Mercedes is pushing to extremes at the debut Munich Motor Show. The German marque is introducing not only a new high-performance version of its new EQS sedan, but also the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS that broadly hints at what will soon become the flagship of its battery-electric line-up.
Based on the same EVA2 platform as the EQS sedan, the “near-production one-off” takes things to new levels, with an even more roomy and luxurious cabin, new features such as a floating rear center console and traditional Maybach details, including an “elaborate” two-tone paint finish.
“The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS represents the transformation of the tradition-rich luxury brand into a more progressive, all-electric future,” said Philipp Schiemer, head of Top End Vehicle Group at Mercedes-Benz AG. “The near-production concept car represents proof that … we’re extending our leadership aspirations in the high-end segment to the area of electric mobility, too.”
A long history
The Maybach badge dates back to 1919 when Wilhelm Maybach, then the chief engineer at Mercedes, started his own luxury brand with brother Karl. The company faded away with the advent of the Second World War, its factories turned over to tank production.
Mercedes tried to bring it back as a standalone brand in 2002. The project faltered and died a decade later. But renamed Mercedes-Maybach, it now serves up a line of ultra-premium variants of existing models, like the recently redesigned S-Class. Soon, it will work its magic on Mercedes’ all-electric EQ portfolio, as well.
The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS shares the same underpinnings as the new EQS, but it adopts an SUV body design, rather than the sedan’s distinctive “one-bow” shape. That said, it was clearly shaped in the wind tunnel, aerodynamics critical to enhancing EV range.
Distinctive design
The show car features a low front end, and a sloping roof line that concludes with an integrated rear spoiler. Broad shoulders and pronounced wheel wells give the EV a muscular appearance. There are, of course, classic Maybach details, including the distinctive grille and double-M badge, as well as the concept’s two-tone paint scheme and pinstriping. There’s also plenty of filigree and chrome.
The interior is intended to create the feel of a high-end lounge, especially with executive-style seats and the optional Chauffeur Package. The Maybach Concept adds unique features and details, including new door panels and armrests, trim elements in white piano lacquer and an interior finished in deep-sea blue.
The higher seats, with their raised calf support, allows passengers to dangle their feet above faux fur carpeting. There’s also a floating rear console for rear seat passengers. Add a vase insert which, suggests Mercedes-Maybach, “invites you to bring seasonally appropriate floral decorations and thus nature into the interior of the Maybach.”
Running pillar to pillar, the optional Hyperscreen found in the standard EQS becomes standard on the Concept Maybach. And it adds distinctive display “styles and content.”
More electric SUVs to come
The German automaker isn’t providing specific drivetrain details but it appears likely the concept will share what’s in the standard issue EQS, perhaps with a performance upgrade in line with the AMG EQS also debuting in Munich this week. That twin-motor model can punch out as much as 751 hp when its boost function is triggered.
“According to WLTP, ranges of around 600 kilometers are planned for the Mercedes EQS SUV architecture,” the automaker said. That depends upon the specific model, however. And the production Maybach won’t be the only EQS in SUV form.
An additional all-electric model is also set to appear on this basis, the EQS SUV, which will go into series production in 2022, even before the Maybach,” said a statement released ahead of the Concept Maybach’s Munich debut.
