2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class unveiled

Ahead of the official unveil for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the brand has showcased some images of what the new car will look like. Keep in mind that all the observations henceforth are based on what we can spy from these images. With that out of the way, here are a few things we know about the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, starting with...

The exteriors

We start off simply addressing all we’ve already seen on the standard new S-Class (if such a phrase even exists!), which is now included in the Maybach as well. Firstly, the overall silhouette moves away from the stately, upright posture of the predecessor, and onto a sportier, sweeping design, illustrated by the upswept headlights and angular taillights.

Speaking of illumination, the headlights will comprise three LEDs each with 84 built-in diodes, or more likely will boasts of the optional Digital Light system which gets only three LEDs each, but is underlined by 1.3 million (yes, you read that right!) tiny mirrors to shine focused beams on specific areas on the road, ensuring crisp, precise brightness.

The grille, too, is large, with a blacked-out central panel housing the cameras for the adaptive ride height tech as well as for the sensors for the radar-assisted cruise control function. Lastly, the front shies away from using much chrome, with minor and tasteful applications on the grille and intake surrounds.

Moving to the side, though the wheelbase has gone up a bit (characterised by the more substantial C-pillar) despite which the Maybach does not in any way look unwieldy. This taut overall design is complimented by the usage of contrasting paint on the top half of the car, including the bonnet and top part of the boot. The proximity sensitive flush-fitting door handles make an appearance here as well. Lastly, the ‘dinner-plate’ alloys, a distinguishing factor (and perennial butt of jokes) for the predecessor has been thankfully replaced by multi-spoke alloys, which seem like the 21-inch optional examples.

Interiors

The Maybach’s interiors are same as what we’ve already seen on the S-Class, albeit with a more stylistic flair. In terms of kit, it gets the same all-digital cluster and touchpad equipped steering wheel, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with proximity sensors and haptic feedback, running an updated version of the MBUX (which also keeps tabs on your eyes when you’re driving, projecting essential information and navigation in augmented reality on to the windscreen), and a Burmester sound system. The wraparound dashboard also gets four slim vents at the top replacing the predecessor’s round air vents. Also on offer is a panoramic sunroof, making the massive cabin feel even more spacious.

Powertrain

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will likely come in the S560 and S650 guises. While the former packs a 4-litre V8 turbo-petrol making 469bhp and 700Nm, the latter gets a 6-litre V12 turbo-petrol making 621bhp and 1000Nm (!). That said, the engines could probably be retuned for more power, or could even include some form of hybrid tech.

And finally, on the matter of availability; considering this is just a reveal for the 2021 model, we expect it to go on sale overseas sometime in the first half of the next year. Consequently, the chances of it coming to our shores before end 2021 are remote. Once it gets here, though, it will enjoy a pride of place, considering it faces competition only from the cream of the crop: the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.