Take that Tesla! Mercedes-Benz previews its most expensive model yet with Concept Maybach EQS ultra-premium electric car

Mercedes-Benz is readying a new flagship model, the Maybach EQS electric SUV, that is expected to be the new jewel in the German brand’s crown.

As the first all-electric production Maybach, expect the usual over-the-top opulence befitting the high-end badge including a vase insert in the rear seats for flowers, utensil storage solutions and a unique two-tone paint finish – all seen on this concept car.

Mercedes describes the Maybach EQS as “near production”, but the platform and body will be applied first to the EQS SUV that is planned to enter production next year.

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Plans to bring the EQS SUV and the new Maybach to Australian shores are so far unclear, but with the EQS sedan and Maybach GLS600 (from $360,676 before on-road costs) on offer, it is a safe bet the new models will come too.

When the Maybach EQS does hit the road though, don’t expect it to be wearing the 24-inch wheels found on the concept car, but the futuristic elements like the hidden door handles, slender tail-lights and chrome roof spoiler.

What remains unknown for now are details on the new Maybach’s all-electric powertrain, but Mercedes is targeting a range of around 600 kilometres.

For reference, the EQS sedan revealed earlier this year is available in two flavours – the 245kW/58Nm EQS450+ and the flagship 385kW/855Nm EQS580.

Outputs vary between the two, but both are fitted with a 107.8kWh battery that enables up to 770km of driving before need a recharge.

Expect to see the production EQS SUV and Maybach EQS borrow from its EQS sedan stablemate in this regard, but with the heavier body limiting drive range.

Inside, executive seats are fitted in the rear for maximum comfort of passengers in the second row, while door trims with thicker bolsters and a rear entertainment system are also thrown in.

Being an SUV, Mercedes has included a larger calf rest for rear passengers that “lets the passenger’s feet float above the ‘faux fur’ floor covering”, according to the brand.

Other cool features include automatically extending door handles and front doors that can open themselves on approach.

Front passengers can also remotely open the rear doors using the MBUX multimedia system, which is spread across three screens nearly the width of the car itself.

Passenger are treated to their own 12.3-inch OLED display that can automatically dim itself if it detects the driver is looking at it, minimising distractions while in operation.

Like all MBUX systems, the one featured in the show car can learn and adapt to users with enough gathered information.

Mercedes-Benz top-end vehicle group boss Philipp Schiemer said the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV represents the brands desire to bring all-electric motoring to the ultra-high end car market.

“The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS represents the transformation of the tradition-rich luxury brand into a more progressive, all-electric future,” he said. “Like every Maybach, it stands for sophisticated luxury in all its facets.

“With the future all-electric SUV series model, we’re extending our leadership aspirations in the high-end segment to the area of electric mobility, too.”