Mercedes-Maybach's first electric vehicle, the EQS SUV, debuts at Shanghai auto show

SHANGHAI -- Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first full-electric model from its Maybach ultraluxury subbrand, the EQS crossover, as Mercedes emphasizes sales of high-end models.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV debuts at the Shanghai auto show this week. China accounts for about half of all Maybach sales, Mercedes says.

The car is a reworked version of the Mercedes EQS SUV with more luxurious materials. It will join Maybach versions of the S-Class sedan and GLS large SUV.

"We are completely redefining the SUV luxury of the future," Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius said in a statement.

Mercedes sold 23,400 Maybach models last year, up 41 percent from the year before. In the first quarter of this year, the group’s top-end segment, including AMG, Maybach and G-Class models, grew 18 percent, reaching 91,800 units for the period. Overall group sales were up just 3 percent.

Other luxury brands are planning or launching their first full-electric vehicles. The Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe will debut late this year. Bentley says it will launch its first EV in 2026.

The Maybach version of EQS SUV will be built alongside the regular EQS at Mercedes' U.S. plant in Vance, Alabama.

It has a redesigned grille that lays the subbrand’s signature vertical chrome-plated stripes over a solid black surface. A light strip runs above the grille the incorporates a chrome plate with the Maybach name across it.

The car is available with 21-inch or 22-inch alloy and forged wheels exclusive to the model. Two-tone paint scheme is standard. Mercedes did not announce prices.

The dashboard uses the EQS's three-screen layout, including one for the passenger, but overlays Maybach-specific start-up animations. The appearance of the screens can be customized with three display styles -- Discreet, Sporty, and Maybach. The surrounds for the instruments are in rose gold.

Rear seat passengers can interact with an 11.6-inch display set in each of the backrests of the front seats. In optional First-Class Rear configuration, the middle seat is removed, and the front center console continues backwards to split the rear seats.

The standard seat material is brown Nappa leather tanned using coffee bean shells rather than chemicals. Mercedes says the inclusion of natural materials such as leather and wood “create a stylish contrast” to the high-tech look of the car.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV has an output of 649 hp from two electric motors, one on each axle, and a claimed 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) time of 4.4 seconds. Mercedes said it will have a range of 600 km (370 miles). No battery size was revealed, but the EQS SUV uses a 107.8 kilowatt-hour pack. Mercedes says it consumes 24.4-22.5 kWh/100 km.

Air suspension and rear-wheel steering are standard. The latter helps improve high-speed control and enables a turning circle of 11 meters (36 feet), which Mercedes claims is close to that of a compact car.

Mercedes has added a Maybach drive program designed to make the ride as comfortable as possible for the rear passengers. The mode ensures that "there are only minimal body movements under the rear seats," Mercedes said.