Maybach plugs in with hybrid S580e

As the likes of Bentley, Lange Rover and Rolls Royce are busy bolstering their own hybrid and electric offerings, Mercedes-Maybach joins the revolution in a bid to carrying the historic brand into the next generation of electric cars. This is just the first step according to Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes Maybach at Mercedes Benz Group AG, who also teased a first look at an all-electric Maybach in 2023, which will likely be based on the EQS concept that was teased way back in 2021.

For now though, the S580e makes use of the same 3.0-litre in-line six engine found in the standard S580. It’s good for 367PS (270kW) and 500Nm (369lb ft) of torque. In this hybrid form, that is mated to a 150PS (11kW) and 440Nm (325lb ft) electric motor that brings the total output to 510PS (375kW) and 750Nm (553lb ft).

It’s a setup that makes 0-62mph possible in 5.1 seconds, while top speed is 155mph, or 87mph in electric mode, which pits it roughly against the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid in terms of performance. But where the Bentley can manage around 25 miles on electric power, the Maybach is going to comfortably better that. That’ll certainly make it an interesting proposition for the eco-conscious millionaires among us and surely a boon for wafting between Sloane Street and Park Lane.

Initial availability of the S580e will be restricted to China, before expanding to Thailand, Europe later. Whether that includes the UK or US remains to be seen. In terms of cost, expect this to overcut the current S580 quite substantially towards the £200,000 bracket.