Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
New ModelsBy: Siyavuya Mbaduli
While the automotive world seems to be transitioning to all-electric vehicles at a rapid rate, some companies are still hanging on to their traditional combustion engines. However, Mercedes-Maybach finally hopped on board, now introducing the first Maybach plug-in hybrid; the S 580e.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
After over 100 years of becoming a pinnacle in the luxury automobile world, Mercedes-Maybach has unveiled its very first plug-in hybrid vehicle. Joining its seventh-generation S-Class line which launched in 2021, the S 580e offers the same top-of-the-line comfort and quality as its companions but has the option to drive with zero emissions on short trips. The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach S 580e plug-in hybrid packs an ultra-refined 3,0-litre inline-six petrol engine, producing 270 kW of power. The total combined system output is 375 kW and maximum torque of 750 N.m of torque. The electric motor’s maximum torque of 440 N.m is available immediately from the first engine revolution, resulting in rapid acceleration and dynamic handling.
The Mercedes‑Maybach S-580e will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5,1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. The car’s top speed in electric mode is much lower at 140 km/h, which pits it roughly against the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid in terms of performance, but where the Bentley can manage around 40 Km on electric power, the Maybach comfortably betters that. Versus a normal S-class, the Maybach variant is seven inches longer for greater rear-seat room and can be optioned with all sorts of opulent goodies, including a rear-seat refrigerator and branded champagne glasses.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes‑Maybach mentioned, “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 Mercedes‑Maybach S-580e represents a pivotal step in the transformation of our heritage brand into an electric future.”
The Maybach comes standard with an 11-kilowatt charger, but a 60-kW DC charger is available as an option. From empty, the 60 kW charger can refill the battery in about 30 minutes. The S 580e has an electric range of up to 100 kilometres based on the WLTP. Initial availability of the hybrid model will be restricted to China, before expanding to Thailand and Europe later. Whether that includes the UK or US remains to be seen. In terms of cost, it is expected to overcut the current S580 quite substantially towards the £200 000 (R3 825 359) bracket.
Keyword: Mercedes-Maybach launches first plug-in hybrid model – the S 580e