Electric
Top Gear
Maybach EQS SUV previewed: a first sit in the posh Merc’s first-class cabin
The new electric Maybach has been designed with a relentless focus on rear seat comfort
Help, where are we?
In the back of the new Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV. We're not driving anywhere, because there are large men in suits watching while we inspect the car in a very strongly lit preview room.
What’s that smell?
Money. Reeks of it in here. From the open pore walnut trim to the chrome fillets or the diamond-stitched pillowy leather, it feels expensive. This is a car that comes with cushions, padded headrests and a quilted footstool. Those cups over there? Silver plated champagne goblets. The car will come with five seats as standard, but this is Maybach's 'first class' option, with two thrones in the back and an expensive sideboard between them.
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Wait, silver plated champagne goblets?
Yes, silver plated champagne goblets. And don’t worry about your bubbles getting warm, because there’s a fridge behind you between the seats. It eats massively into the 440-litre boot, which is already compromised because of the fixed rear parcel shelf that has extra sound deadening inside it, but if you need to carry luggage in one of these you’ve probably got a second car to ride shotgun.
It’s not massively subtle though.
Well, there are two approaches to this level of expensive luxury – disguise it, or flaunt it. Mercedes is standing firmly on the second approach while it skims off dollar bills to the surrounding crowds like a cheap rapper. Take those 22in Lazy Susan alloy wheels, or the mildly obnoxious two-tone paintjob that’s become a Maybach signature (lighter colours on the bottom, please).
It's all a bit much, isn’t it?
There’s a sensory overload to the new Maybach that’s almost overwhelming to someone without money (comparatively speaking), but will soothe the wealthy like a cat’s purr. In fact the car even sings when you open the doors, it sounds like chanting monks. It’s almost ominously swanky. The shagpile carpets will envelop your custom loafers as you slide aboard. There’s a chrome hook in front of you to take your jacket, but it shouldn’t get in the way of your 11.6in screen that sits on the back of the front seat. Need to do some work? Optional tables fold out of the centre console.
It's the little things, isn’t it?
Well yes – there’s one touch that no one will particularly notice that Maybach is very pleased with. There’s a little light (a “designer lamp” says the company) on the inside of the C-pillar that gently illuminates the interior over your shoulder. But of course at night time a discerning Maybach buyer wants to maintain their veil of privacy, so the firm has built a little fin into the back of the door window to shade whoever’s in the back from prying eyes. Just the sort of thing that people who write massive cheques to Maybach lap right up.
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But it looks really comfortable…
It actually is, that’s the worst part. It’s glorious to sit in the back of. You can recline your chair right back, pop on a film and easily ignore the fact that any of the rest of the world exists. Job done as far as the Maybach is concerned. The company says that on the move the car even has a special Maybach mode that it goes into that has been specifically designed to optimise the rear seat comfort.
It's awful. When can I order one?
You’ve got until autumn 2023 to save up, but you should probably get your name down now. No word on the cost, but if you have to ask, etc…
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