2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 further elevates “world’s best car”

When the 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class debuted a couple of months ago, it looked so packed with opulence that it was almost impossible to better it in the avenue of luxury. But we knew a Maybach was coming, and here it is, the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580. This luxury road-yacht arrives with all the deficiencies of the regular S-Class taken care of, if there were any.

The Mercedes-Maybach S580 garishly stands out with ten dual-tone paint options and overpowering chrome elements. The 20-inch “monoblock” wheels are standard while 21-inch units are offered as an option. On the sides, there is more chrome on the B-pillar and the window lines. And if that is not blingy enough, on the C-pillar, there is an illuminated Maybach logo.

As you step inside, you are greeted with electrically operated rear doors that utilise the blind spot monitoring system to prevent hitting anything. The Mercedes-Maybach S580 is longer than the regular S-Class with a 181 mm longer wheelbase. Individual bucket seats can accommodate two in utmost comfort. The backrests of these seats can recline between 19 to 44 degrees. There is also a leg rest on the passenger side seat at the rear. The passenger sitting on the same seat can electrically push the front passenger seat forward to liberate a colossal amount of legroom, thanks to a “chauffeur” mode.

Every seat in the Maybach gets heating, cooling, and massage functions, along with heated armrests and door pads. And if these are not enough to set a bed of roses for you, you can tick the box against Executive Rear Seat package that will throw in more wood trim, a long console and foldable tray tables. On top of this, a champagne cooler and custom flutes are available as additional options. To ensure that the occupants are completely isolated from the rough-and-tumble outside world, there is something called the “Maybach” drive mode that makes the S580 even more comfortable than the regular S-Class’ “Comfort” mode, which we’ll have to test out if we ever get to drive it.

The driver of the Mercedes-Maybach S580 is not out of the action as well. The S580 gets five infotainment screens in total, including a 12.8-inch display on the centre console, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a couple of 11.6-inch rear-seat screens and a removable tablet for the rear console. They run the latest MBUX infotainment system, just like the S-Class.

And that is not the only way the new S580 pampers your chauffeur. Powering this road-yacht is a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with EQ Boost mild hybrid. The mill churns out 496 hp and 700 Nm of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Rear-axle steering is a standard affair on the S580. If your driver is still not satisfied with this power, fret not. There is an even more powerful V12-powered Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in the works that will surely draw a wide grin on his face.

The official prices for the 2021 S580 are not out yet. Previously, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Classes were a proper middle ground between the run-of-the-mill Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the posh Brits, the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur. The new S580 may be aiming higher this time around.