with classier dark chrome elements in place of the standard version’s bright chrome parts. Model specific 7-spoke wheels feature distinctively styled inserts patterned with the trademark Maybach double M monograms.

Moving inside, the forward cabin is utterly dominated by the three-display MBUX Hyperscreen spanning across the dashboard’s entire width. However Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gordon Wagener recently admitted in a candid ABC News interview that “screens are not a luxury”, stating that “You have a better and bigger TV at home, right? And every car has a big screen. So we have to create luxury beyond the screen. That’s why I talk about craftsmanship and sophistication. There’s so much emphasis on making [Mercedes] vehicles better.“ Indeed, at least for the driver’s instrument cluster, it would have been nicer to see a set of actual mechanical gauges crafted like a fine automatic watch to the high material and quality finish standards Maybach has previously been renowned for.

The software & configurable content of all three screens are certainly functional enough though, with the central display even incorporating an off-road dynamics display that should interest owners who want to use their Maybach EQS for more adventurous pursuits. MBUX’s High-End Rear Seat Entertainment also grants rear passengers system control via two 11.6-inch front seat backrest-mounted displays on the backrests of the front seats and the MBUX rear tablet, including modifying the navigation destinations. The rest of the cabin is luxuriously appointed in natural materials, with MANUFAKTUR brown open-pore walnut wood trim and espresso brown / balao brown pearl Nappa leather being featured here. Other optional trimmings include MANUFAKTUR brown open-pore birch wood, MANUFAKTUR Piano Lacquer Black flowing lines, Macchiato Beige / Bronze Brown Pearl leather, and a more sophisticated Crystal White / Silver Grey Pearl MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Nappa leather. The somewhat tinny feeling plastic surfaces were probably where things could have been done better, as their gloss black surfaces would also end up being fingerprint magnets in most situations.

Of course this sort of car is all about the back seating experience, and here the First Class styled rear lounge compartment came into its own with the cocooning Executive individual seats being fully position configurable; they also incorporate ventilation, neck & shoulder heating and massage functions. The Chauffeur Package automatically folds the front passenger seat forwards once the rear passenger has chosen their reclining position, the front passenger seat automatically moves forward to the chauffeur position.

Other bells and whistles include mobile device wireless charging, four fast-charging USB-C ports, two thermal cup holders, folding tables & two HDMI interfaces also ensure that travellers can easily use their own digital devices. A refrigerated center console compartment with space for champagne bottles and bespoke flute holders is available upon request. The onboard Ambient Lighting system features 64 individually selectable colours and can be configured to suit various moods. A HEPA filtering system and active scenting AIR BALANCE Package with Maybach specific No.12 MOOD ebony fragrance add to the cabin’s luxurious ambiance, along with the 15 speaker Burmester® 4D surround sound system.

Power comes from a twin motor all-wheel drive electric system producing 658 hp and 950 Nm of torque, with the 0-100 km/h sprint done in 4.4 seconds on the way to a 210 km/h maximum speed. It’s supplied by a 118 kWh battery that can be charged from empty to full in 6 hours 15 minutes on a 22 kW AC system, or 10%-80% in 31 minutes when plugged into a 200 kW DC system. Usable WLTP range is 560 – 608 km.

The AIRMATIC air suspension features ADS+ continuously adjustable damping, and the vehicle’s level can be raised up to 25 mm the for increased ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 25 millimetres. Rear-axle steering actuates the rear wheels up to 10 degrees, reduces turning circles by nearly 2 meters and helping this sizable SUV negotiate tight urban maneuvers with greater agility. There’s also a specific standard MAYBACH drive programme intended to maximise rear passenger comfort in tandem with the rear seat oscillation node keeping body movement amplitudes to the lowest level.

Mercedes-Maybach claims extensive implementation of noise suppression measures in the EQS SUV, including an ARTICO leather trimmed luggage compartment cover fixed to the body as a transverse bulkhead. It is attached to the rear seat backrest’s upper edge and forms an effective sound suppressor by sealing off the trunk right up to the rear window’s lower edge. Pricing for the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV starts at RM 1,088,888.00 on the road without insurance, while the Night Package equipped example also shown at this launch clocked in at RM 1.3 million.