Mercedes-Maybach is considered a synonym for royal travel in the world of luxury cars. Now, Mercedes-Benz has released the updated Maybach S-Class model in India. It is particularly significant that this is the first time Maybach has been presented in India using a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The company decided to limit the initial batch to only 30 units for the Indian market. The new Mercedes-Maybach S 580e has a starting price of 3.35 crore rupees (excluding taxes). This price is significantly higher than that of the previously released S-Class Manufaktur Edition AMG Line version, with a difference of about 97 lakh rupees. This model is the third plug-in hybrid vehicle from Mercedes-Benz in India; previously, the company had already introduced PHEV technology with the updated S-Class and AMG E 53 Hybrid.
Although the exterior of the new Maybach S-Class includes many changes similar to the updated S-Class, it also features unique Maybach design elements to give it a distinctive style. The front grille is 20 percent larger compared to the previous one and is decorated with LED lighting. A glowing Mercedes logo is also placed on the hood.
The vertical grille remains a characteristic feature of the Maybach. Above this grille is an illuminated 'Maybach' slogan. The car is equipped with new and larger headlights, which include Mercedes' latest digital lighting technology and daytime running lights in the form of a three-point star. Instead of the blue accents typical of the standard S-Class, rose gold trim with the Maybach logo is used.
The size of the Maybach S-Class also distinguishes it from the standard S-Class, as it is approximately 180 mm longer than the Long-Wheelbase S-Class. In India, the car is presented on 20-inch forged alloy Maybach wheels that feature a counterbalanced Mercedes logo visible even while driving.
The most significant changes concern the engine. While the previous model used a 4.0-liter V8 engine, the new version is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system. This includes a 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 443 hp and 560 Nm of torque. An electric motor with 160 hp and 480 Nm of torque is added to it.
The car is equipped with a 22 kWh battery pack. When both power units work together, the total output power reaches 585 hp, and the torque reaches 750 Nm. All-wheel drive is standard. According to Mercedes-Benz data, the car can travel up to 98 km solely on electric power, and the maximum speed in electric mode is 140 km/h.
Thanks to the PHEV system, the certified fuel efficiency of the car according to the WLTP cycle is 34.48 km per liter. However, for Maybach buyers worth millions of rupees, economy is likely not the main priority.
This luxurious car offers three driving modes: Maybach, Electric, and Battery Hold. There is also an adjustable energy recuperation system and a one-pedal driving option.
An onboard AC charger with a power of 11 kW is provided for charging. Additionally, the car supports fast DC charging up to 60 kW. Regarding the suspension, pneumatic suspension and rear axle steering have become standard features.
Comfort for rear passengers is always a focus in the Maybach S-Class. The new S 580e is presented in a 4-passenger configuration and includes exclusive rear seats with a full-sized business console.
The Rear Comfort Package Plus is included as standard equipment. It includes features such as a folding magazine table, wireless charging pad, ambient lighting in the rear cabin, and temperature-controlled cup holders. The rear seats can recline up to 43 degrees, which is more than the 38 degrees in the standard S-Class.
Both rear seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Instead of the old dashboard controller, two separate smartphone controllers are available, allowing control of many car functions from the back. The instrument panel retains similarities with the standard S-Class, including the MBUX Superscreen display with a central and additional display for the front passenger. The passenger screen has a privacy function, and the driver has a 3D display.
Despite this, all screens in the Maybach S 580e have a special Maybach graphic theme assigned to them, and the rose gold in the interior gives it a unique look. Other features include a realistic augmented reality display, air navigation, a 31-speaker Burmester 4D surround sound system, and two rear entertainment screens, as well as wireless headphones for rear passengers.
