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Photographs by Siddharth Dadhe

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV arrived for a review at a particularly intriguing time — just after Auto Expo 2025. Having wrapped up what felt like a marathon at the expo in Delhi, where I clocked over 20,000 steps each day, I was both exhausted and exhilarated. The expo was a whirlwind of new automotive technologies, futuristic designs, and endless networking. So, when I received a message from Mercedes-Benz informing me that they were sending over the Maybach EQS SUV for a review, I felt a mix of relief and excitement. The thought of unwinding in the lap of luxury was exactly what I needed after the chaos of the expo, and without hesitation, I hopped on the two-hour flight from Delhi to Pune, eager to experience what Merc had in store.

As I landed in Pune, the sense of anticipation grew. Mercedes-Benz had arranged for the car to be waiting for me at the airport, and the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew this was going to be a special experience. The Maybach EQS SUV exudes an aura — how you choose to describe it is a personal thing, but it’s very much there. The driving experience begins the moment you approach the car. A simple tap on the door handle swings it open, and as you step inside, the door closes automatically with a soft, reassuring thud. It’s a small detail, but one that sets the tone for the entire experience.

Once inside, the process of setting off is equally effortless. A gentle tap on the brake pedal closes the door, and pulling the gear selector into ‘D’ sets you in motion. But this isn’t the aggressive lurch forward you might expect from an electric vehicle with 640 bhp and 93.30 kgm of torque. Instead, the Maybach glides away with a quiet, almost imperceptible grace. It’s a reminder that this isn’t a car designed for speed demons; it’s a vehicle for those who value refinement over raw power.

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The steering wheel, wrapped in wood and leather, is a tactile delight. Holding it feels like being at the helm of a luxury yacht — smooth, precise, and imbued with a sense of occasion. The Maybach’s driving modes include a dedicated ‘Maybach Mode,’ which softens the suspension, relaxes the throttle response, and ensures the ride is as serene as possible. In this mode, the car feels like it’s floating above the road, effortlessly absorbing bumps, potholes, and even the most aggressive speed breakers. It’s a ride quality that borders on the surreal, making you forget the imperfections of the road beneath you.

Even when you do decide to push the car, the experience remains refined. Switching to Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and stiffens the suspension, but it still feels out of place in a vehicle like this. The linear acceleration curve means you can build speed quickly without ever feeling rushed or unsettled. It’s a driving experience that encourages you to take your time, to savour the journey rather than rushing to the destination.

Its size might seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its rear-axle steering. This feature allows the rear wheels to turn up to 10 degrees, reducing the turning radius to that of the compact Mercedes A-Class. In the city, this makes a huge difference; navigating narrow lanes or making tight U-turns feels effortless, and the car’s size becomes almost irrelevant.

The silence of the electric powertrain elevates the driving experience to a new level of refinement. Without the vibrations or the hum of an internal combustion engine, the cabin is enveloped in an eerie quietness, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the luxury around you. This tranquility is perfectly complemented by the Burmester 3D surround sound system, which delivers an audio experience that feels as though you’re sitting in a concert hall. The system’s unique 3D audio mode creates a multidimensional soundscape, making every note, beat, and lyric come alive with stunning clarity.

From the outside, at first glance, it might be mistaken for a regular Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, but a closer look reveals the subtle details that set it apart. The dual-tone paint job, the monogrammed front grille, and the massive 21-inch mono-block wheels all hint at its exclusivity. The wheels, in particular, are a work of art — polished to a mirror finish and requiring the same level of care as a piece of high-end silverware.

The exterior design is a blend of modern minimalism and classic elegance. The aerodynamic shape, with its low drag coefficient, isn’t just for show — it contributes to the car’s impressive efficiency, allowing it to achieve a claimed range of 611 km on a single charge; during my time with the car, I consistently achieved around 580 km.

The cabin is a symphony of luxury materials, from the supple leather seats to the wood trim adorned with Maybach logos. The centrepiece is the massive MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56-inch curved display that spans the entire dashboard. Made by the same company that produces Gorilla Glass for iPhones, the Hyperscreen is a marvel of automotive technology. It’s crisp, responsive, and packed with features, though it does tend to attract fingerprints — a small price to pay for such a stunning piece of tech.

The seats are among the best I’ve ever experienced, offering a range of massage functions and customisable settings. The rear seats, in particular, are a highlight. Unlike the regular EQS SUV, which has a three-seat configuration, the Maybach opts for two massive, throne-like seats. These seats recline fully, offering a near-flat bed experience, and come with their own entertainment displays controlled via a tablet in the armrest. The rear cabin also features foldable tables, like those found in business and first-class airline seats. The cabin is packed with technology, but it’s all designed to enhance the experience rather than overwhelm it. The MBUX system is one of the best in the business, offering seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is fast, intuitive, and feels as responsive as a high-end smartphone.

The Maybach EQS SUV is a statement, plain and simple. With a price tag that reflects its exclusivity, it’s not for everyone. But for those who can afford it, the value is undeniable. The combination of luxury, technology, and performance is unmatched, and the fact that it’s an electric vehicle only adds to its appeal. After spending a couple of days with it, I came away with a newfound appreciation for what luxury can be. If you’re in the market for an uber-luxury S8V and have the means, the Maybach EQS SUV is the ultimate choice. Now to find that unicorn idea to fund one for myself.