When Mercedes-Benz said they’re all in on electrification, they really do mean all in. After unveiling new EV models for all of its sub-brands in the 2021 IAA Motor Show, it’s now finally time for the ultra-luxury Maybach brand to get the same electric treatment – introducing the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS.
Despite being called a concept, Mercedes says that the Maybach EQS is actually already in “near-production” form – which means we’re also getting our first look at the upcoming non-Maybach EQS SUV that’s due to arrive sometime next year.
But of course, the Maybach here will be the one that gets all the shiny bits, including the imposing black panel grille with 3D-effect pin stripes, the longitudinal trim strip down the middle, huge swathes of chrome trims, and the unique 24-inch “bowl” design wheels.
As is standard on a Maybach, the Concept EQS here is dressed in an obsidian black and zircon red two-tone paint job, separated by a thin chrome pinstripe. The iconic chromed Maybach emblems in the D-pillars complete the classic Maybach look, and if you look a little closer, you’ll notice that even the headlights have a mesh trim element featuring the Maybach emblem!
Of course, when you buy a Maybach, you’ll want to be inside most of the time rather than just staring at it from the outside. And on the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS, you won’t even have to open the door yourself (that is, if you don’t already have a butler anyway).
The doors are fully automatic, and the aerodynamic door handles will extend outwards as the driver approaches. As they get closer, the driver’s door will open automatically, and they’ll also have the option of opening the rear doors via the MBUX infotainment system.
The full-width MBUX Hyperscreen dashboard is standard here on the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS, with three screens hidden seamlessly under a single sheet of glass that spans from A-pillar to A-pillar.
As a safety precaution, the front passenger display automatically dims when the on-board cameras detect that the driver is looking at it – especially when it’s displaying attention-grabbing content such as streaming videos.
Other standard items on-board include the S-Class-inspired front seats, rose gold trim elements, “faux fur” floor mats, and a floating centre console that extends all the way to the rear passenger compartment – the true highlight of the interior.
Mercedes calls it a “First-Class Rear Suite”, consisting of two individual first-class seats separated by the aforementioned centre console – where you’ll also find a built-in flower vase (yes, really), and drinks holder cubby holes that looks just the right size for two champagne flutes.
And because it’s an SUV, the taller vehicle height naturally allows for a taller seat height, which means that the calf rests can now be made even larger, perfect for when you just want to lie back and have your feet “float” above the cloud-like floor mats.
The floating centre console features nicely-diffused ambient lighting features, and can even be optioned with equipments such as folding tables, a box of champagne goblets, or a refrigerated compartment to perhaps store your bottles of champagne.
Not much has been shared on the Concept Maybach EQS’ technical underlyings, but we do know that it’ll be built upon the newly-announced MB.EA EV platform.
Mercedes says that Maybach EQS Concept will feature an “exceptionally smooth and quiet running” powertrain, with a driving range of around 600 km based on the WLTP test cycle. Autocar UK reports that the powertrain set-up will be similar to the newly announced AMG EQS 53, with a pair of electric motors together making around 660 hp and 950 Nm of torque.
Fancy interior aside, we think that the electric powertrain is honestly the perfect option for a land-yacht like the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS. Smooth, quiet, and vibration free – what’s not to like?
We can’t wait to see more of these electric ultra-luxury cars from other bespoke brands such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley, even though we most definitely will never get to own one. Good news is we probably won’t have to wait too long more, since they both already have an electrification plan in motion…
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