By Amanda Mfuphi

Mercedes has recently unveiled a newer and perhaps the most luxurious member of its sedan family, the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 which offers a much larger rear seat and chrome-heavy styling. Like its predecessor, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will go toe-to-toe with the Bentley Flying Spur V8 and Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Exterior

The new Maybach gets a bold grille with dozens of thin, vertical slats and an embossed Maybach wordmark, with bright-finished front bumper air intakes furthering the effect. Around the side, chrome window trim drapes the surround and the B-pillar, with a Maybach-specific triangular rear quarter window making a return in the new Maybach. The 2021 Maybach is distinguishable from the standard S-Class with a new bonnet design that features a chromed fin, Maybach’s signature vertically slatted grille and wider rear doors, and bespoke badging is applied throughout.

The 2021 Maybach has increased in size and currently stands at 5469mm long, the Maybach S-Class is 18cm longer than even the long-wheelbase version of the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The increase in the wheelbase is translated at the rear benefiting rear passengers making the Maybach ideal for high-end chauffeurs. The Maybach runs on standard 20-inch wheels with an option to choose 21-inch wheels. An illuminated Maybach logo appears on the rear pillar, setting it apart from other S-Class sedans and emphasizing its traditional, formal roofline. The 2021 Maybach-Mercedes is available on two-tone paint schemes, such as the Kalahari Gold and Rubellite Red combo.

Interior

Inside, the 2021 Maybach gets heating, cooling, and multicontour massage in every seating position, with heated armrests and door panels. The rear seat footrest also now incorporates calf massage for rear passengers. Although every Mercedes-Maybach will assuredly be a comfortable place to spend time, more distinguishing owners can select an Executive Rear Seat Package that includes more generous application of wood trim, a full-length center console, and deployable tray tables. A rear-seat champagne cooler and custom solid metal flutes are optional as well.

The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach deploys the next generation of MBUX infotainment and comes standard with five infotainment screens compared to the standard S Class which comes with only 2 screens. The infotainment screens in the new Maybach include a 12.8-inch display front and center, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, two 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment monitors, and a removable tablet that docks in the rear center console.

Engine

The Maybach S-Class will be offered with two engines, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine in the S580 4Matic model (pushing out 370 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque) and a 6.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V12 engine in the S650 4Matic model (only set to arrive in the near future). The engines are offered with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes indicates that other markets will receive a plug-in hybrid using a 3.0-litre six-pot turbo petrol engine and a gearbox-mounted electric motor.