Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV to be the Pinnacle of the EQ range [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ section updated.

The Mercedes EQ line-up will include an ultimate electric SUV called the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Mercedes-Benz Group (formerly Daimler) has released a concept version, called ‘Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS,’ to preview its ambition of electric luxury.

Design

Mercedes-Benz Group hasn’t released the dimensions yet, but it looks like the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS is smaller than the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. A dedicated EV platform means that it doesn’t need to have a body shell as big to offer a comparable interior space. Moreover, while the Maybach GLS SUV is a derivative of a three-row SUV, designers conceived the Maybach EQS SUV concept as a two-row model. So, it was possible to make it compact.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV concept is curvy and has the typical looks of a crossover. A giant faux Maybach grille with an integrated radar plate, thin headlights with individual diamond blocks, and the longitudinal chrome-plated trim strip on the hood are among the highlights at the front. On the sides, the concept has chrome B-pillars, huge 24-inch Maybach “bowl” design alloy wheels with five short spokes and a flat center section, chrome window surround, and flush door handles.

On May 19, 2022, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group, revealed a teaser that seemed to show the production Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Wagener’s presentation at the ‘Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: Economics of Desire’ event had a slide on a future model. It appeared to be the hood of the Maybach EQS SUV with the distinctive chrome fin in the middle and the signature Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille featuring the brand lettering on the top, along with 3D vertical chrome slats.

On January 24, 2023, a report by MBpassion detailed the spotting of a test mule of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in Germany. The spy footage, which was captured and uploaded to YouTube by walkoARTvideos the same day, reveals the prototype being driven on public roads with only its front and rear sections covered by camouflage.

Source: Youtube/WalkoART videos

The test mule, while missing the three-pointed star on the hood, features the sculpted air intakes in the front bumper and large full-LED headlamps with thick ‘eyebrow’ DRLs. Unlike the concept, the prototype was spotted with regular (and smaller) multi-spoke alloy wheels and discreet chrome strips on the B-pillar. A closer inspection reveals a thin band of chrome inside the sleek LED taillights, possibly similar to the design found in the concept.

Pictures that were snapped by spies more recently show the Maybach EQS SUV with the star on the hood. That would make it Mercedes’ first EQ model with the traditional star on the hood.

Interior

While Mercedes has not provided details of the production car’s interior, we have a fair idea of what’s in store by studying the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS.

The driver and passengers step inside the vehicle through automatically opening comfort doors (front and rear). The interior design is a richer interpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS, with changes like “faux fur” floor covering, vase insert, and an integrated touchscreen in the floating rear center console, white chrome-look trim, rose gold-colored pilaster strips and accents, and more. While the concept is a four-seater, the production version should be available as a four-seater and a five-seater.

Features & Range (Production Version)

The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS sits on Mercedes-Benz Group’s new MB.EA platform, which is the next-gen version of the EVA platform that underpins the Mercedes EQS and EQE. A report from WardsAuto suggests that it could have a motor on each axle, generating around 650 horsepower (combined) and 750 Lb.-Ft. of torque (combined).

Range & Charging

Like the regular EQS SUV, the electric Maybach SUV should have a 107.8 kWh (net) battery pack. The regular EQS SUV has a 107.8 kWh (net) battery pack that delivers an EPA-est. range of 305 miles in the 450+ RWD variant and 285 miles in the 450 4MATIC and 580 4MATIC AWD variants.

The Maybach EQS SUV could be heavier from the extra noise-deadening measures and possibly additional comfort equipment. That usually leads to higher energy consumption, and a lower range.

Should the electric Maybach SUV pack the same 107.8 kWh battery, its EPA-est. range could be around 275 miles, which could seem low to customers. There’s little possibility of a higher-capacity battery pack, at this point, and it will be interesting to note what the final range is. The maximum DC fast-charging rate will likely be at least 200 kW.

Digital interior

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV would feature the MBUX Hyperscreen that comprises three high-resolution screens under an ultra-wide glass panel at the front, with Maybach-specific display styles and content. Other high-end features, many of which may come as standard, may include AR HUD, automatic comfort doors, and HEPA Air Filtration System.

The augmented reality head-up display will likely measure 77 inches diagonally, and its imaging unit should comprise a high-resolution matrix of 1.3 million individual mirrors. It may project information and actions, like animated turn arrows, for instance, three-dimensionally.

Comfort doors

The automatic comfort doors would allow entering/exiting the vehicle without manual effort. The exterior door handles would extend when the driver would approach the vehicle, and then, on getting closer, the driver’s door would open automatically. The driver’s door would close automatically after pressing the brake pedal. The driver would be able to open and close the doors electronically for the other occupants. The rear-seat occupants would also be able to shut the doors electronically.

HEPA air filtration system

The HEPA Air Filtration System in the EQS SUV carries the OFI CERT” ZG 250-1 certification for protection from viruses and bacteria, and its Maybach variant should inherit that system. It uses 600 grams of activated charcoal, and it has a microfiber layer that traps fine dust of PM 2.5-0.3 classes. The air occupants breathe inside the vehicle becomes about as clean as in clean rooms and operating rooms. The air filter would lie under the vehicle’s hood, which would be locked and openable only at authorized service centers.

Exclusive charging stations

Customers of the first Mercedes-Maybach electric SUV will enjoy the convenience of charging at exclusive charging stations. These charging stations could offer pre-booking/scheduling service and a luxurious facility to rest and relax while the EV charges.

We are planning to launch several premium-charging sites in Europe, which will offer a bespoke charging experience for our customers with top-notch facilities.

Sajjad Khan, former Chief Technical Officer, Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive)

The super-rich may not wish to deal with charging cables, but there’d be no alternative until wireless EV charging is practical. Until then, the company will offer Mercedes-Maybach customers the convenience of “Plug & Charge.” At public charging stations, charging would be a one-step process. Just plug in the charger, and the EV would start charging. Mercedes me Charge would handle the payment for charging. Sajjad Khan, former Chief Technical Officer, Mercedes-Benz AG, explains:

Once you arrive at the charging station, the brand new feature “Plug & Charge” simplifies the complete experience: Plug in, charge, unplug – just as easy. No authentication is required and the payment automatically runs in the background without any additional hassle or action. Plug & Charge will go live with the market launch of the EQS this year. 

Sajjad Khan, former Chief Technical Officer, Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive)

Made in the USA

Mercedes-Benz Group will manufacture the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV alongside the EQS SUV at its Tuscaloosa factory in Alabama, USA. Batteries may come from the company’s battery plant in Bibb County, which is close to its Tuscaloosa passenger-car plant. This facility is responsible for churning out the EQE SUV and EQS SUV’s batteries as well.

The Maybach SUV would offer all the opulence that customers expect from the Maybach badge. However, Mercedes-Benz Group says that will be exclusive, available only in limited numbers. To us, it’s looking more like the company is expecting low demand compared to gas-powered Maybach models initially.

For that ultimate luxury brand, we need to always be mindful that we keep scarcity alive as well. So we’re not going to flood the market with this (Maybach electric SUV).

Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius during the Q4 2021 results call in Feb 2022

Electric Maybach SUV spotted during testing

Many of the spy shots of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV circulating online have been of heavily-camouflaged test mules. Photographs shared by the American magazines in October 2022, had an EQS SUV test mule towing a trailer on public roads whilst wearing heavy camouflage. Since a high-performance Mercedes-AMG EQS SUV is not in the pipeline, this prototype could have only been a Maybach.

More recent photos of the purported electric Maybach SUV prototype have surfaced in a report published by InsideEVs on December 22, 2022. The spy shots reveal the EV driving around in snowy Sweden, possibly near a vehicle-testing facility. Finished in a grey shade, the test mule features non-descript alloy wheels, flared fenders with gloss-black arches, flush door handles, and an access port above the front-left fender. Certain sections of the bumpers, tailgate, and front grille have been left concealed, hinting that there aren’t wholesale changes planned for the EQS SUV’s premium version.

Release Date

During a media conference call on February 17, 2023, Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius revealed that the company will launch the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in China in Spring 2023.

Sometimes the biggest competitor is another product that you’ve got in your portfolio, like the S-Class, for example. So, we will extend our product portfolio gradually. The EQS SUV will be launched (in China). And this Spring, the Maybach version of the (EQS) SUV will also be launched.

Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group, (Media conference call on February 17, 2023)

Speaking further, Källenius suggested that Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV will debut at Auto Shanghai 2023, which will take place between April 18, 2023, and April 27, 2023.

We’re coming with the EQS SUV (in China), and then the upper-end of that with the Maybach version that we’ll actually present in China at the auto show there.

Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group, (Media conference call on February 17, 2023)

China, South Korea, the U.S., and Germany, could be the flagship Mercedes EV’s top markets. In the U.S., the first units may start arriving at dealerships in the second half of 2023.

Mercedes-Benz to focus on three categories

Mercedes-Benz announced on May 19, 2022, that it would focus on three categories in the future: Top-End Luxury, Core Luxury, and Entry Luxury. Top-End Luxury would include AMG models, Mercedes-Maybach versions, range-topping Mercedes-EQ cars like the EQS and EQS SUV, S-Class and G-Class models, and limited edition and exclusive collaboration cars.

Core Luxury would include C-Class and E-Class model ranges and their pure-electric counterparts based on the MB.EA platform. Lastly, Mercedes-Benz will redefine the Entry Luxury segment by reducing the number of models from seven to four. They will be based on the compact MMA platform and benefit from more features and technology.

TopElectricSUV says

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV will be a clean, noiseless alternative to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. It will provide Mercedes-Benz Group’s most esteemed clients with new-found levels of tranquility, space, and overall comfort while also giving them the satisfaction of being the face of change for promoting clean mobility. The new flagship electric SUV should make great strides in digitalization and entertainment as well.

Also Read: Mercedes EQS SUV AMG version not in the works: Report

Electric Maybach SUV FAQs

Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendition of the electric Maybach SUV.