The car with the $35,000 paint job: 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 electric SUV arrives with opulent luxury to take on the BMW X7 and Bentley Bentayga

Top-end cars are all about bragging rights, and the new Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 brings a “first class” experience.

The new ultra-luxury electric SUV’s $328,607 (before on-road costs) price tag is just a starting point.

If you want to stand out from the well-heeled crowd you’ll need to tick the two-tone paintwork that’ll set you back $34,800 and don’t forget the optional First Class Rear Suite Package for another $14,900.

If you want a bit of bling you can pile on the Night Series Edition spec for a cool $34,900.

So if you want a fully tricked out Maybach don’t expect much change from $450,000.

If you are targeting top-shelf machines such as the Bentley Bentayga and BMW X7 you need to bring your luxe A-game, though.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680.

The cabin is festooned with plush Nappa leather and real wood trims. Even the headliner on the ceiling is made of the high-quality leather and high-pile floor mats add to the experience.

Ambient interior lighting has 64 colours and 253 individually controlled LEDs.

A 4D Burmester surround sound stereo has 15-speakers and uses Dolby’s Atmos immersive audio experience, which the brand claims gives the music equal clarity to the artist’s original studio recording.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680.

The EQS680 even has automatic doors, with the driver’s door opening automatically when the driver approaches within 1.5 metres. The driver's door closes as soon as you depress the brake pedal.

All doors can be opened and closed remotely via the key, the central display or the rear seat screen.

As standard, customers get “executive” rear seats that are ventilated and have neck and shoulder heating. There is also a massage function that extends to the calves.

The standard Chauffeur Package ensures when the left rear passenger chooses the reclining position, the front passenger seat automatically moves forward to maximise available space.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680.

There is a 11.6-inch multimedia screen on the back of each of the front seat headrests.

The optional “First Class Rear Suite” adds two rear armchairs separated by a heated rear seat centre console that extends from the front of the cabin. It has temperature controlled cupholders, a refrigerated compartment and champagne flute holders. Each has a folding table located in the back of the front seat.

The Night Series Edition spec adds a range of highlights such as dark chrome elements, funky 21-inch light-alloy wheels and plenty of unique exterior and interior design cues.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680.

The EQS680 is powered by a massive circa-130kWh battery that provides a driving range of up to 662km via the more generous NEDC test cycle.

The battery feeds two electric motors that produce 484kW and 950Nm driving all four wheels. 

Mercedes claims the EQS680 can hit 100km/h from a stand still in 4.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 210km/h.