LUXURY GOES ELECTRIC

We took the plush Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV out for a spin and it's more than a conversation starter.

- Riaan Jacob George

When it comes to a Maybach, the eternal question that plagues my mind is: Am I driving or am I being driven? For all practical purposes, a Maybach is a car that is best enjoyed as a passenger. And I do agree, as much as I enjoy being behind the wheel. For that, let's begin with the backseat of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, which I am testing today. For context, this is Mercedes-Maybach's first all-electric, full-size luxury SUV and it is a looker, but more on that later. For me, the two rear seats are fashioned like a first class airplane seat, with plush quilted upholstery, in vegetable-tanned Nappa leather. At the touch of the button the rear seats take on a considerable recline, with the left seat getting extended leg room as the front passenger seat retreats to the front, making for an almost flatbed feature, great for those long drive siestas. While the German manufacturer's MBUX infotainment screen sweeps across the front of the cabin, I do appreciate them for recreating the same extensive range of infotainment and comfort customisation features thanks to the two 11.6 inch displays on the backseats. All this is in addition to a rear tablet, in the centre console, with a handy storage compartment carrying a pair of high