2021 Mercedes-Maybach S 580: You Won’t Believe Your Eyes
November 20 2020, Guillaume Rivard
Hot the heels of the redesigned 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class unveiled this summer, here comes the new Mercedes-Maybach S 580—a stately sedan that raises the bar for comfort and luxury yet again.
Just like the first generation, the main sales markets for this car are China, Russia, South Korea, the U.S. and Germany, but Canada is not forgotten.
The extra 18 centimetres in length over the long-wheelbase S-Class model entirely benefit rear passengers. The Maybach S 580 comes standard with the Chauffeur package and Executive seats, the latter able to recline to an angle up to 43.5 degrees for optimum relaxation, especially when the power-adjustable legrest is fully extended and the footrest is deployed. There’s a massage function, obviously, as well as heating for the neck and shoulder area.
Similar to the regular S-Class, the interior features up to five displays including a 12.8-inch OLED vertical interface in the middle of the dashboard and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, all of which are powered by the second-generation MBUX infotainment system.
Available ambient lighting (with 253 LEDs) includes two unique colour schemes—rosé gold white and amethyst glow—while adaptive rear lighting has its premiere in the Mercedes-Maybach. Furthermore, engineers have incorporated additional soundproofing material and developed an active road noise compensation system (using sound waves from the speakers) to make the cabin even quieter.
The exterior design stands out with a unique front grille featuring vertical slats, the middle one aligned with the subtle chrome fin on the hood. Speaking of which, chrome is everywhere on this car, most notably on the lower bumpers and doors, around the side windows and on the wheels, which range from 19-21 inches in diameter. Let’s not forget the Maybach logo on the C-pillars.
As you can see, a two-tone body is available, along with Digital Light headlights that project guidelines or warning symbols onto the road ahead. The rear doors are wider than those of other S-Class models and can be electrically operated upon request.
Under the hood, electrification is part of the mix in the form of a mild hybrid system. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine now produces 496 horsepower (up from 463) and transfers that to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. There’s no mention of the V12 engine returning for now.
For supreme ride quality, the most advanced adaptive air suspension from Mercedes is included as standard. It is governed by a drive mode selector just like the engine, steering and ESP. When it comes to handling, optional rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability in urban areas. Customers have a choice between two variants: 4.5 degrees and 10 degrees rear-axle steering. Instead of 13.4 metres, the turning circle is then 12.4 or 11.4 metres.
Finally, safety is cranked up a notch with more sophisticated rear-seat airbags and seat belts. Driver assist will be elevated to a new dimension later on when a level-3 semi-autonomous driving system called DRIVE PILOT becomes available. There will also be a fully automated parking assist system.
The new Mercedes-Maybach S 580 is expected to go on sale in Canada in mid-2021 and be substantially more expensive than the outgoing Maybach S 560, which starts at $212,000.
