Mercedes-Benz details inbound S580 L, S680 Maybach

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has delivered on its promise to expand it local S-Class line-up by year’s end, this week revealing the key specifications and pricing for the high-end S580 L 4Matic as well as the flagship Maybach S680 4Matic.

Due to arrive Down Under in the fourth quarter of this year, the newcomers will check in from $329,900 and $565,800 plus on-road costs respectively, each offering significantly enhanced levels of power and luxury over the lesser S450 twins, especially the Maybach.

Starting with the S580 L 4Matic however, this variant’s introduction heralds the return of a V8 engine to the S-Class range with the unit in question being the familiar twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre mill as found in various other high-end Mercs and AMGs.

In this guise, the force-fed bent-eight churns out 370kW of power and 700Nm of torque with help from the brand’s 48V mild hybrid system and integrated starter generator.

As alluded to by the ‘4Matic’ part of its nameplate, drive is sent to all four wheels with transmission duties being taken care of by a nine-speed automatic.

The S580’s bigger pricetag nets buyers more than just a power bump though with plenty of extra standard equipment thrown into the mix including Nappa leather upholstery, the MBUX augmented reality head-up display, heat, infrared and sound resist window glass, ‘Active Multi-Contour’ seat package (adjustable air chambers in the front seats and massage programs) and ‘Digital Light’ LED headlights.

On top of these newly included features, virtually all of the toys found on the S450s will be present as well, just some of those being the 12.8-inch centre OLED touchscreen 3D driver display, power-assisted door closing, wireless smartphone integration and wireless charging, sliding glass panoramic sunroof, driving assistance, traffic sign assist, parking package with active parking assist and advanced 360-degree camera, Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, MBUX infotainment system, 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, MBUX interior assistant, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, electronically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling functions and Airmatic adaptive suspension.

L-specific touches meanwhile include the forward-facing airbags for rear-seat passengers and electrically adjustable rear seats with memory function.

For an extra $235,900, the Maybach S680 4Matic drastically ups the ante in every respect, offering up even more power courtesy of four more cylinders, even more room and a heap more toys.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, the S680 develops 463kW/900Nm which is thankfully sent to all four wheels via the same nine-speed automatic as the rest of the range.

Compared to the long-wheelbase variants (5289mm), the Maybach adds an extra 180mm to its overall length, measuring 5469mm from nose to tail, something that has a drastic impact on rear legroom and ensures occupants travel in “strictly first-class comfort”.

With almost too much standard equipment to list, creature comfort highlights on the S-Class range-topper include rear comfort doors, MBUX interior rear assistant, high-pile floor mats, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, automated rear seatbelt providers, centre-mounted tablet, rear comfort seat pack, energising pack for both front and rear seats, high-end Burmester 4D surround sound system, adaptive ambient lighting, heated front seats, armrests, centre console and multifunction steering wheel (Nappa leather and woodgrain), TV tuner, DAB+ digital radio and high-gloss black poplar wood trim.

Save for its immense size, the S680 can be singled out by its unique grille and 20-inch forged alloy wheels, however optional 21-inch units can be had which add the rear axle steering system by default.

Mercedes-Maybach product management boss Dirk Fetzer said the new model emphasised “the progressive, modern approach” of the Maybach product portfolio.

“Today’s customers have high expectations of their exclusivity and individuality, elegant design and first-class standard of finish, all based on the very latest technology,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz has sold 92 S-Classes so far this year ending April, making it the dominant force within the $100,000-plus upper-large car sector with a 44.4 per cent market share.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs