2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 Review
When the name Maybach appears on a Mercedes-Benz, you know it's going to be an experience that blends opulence with technological finesse. The all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680, recently launched in India, upholds that tradition, albeit with a futuristic twist. We spent a day with the car to see if it's worthy of your Bollywood-star lifestyleâ€"or perhaps just that lucrative tech CEO salary.
Design: The Quiet StatementThe EQS 680 has presenceâ€"though a bit in a "shout from the rooftops" kind of way. I'm not a big fan of the Maybach emblems cluttering the air dams. But otherwise, the exterior is dominated by aerodynamic curves, softened edges, and a front grille that mimics a conventional one, but without the snarl of a V8 engine behind it. The "black panel" grille, adorned with vertical chrome bars, is more of an electronic smile than an aggressive snout, giving it a calming aesthetic.
What sets this apart from the regular EQS SUV is the Maybach badge splashed on in chrome glory, and the optional two-tone paint finish, which evokes an air of bespoke, hand-crafted elegance. This car can pair as easily with a tailor-made bandhgala as it does with a tuxedo. And in India, where status symbols speak louder than words, the Maybach EQS's exterior speaks volumesâ€"albeit in a hushed tone.
Step inside and you'll instantly feel like royaltyâ€"minus the crown. The cabin is as plush as it gets, offering a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and hand-stitched craftsmanship. Mercedes-Maybach has taken the EQS 680's already impressive cabin and injected it with more opulence than you'd think possible in an EV.
The Hyperscreenâ€"a vast display practically running from one end of the dashboard to the otherâ€"dominates the space like a digital art installation. It's all about ease of use here, with haptic feedback, OLED displays, and all the buttons you'd need buried in that touchscreen experience.
But the real deal are the rear seats. India's high-net-worth individuals often leave the driving to someone else, and this is where the EQS 680 really shines. Those rear seats are more akin to first-class airline suites and the optional package is justifiably called so too. Think fully reclining seats with massage functions, ventilated cushions, and yes, a centre armrest that feels more luxurious than the entire cabin of some cars!
Features: A Symphony of TechWhen it comes to features, the EQS 680 doesn't skimp. It's got everything you'd expect from a Maybach. There's augmented reality navigation, a Burmester sound system that turns the cabin into a private concert hall and looks great too, and a fragrance system that ensures you're never more than a few moments away from feeling like you're at a high-end spa.
The Maybach-specific soundscapes give you an aural massage while you drive, reminding you that you've entered a whole new realm of luxury. In terms of tech for India's bustling metropolises, the rear-axle steering will be a blessing in disguise. When parking in tight spaces at your favourite South Mumbai clubs or manoeuvring through Delhi's chaotic traffic, it allows for a tighter turning radius than you'd expect from a vehicle of this stature.
Electric Performance: Silent but MightyThe EQS 680's dual-motor setup generates a meaty 650PS and 950Nm of torque. It's the kind of thrust that makes you forget you're in a near-three-ton luxury sedan. That said, the delivery is as smooth as Kashmiri silk. The sprint to 100 km/h takes a mere 4.4 secondsâ€"although the odds of needing that in traffic jams or stop-and-go city driving are slim to none. But if you do need to make a quick escape from a paparazzi-laden event though, the Maybach's got you covered.
With an impressive range of around 600 km (real-world), the EQS 680 offers practicality without compromising on opulence. Charging infrastructure in India is still finding its feet, but Mercedes has addressed this with their fast-charging stations and partnerships. Plug it into a 180kW charger for a quick top-up, and you'll be sipping your artisanal espresso in no time.
Ride and Handling: Floating on AirIn true Maybach fashion, the EQS 680 glides over the road as if it's levitating. The AIRMATIC suspension ensures that potholes and uneven surfaces (which we're far too familiar with here) are absorbed effortlessly. The result? A ride so smooth that you'll wonder if you're driving in India at all. The cabin remains whisper-quiet, with only a faint hum from the electric motors, which will make you forget the daily honking symphony outside (which too, we're far too familiar with here).
Handling is crisp for such a large vehicle, but let's not pretend that this is a corner carver - even though there is Curve driving mode that makes the car lean into corners. The EQS 680 is designed for cruising in utmost comfort, and it does that exceptionally well. For the chauffeur-driven clientele, this will be a godsend.
The Green MaharajaIndia's growing luxury EV market makes the Maybach EQS 680 a well-timed entrant. With the government pushing for cleaner alternatives, this car positions itself perfectly for the discerning buyer who wants both status and sustainability. However, the question remainsâ€"how many really care about going green when they're more likely to care about the badge on the bonnet? In that sense, this Maybach offers the best of both worldsâ€"an unassailable status symbol, and a nod to the arguable future of motoring.
And let's not forget that in the Indian market, an all-electric Maybach eliminates the pesky issue of diesel ban restrictions in some cities. For those who want a future-proof luxury limousine, this could be it.
Verdict: The Future of Luxury?At a price that likely eclipses the GDP of some small nations, the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 is not for the faint-heartedâ€"or the light-pocketed. But for those who can afford it, it offers a vision of future luxury where silence is golden, comfort is uncompromised, and sustainability doesn't mean skimping on opulence. In a country where showing off wealth is as much an art form as it is a necessity, the Maybach EQS 680 is a masterpiece.