Mercedes-Maybach unveils its first plug-in hybrid

Arushi Sakhuja 

The German marque Mercedes Benz unveiled its first plug-in hybrid model on February 9, offering an impressive 100km electric range, becoming the first plug-in hybrid version under the Maybach moniker. The new Maybach S 580e builds on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid version that was unveiled in 2020 but gets the same Maybach treatment for more luxury and opulence. The Mercedes-Maybach S 580e will first go on sale in China, followed by sales in Thailand, Europe and other markets.

The sedan features the smallest engine of any of Maybach’s S-Class saloons, but it’s more powerful than its purely gas-powered equivalent, the S 580 4Matic due to its electric assistance. The hybrid Maybach matches a turbocharged 3.0-litre six engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 503bhp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

The Mercedes-Maybach S580 e will be able to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph and comes with an 11-kW charger. There is also an option for a 60-kW charger. However, on the exterior, the four-door car is seven inches longer than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which means it has more legroom inside its opulent cabin. The body has more chrome accents and the trademark Maybach grille. And, if it weren’t for a subtle charging port and a blue tint to the headlamps, one could hardly tell the difference.

Speaking about Maybach’s first PHEV model, Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes Maybach at Mercedes Benz Group AG, said, “With our first plug-in hybrid model, we are combining the luxury experience typical of Maybach with emission-free local driving when in electric driving mode. The Mercedes7Maybach S 580 e represents a pivotal step in the transformation of our heritage brand into an electric future. We will present our first fully electric model as early as 2023.” Not only does the new S 580e promise lower CO2 emissions but also provides a quieter driving experience.

While the cost of the car has not yet been disclosed, we suspect it to be more (if not around the same) as the Maybach S 580 4Matic, which starts at $184,900.

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