2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz S-class is a luxury sedan for the well-to-do, which makes the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-class a luxury sedan for people who are so wealthy that even their chauffeurs are well-to-do. Prepped to do battle against other ultra-luxury cars such as the Bentley Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the Maybach S-class—dubbed S580—offers a stretched wheelbase, a sumptuously appointed cabin, and an effortlessly powerful twin-turbo V-8 powertrain. It shares its platform with the all-new S-class and offers much of the same infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. But the Maybach's standard equipment list includes some of the most luxurious furnishings and equipment the brand has ever seen. Its exterior styling is also less ostentatious than that of its ultra-luxe rivals, which makes it perfect for tycoons with conservative taste.

What's New for 2021?

Following the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-class, the ultra-lux Maybach version delivers even more high-end features and road presence. A V-12–powered S680 model will join the lineup for 2022.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

With a starting price of $185,950, the Maybach S-class carries a nearly $25,000 premium over the similarly-posh Maybach GLS600. It will be offered in S580 guise this time around, powered by a 496-hp twin-turbo V-8 with a 48-volt hybrid system. Standard features are of course plentiful and include luxury items such as soft-close doors, an air suspension, a 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreens—and much, much more, all of which will add even more coin to the entry price you see here.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of every S580 sedan is a 496-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. All models will come with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The new powertrain makes 33 more horsepower than the old S560 from 2020, and judging from our brief test drive, it packs quite a punch. Buyers looking for the V-12–powered S680 will need to wait for the 2022 model year. An air suspension and an active sound cancellation system are both standard in the new model, which helps the car deliver a silky, ultra-quiet ride; the S580 also offers rear-wheel steering which should help with navigating this big sedan through tight city streets. When we get a chance to test out the S580's acceleration at our test track, we'll update this story with results.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the S580 is good for 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. We're looking forward to the day when we can test this comfy cruiser; when we do, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and report those test results here. For more information about the S-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Maybach S580 has a seven-inch longer wheelbase than the already-large Benz-branded S-class sedan, which provides even more stretch-out space inside its leather-lined cabin. So many luxury features are standard in the S580 we couldn't possibly list them all here, but all models will come with exquisite leather on virtually every interior surface; a 64-color interior ambient lighting system; heated and ventilated front seats with massage and four-position memory settings; heated rear seats with power adjustments and massage; an air ionizing system with a signature fragrance; and a panoramic sunroof. For buyers who intend to be chauffeured, Maybach can add the optional Executive Rear Seat Plus package, which includes rear-seat folding tables, an extended center console, additional rear-seat wood trim, and temperature controlled cup holders. Also optional are electrically-operated rear doors, a refrigerator, and Maybach-branded champagne flutes.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Like the Benz S-class, the Maybach S580 comes standard with Mercedes's latest MBUX infotainment interface displayed on a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard, and all models also come with an augmented-reality navigation system that displays easy-to-follow video directions on both the infotainment display and the car's head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity, 6 USB-C ports, a 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a rear-seat entertainment system are all standard features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The S580 offers a portfolio of standard driver-assistance features; traditionally the S-class is the model in which Mercedes offers its groundbreaking tech features first. For more information about the S-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Maybach provides solid warranty coverage. It surpasses the protection offered by Bentley.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs