2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-class

A little over two months after the launch of the new-generation S-class, the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-class has been announced. Following the outgoing Maybach S-class tread trends, of which Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 60,000 units since 2015 worldwide, the new Maybach S-class aims to change the goalposts for luxury limousines by providing greater cabin space and a wealth of new comfort-oriented features.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-class is one long sedan, as is the case with a limousine. It is a large 180mm longer at 5,469mm than the long-wheelbase variant of the current S-class, and all those 180mm have reached the new Maybach wheelbase, which is 3,396mm long-31mm longer than even the outgoing Maybach S-class.

Unsurprisingly, to better differentiate the Maybach from lesser S-classes, Mercedes-Benz has only made minor exterior additions. The Maybach signature grille with slender vertical bars and a ‘Maybach’ inscription on top, a central chrome fin on the cap, a chrome applique for the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers, 34-spokealloy wheels, wider rear doors, Maybach insignias on the C-pillars and an optional two-tone paintjob with a ‘split border’ are exclusive to the current Maybach S-class.

Of all the action is on the inside, with the new Mercedes Maybach S-Class. Together with its second-gen MBUX infotainment system, a 12.8-inch OLED tablet-style infotainment panel, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument monitor and up to three rear-seat passenger displays, it maintains the minimalistic interior architecture of the current S-class.

Wood finishes for the front seatbacks are exclusive to the Maybach variant, with a matching finish added to the rear-centre console as well. The new Maybach S-class receives individual ‘Executive’ rear seats as standard and a Chauffeur kit as standard. It is possible to recline the backrest of the Executive seats by as much as 43.5 degrees and to tip the backrest of the front passenger seat forward by as much as 23 degrees to open up still more space at the back, enabling the rear-seat passenger to truly stretch out.

A massage feature built into the rear seat calf rests, a rear passenger neck/shoulder heating function, adaptive rear lighting, controlled rear door opening and closing, an optional rear cooling pocket between the executive seats and active road noise compensation are all part of the kit, which incorporates the Burmester 4D sound system to create counter-phased sound waves.

There is also an active ambient lighting system that uses 253 LEDs, a virtual reality head-up monitor, as well as an optional Interior Assist feature that uses cameras to detect the occupants of the car’s motions and proactively activate those features. For starters, if it detects the passenger reaching for the belt, the device will trigger the rear seat’s automatic seatbelt extender, a first for a Mercedes-Benz sedan.