Australia welcomes the first ultra-luxurious electric SUV without the Rolls-Royce price tag
Australia’s first ultra-luxurious electric SUV debuts, offering Rolls-Royce-like opulence, advanced technology, and performance for a fraction of the price.
Motoring
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From the moment you experience the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV it’s hard not to compare it to the Rolls Royce Cullinan.
The plush, massaging chairs to the whisper-quiet cabin and the champagne glasses, it gives you the sense that you’re in something far grander than a vehicle but it doesn’t come with a staggering price tag.
Starting at $328,607 (MRLP) plus on-road-costs, this electric Maybach is priced at a fraction of what a Rolls Royce would cost, yet it offers the same level of performance, comfort and luxury that places it in the same league.
It’s a smart step by Mercedes-Benz, the first ultra-luxurious electric SUV to hit Australian shores; it has no direct rivals in the EV space.
While brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley are still preparing their electric variants, Mercedes-Benz has made a strategic move to fill the gap with this electric masterpiece and brands like Royce, Bentley, BMW and Audi should be worried.
For now, it stands proud and alone, targeting a very niche audience who want their EV to be as luxurious as it is sustainable.
The SUV is equipped with two electric motors - one on each axle and generates a staggering 484kW and 950 Nm of torque propelling this beast from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
This speed is on the par with some of the fastest EVs on the market but the Maybach offers so much more than just performance.
The vehicle’s battery range is impressive, offering 20.2 kWh per 100km and a range of 662 km (NEDC).
Charging times are also competitive with the ability to charge from 10-80 per cent in approximately 31 minutes via DC fast charging.
The vehicle also has standard air suspension which continuously adjusted damping, allowing for 35mm increase in vehicle height for ground clearance.
It also features the Maybach driving mode which optimises ride comfort for rear passengers by minimising body movement.
The rear-axle steering also allows for improved manoeuvrability, reducing the turning circle from 11.9 to 11 metres - which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
The Maybach is renowned for its luxury and that’s evident the moment you lay eyes on the vehicle, it exudes sophistication with a front grille featuring chrome-plated strips, the iconic Mercedes star on the bonnet and chrome accents.
Every detail of the exterior is a nod to the Maybach brand, from brand emblems to 22-inch Maybach alloy wheels featuring Maybach lettering on the hub caps.
Convenience is elevated in the Maybach SUV with automatic electric doors.
As the drive approaches, the driver’s door opens automatically, and no need to touch the handle to close, just give it a wave or press the brake pedal and it’ll shut automatically.
But it doesn’t stop there - you can also control the doors from the MBUX system, the vehicle key or through a simple press on the central display.
The system uses sensors and cameras, scanning the surroundings to ensure it’s safe to open the door, avoiding obstacles, cyclists or pedestrians.
Inside, the cabin is opulent, with only the highest quality materials and surfaces.
Seats finished in Manufaktur exclusive leather package, centre console and trim in Manufaktur open-pore brown birch wood, a roof liner in balao brown pearl Nappa leather and high-pile floor mats.
Again, the distinctive Maybach emblem is featured throughout the cabin on the front seat backrests, headrest cushions, stainless steel pedal system, and on the wood trim between rear seats.
The SUV also offers Active Ambient lighting featuring 253 individually controllable LEDs and 64 individually selectable colours, including Maybach-specific colour schemes.
In the front, you’re greeted by a large panoramic sliding sunroof and the revolutionary MBUX hyperscreen, a single and seamless panel that stretches across the dashboard.
This innovative technology combines three screens, a digital cockpit for the driver, a main large screen above the centre console and a screen for the front passenger.
Both the driver and passenger have full control of every vehicle function from media to climate control and more.
The system also uses something called “zero-layer” technology which allows 80 per cent of functions to be accessed without having to navigate through sub-menus.
Passengers can also opt to enjoy the sound experience via the Burmester 4D surround system featuring Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience which gives music more space, clarity and depth.
The vehicle also offers a special driving sound “Aerial Grace” specifically designed for the electric Mercedes-Maybach model.
The sounds react in real time to different parameters such as acceleration pedal position, speed and recuperation.
But the real magic is in the rear, where passengers are treated to heated, ventilated and massage seats, their own 11.6 inch digital screen and control centre.
The rear passengers also have electric blinds on the rear doors for privacy.
Buyers can opt for the First Class Rear Suite ($14,900 (MRLP)), which takes things to another level, adding two individual plush armchairs, refrigerator, champagne holders, two climate controlled cup holders and fold out tables, ideal for those wanting to use this as a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
Consumers can also opt for the Night Series Edition for an additional $34,900 (MRLP; First Class Rear Suite package ($14,900 (MRLP)) is required to option Night Series Edition).
Mercedes-Benz has thought of everything when it comes to the EV experience, and that includes making charging more seamless.
Through the Mercedes Me Charge app, owners can book charging stations in advance.
The app provides access to the ChargeFox network, allowing owners to find, book and pay for charging sessions all through a tap of a finger.
Mercedes-Benz’s decision to bring the Maybach EQS 680 SUV to the Australian market is a calculated power move and a decision that will likely propel them as the leader in this space.
By blending sustainability, electrification and performance with Maybach’s comfort and attention to detail, they’ve created an SUV that caters to a very unique audience.
This is a vehicle for those wanting to indulge in the finer things in life, who want cutting edge technology and a lighter sustainable footprint.
For drive-away pricing contact one of the authorised Mercedes-Benz passenger car retailers in order to obtain relevant and accurate drive away information.
Originally published as Australia welcomes the first ultra-luxurious electric SUV without the Rolls-Royce price tag
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