Buying a car today is more confusing than ever. You walk into a showroom and you’re confronted with a choice that feels like a philosophical dilemma: do you go for the legendary opulence of a gas-guzzling Maybach, or do you embrace the silent, high-tech future of an electric vehicle? For the longest time, “ultra-luxury” and “electric” felt like parallel lines that would never meet. One was about wood, leather, and the hum of a V12; the other was about screens, range, and the clinical whir of a motor.
At first glance, this car looks like a shimmering, two-tone monolith of the future—but is it really a “true” Maybach? The Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV 680 isn’t just an electric car with a fancy badge; it is a declaration of intent. It is Mercedes-Benz taking its most advanced EV platform and drenching it in the kind of decadence that usually requires a chauffeur and a private jet.
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know. This isn’t just about zero emissions; it’s about whether the “Silent Luxury” of an EV can actually surpass the heritage of an internal combustion engine. We’ve spent time behind the wheel—and more importantly, in the rear seat—to see if the EQS 680 is truly the grandest EV on the planet.
The Quick Overview: The Pinnacle of Electric Opulence
The Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV 680 is the first-ever electric model to carry the hallowed Maybach nameplate. Launched in India with an eye-watering price tag starting at ₹2.25 crore, it sits at the absolute summit of the Mercedes-EQ lineup.
Unlike the standard EQS SUV, which is already a masterclass in luxury, the Maybach version takes things to an almost absurd level of refinement. It features a massive 122 kWh battery pack, dual motors providing 658 bhp, and an interior that makes a first-class airline suite look like economy seating. It’s designed for the billionaire who wants to save the planet without sacrificing the massage function on their footrest.
Exterior Design: Presence That Whispers (Loudly)
The Maybach EQS SUV doesn’t scream for attention like a bright red sports car, but it possesses a gravity that pulls every eye toward it. It is less of an aggressive SUV and more of an ultra-luxury crossover that has been sculpted by the wind.
The Face of Grandeur
The front is dominated by the signature Maybach “Black Panel” grille. Since an EV doesn’t need a radiator, this is a solid surface featuring vertical chrome-plated trim strips that mimic the pinstripe suit of a CEO. The Three-Pointed Star stands proudly on the hood—a classic touch that Mercedes usually reserves for its most prestigious models.
Silhouette and Two-Tone Magic
From the side, the sheer length of the vehicle (over 5.1 meters) becomes apparent. If you opt for the hallmark Maybach two-tone paint job, the car looks like a piece of rolling jewelry.
- 21-inch Forged Wheels: The dish-style wheels are an instant giveaway that this isn’t a “standard” Mercedes.
- Maybach Emblems: Discreetly placed on the D-pillars, they remind onlookers that this is no ordinary electric SUV.
- Automatic Comfort Doors: As you approach, the driver’s door can open automatically, and all doors can be closed with a gesture or a button. It’s the ultimate “look ma, no hands” moment.
Rear Elegance
The rear is clean and aerodynamic, featuring a continuous light bar with a unique 3D helix design. There are no exhaust tips here, obviously, but the lower bumper is heavily laden with chrome to ensure nobody forgets the premium you’ve paid.
Interior Design & Comfort: A Private Lounge on Wheels
If the exterior is the suit, the interior is the soul. Stepping into the Maybach EQS 680 is like entering a sensory deprivation tank designed by a five-star hotel.
The Hyperscreen Revolution
The dashboard is dominated by the MBUX Hyperscreen—a 56-inch span of glass that houses three separate displays. While it’s technically impressive, the Maybach version adds specific “Maybach” graphics and animations that feel more “Old Money” than “Silicon Valley.”
The Rear Seat Experience (The Real Office)
But here is where things get interesting. You don’t buy a Maybach to drive it; you buy it to be driven in. The rear cabin is a masterpiece of Nappa leather, sustainably sourced woods, and silence.
- Executive Seats: The rear seats recline deeply, offering a “calf massage” and a neck warmer.
- The Chauffeur Package: With a touch of a button, the front passenger seat slides forward, the footrest deploys, and you are effectively in a bed.
- The Fridge and Flutes: Between the rear seats, there’s an optional refrigerated compartment and silver-plated champagne flutes that “clip” into the holders so they don’t tip over when the driver accelerates.
Acoustic Comfort
Mercedes has added extra insulation, specialized acoustic foam in the tires, and even a power-operated luggage compartment cover that acts as a bulkhead to keep road noise out of the cabin. The result? At 100 kmph, the loudest thing in the car is usually your own breathing.
Engine Specifications & Performance: Silent Power
The EQS 680 doesn’t just waft; it can move with the urgency of a private jet taking off.
Technical Specs at a Glance
| Parameter | Detail |
| Battery Capacity | 122 kWh (Lithium-ion) |
| Max Power | 658 bhp (484 kW) |
| Max Torque | 950 Nm |
| 0-100 kmph | 4.4 Seconds |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive |
| Top Speed | 210 kmph (Electrically Limited) |
Real-World Performance
When you pin the accelerator, there is no roar, no vibration, and no hesitation. The 950 Nm of torque is available instantly. Despite weighing over 3 tonnes, the Maybach EQS SUV lunges forward with a surreal smoothness.
In “Maybach” drive mode—which replaces the traditional “Comfort” mode—the car prioritizes the comfort of the rear passengers above all else. It smooths out the throttle response and adjusts the suspension to ensure that even a sudden burst of speed feels like a gentle nudge from a cloud.
Range and Fuel Efficiency: The Long-Distance Cruiser
For an ultra-luxury EV, range is the ultimate luxury. Nobody wants to be seen waiting at a public charging station next to a hatchback.
| Condition | Claimed Range (WLTP) | Real-World Range (India) |
| Mixed Conditions | 611 km | 480 – 520 km |
The massive 122 kWh battery ensures that a trip from Delhi to Chandigarh or Mumbai to Pune is a non-issue. Even with the massive 4-zone AC running at full blast and the massage seats working overtime, you can comfortably expect over 450 km of real-world range.
Charging Technology
The EQS 680 supports 200 kW DC fast charging. If you can find a high-capacity charger, you can add 300 km of range in just 20 minutes. At home, the 22 kW AC charger will take about 6 hours to top it up from 10% to 100%—perfect for an overnight “refuel.”
Ride Quality: The “Magic Carpet” Experience
When you are spending over ₹2.40 crore on a vehicle, you expect it to do more than just drive—you expect it to levitate. The Maybach EQS 680 comes standard with AIRMATIC air suspension and adaptive dampers that have been specifically tuned for the “Maybach” drive program.
Defying Physics with Rear-Axle Steering
A 5.1-meter-long SUV weighing over 3 tonnes should, by all accounts, be a nightmare to park in a South Delhi basement or a narrow Mumbai lane. But here is the catch: the EQS 680 features 10-degree rear-axle steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front, giving this massive barge the turning circle of a compact A-Class.
The Firmness Paradox
But here’s a small insight only an expert would know: while the ride is undeniably plush, it isn’t quite “pillowy.” Because of the massive 21-inch (or optional 22-inch) forged wheels and the sheer weight of the 122 kWh battery, the suspension has to be slightly firm to prevent the car from feeling like a bouncing boat. You will occasionally feel sharp-edged ruts, but the isolation from the outside world is so complete that you barely care.
Safety Features: The 11-Airbag Guardian
In the world of ultra-luxury, safety is as much about the “structure” as it is about the “sensors.” The Maybach EQS SUV has secured a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, but for the Indian market, Mercedes has pulled out all the stops.
- 11 Airbags: This includes a world-first rear-seat airbag system that deploys from the back of the front seats to protect rear passengers in a frontal collision.
- Driving Assistance Package Plus: This isn’t just basic cruise control. The car can essentially drive itself on highways, keeping center-lane discipline and maintaining distance even in heavy “stop-and-go” traffic.
- Acoustic Presence Indicator: Since the car is virtually silent, it emits a specific “Mercedes sound” at low speeds to warn pedestrians and cyclists.
- Active Ambient Lighting: If the ADAS sensors detect a car in your blind spot while you’re about to open the door, the ambient lighting in that door will pulse red to warn you.
Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV 680: Price & Variants (2026)
In India, Mercedes has kept the choices simple but incredibly exclusive. You aren’t just buying a car; you are joining a very small club.
Price Table (Ex-Showroom India)
| Variant | Battery / Range | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Key Highlights |
| Maybach EQS 680 | 122 kWh / 600 km | ₹ 2.40 Crore | The standard of electric excellence |
| EQS 680 Night Series | 122 kWh / 600 km | ₹ 2.63 Crore | Dark chrome, Rose Gold accents, bespoke wheels |
Note: With individual customization (Manufaktur) and registration, the on-road price in cities like Bangalore or Mumbai can easily push toward the ₹3 crore mark.
Competitor Comparison: The Electric Throne
How does the grandest EV on earth stack up against its most formidable rivals in 2026?
| Feature | Maybach EQS 680 | BMW i7 M70 | Lotus Eletre R |
| Max Power | 658 bhp | 650 bhp | 905 bhp |
| 0-100 kmph | 4.4 Seconds | 3.7 Seconds | 2.9 Seconds |
| Interior Vibe | First-Class Lounge | Private Cinema | Jet Fighter Cockpit |
| Rear Seat | Fully Reclining | 31-inch Theater Screen | Sporty & Individual |
| Battery Size | 122 kWh | 101.7 kWh | 112 kWh |
While the Lotus is faster and the BMW has a bigger screen, neither can match the “Maybach” badge’s sheer snob value and rear-seat comfort.
Pros and Cons: The Brutally Honest Truth
Pros
- Unrivalled Silence: The most quiet and isolated cabin in the world today.
- The “Maybach” Ride: Rear-axle steering makes a 5.1-meter car feel tiny in traffic.
- Eco-Conscious Luxury: Tanned with coffee bean shells and built in carbon-neutral factories.
- Rear Seat Opulence: Reclining seats and a champagne chiller make it the ultimate chauffeur car.
Cons
- Polarizing Looks: The “jellybean” shape doesn’t have the upright “boss” stance of a Maybach GLS.
- Fiddly Touchscreens: The Hyperscreen is beautiful but can be distracting and prone to fingerprints.
- Cargo Space: The rear bulkhead (to keep noise out) reduces the trunk space significantly.
Who Should Buy This Vehicle?
The Maybach EQS 680 is for the visionary leader. It’s for the individual who has already owned an S-Class or a GLS and wants to move into the future without compromising on their lifestyle. If you spend 90% of your time in the rear seat and want to arrive at your next board meeting in absolute, zero-emission silence, this is your only choice.
Who Should Avoid It?
If you are an enthusiast driver who wants a visceral connection to the road, this car will bore you. It is designed to disconnect you from the world, not connect you to it. Also, if you need a vehicle for long, cross-country road trips in areas with poor charging infrastructure, the petrol-powered Maybach GLS 600 remains the more logical tool.
Expert Verdict: The Strong Opinion
The Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV 680 review: Merc’s grandest EV leaves us with one clear conclusion: Mercedes has successfully electrified the “Maybach” soul. It isn’t just an SUV; it’s a 3-ton cathedral of technology and silk.
Does it look as commanding as the petrol-powered Maybach? Perhaps not. But the moment those automatic doors close and you sink into the Nappa leather, the silent thrust of the electric motors makes the old V12 feel like a relic of a louder, less refined past. This is, without a doubt, the most luxurious electric vehicle ever made.
FAQs: High-Quality Questions
Q1: Can the Maybach EQS 680 handle Indian monsoons and floods?
Yes. The battery and electronics are IP67 rated, and the AIRMATIC suspension can raise the car’s height at the touch of a button to clear waterlogged areas or large speed breakers.
Q2: What is the real-world range in Indian conditions?
While the ARAI/WLTP figures suggest 600 km, in the real-world Indian heat with the AC and massage seats running, you should realistically expect 480 to 510 km on a full charge.
Q3: Does it come with the silver champagne flutes?
The silver-plated flutes are an optional extra in the “First-Class Rear” package. They come with a specialized clip-in mechanism so they don’t move even during sharp braking.
Q4: Is the Hyperscreen standard?
Yes, the 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen is standard on the Maybach 680, along with two 11.6-inch entertainment screens for the rear passengers.
Q5: What is the maintenance like for a Maybach EV?
Since there are no oil changes or spark plugs, maintenance is largely focused on software updates, cabin filter changes, and tire wear. Mercedes offers a 10-year battery warranty, which is the best in the business.