Mercedes-Maybach EQS concept breaks cover in Munich

Ultra-luxury brand Maybach has offered a glimpse at its first all-electric vehicle – in the form of the Concept EQS SUV.

It’s based on the same modular architecture which will underpin the SUV version of parent company Mercedes’s EQS, which is due in 2022.

While the vehicle detailed here is technically a concept, Maybach is treating it as a “clear preview” of the production model.

“The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS represents the transformation of the tradition-rich luxury brand into a more progressive, all-electric future,” said AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer. “With the future all-electric SUV series model, we’re extending our leadership aspirations in the high-end segment to the area of electric mobility, too.”

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Details of the SUV’s powertrain are yet to be confirmed, but Mercedes says driving range will be around 600km. It may use a drive layout similar to the top-spec EQS sedan – which will feature AWD via two electric motors for a 385kW output.

As is standard for Maybach, the Concept EQS features an exterior treatment different to its Mercedes counterpart. The SUV shown wears a black metallic on zircon red paint scheme, split by a chrome pinstripe. As with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, two-tone paint will presumably be an option offered to consumers.

Chrome accents feature prominently, appearing on the bumper, window surrounds, B-pillars, and roof spoiler. Wheels are 24-inch units with Maybach’s distinct ‘bowl’ design.

Automatic doors activate as the driver approaches, while the passenger doors can be operated remotely by the driver.

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A Maybach-specific version of Mercedes’s MBUX Hyperscreen display appears up front, consisting of three screens encased behind glass.

The passenger seat gets its own 12.3-inch OLED screen, which automatically dims if the car’s interior camera captures the driver looking sideways.

Introduced in 2018, it uses machine learning and AI software to detect driver habits and reduce menu navigation time. The compact steering wheel comes from the Vision EQS concept, though it’s unclear if it will appear on the production car.

The front and rear seats draw inspiration from the S-Class. The passenger seats have received the two-seat Executive option, plus the Chauffeur Package for extra rear legroom. Both options will likely be standard on the production Maybach.

The larger SUV body has also allowed designers to enlarge the rear ‘calf rest’, letting passengers rest their feet above the faux-fur floor covering.

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A floating console extends to the passenger seats. It features a vase insert as standard, with Maybach encouraging owners to bring “seasonally-appropriate floral decorations” into their car. Underneath is space for a variety of individual equipment options. Maybach suggests folding tables, a refrigerated compartment, or a box of champagne goblets.

There’s also an unspecified “fashion-inspired, progressive textive” used in the rear compartment, and the roof liner is a printed leather pattern.

No release date or pricing details for the Maybach EQS have been made public, but the Mercedes version will appear first. That car is expected to enter production next year.

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