2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limo unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has released full details of its all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class that has been created to challenge the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur.

On sale now in Germany, pricing for the most basic 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC has been confirmed to kick off from €165,565 ($A258,000) and stretch to €217,323 ($A340,000) for the flagship V12-powered S 680 4MATIC.

Both models offer plenty of performance, with even the 'base' S 580 equipped with Mercedes-AMG's M176 twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that produces a muscular 370kW/700Nm and is enhanced by the car-maker's EQ Boost mild-hybrid tech.

The latter 48-volt starter-generator is said to add a further 15kW/200Nm boost under hard acceleration and allows coasting and quicker stop-start restarts.

The result is a limousine that sprints from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, before topping out at 250km/h.

Remarkably, despite its size, Mercedes-Maybach says the S 580 4MATIC, which drives through a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system, can still average a decent 10.2L/100km while emitting 233g/km of CO2.

That's impressive, but if you're after the ultimate luxo barge experience it's impossible not to be seduced by the extra power and performance offered by the S 680 4MATIC.

Carrying over a development of the previous-generation Mercedes-AMG S 65's M279 twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, the S 680 produces a mighty 450kW that's combined with a thumping 900Nm torque peak – and that's without using any fancy hybrid tech.

That's enough to shrug off the S 680's imposing kerb weight (undisclosed) and hurtle the Maybach to 100km/h from standstill in just 4.5 seconds before topping out shortly after at its 250km/h top speed.

The penalty for the V12, which is no longer offered on the core S-Class line-up, is felt at the pumps with a less impressive 13.3L/100km average and a hefty 305g/km of CO2.

Later on, Mercedes-Maybach will also introduce a considerably more efficient plug-in hybrid version that's rumoured to combine an inline six-cylinder petrol, electric motors and a large battery to provide a pure-electric range of around 100km.

Like the S-Class, the Maybach S 580 and S 680 both come with rear-wheel steering, with the standard system capable of pivoting up to 4.5 degrees. An optional system with 10-degree rear-steer is also offered and likely to be popular for those who live in the city for maximum manoeuvrability.

In the flesh, it will be hard to mistake the Mercedes-Maybach for the regular S-Class – especially since the flagship limo comes with a new grille, bespoke front bumper and a pair of LED headlights not shared with the regular big Benz.

If you really want to advertise your wealth, owners can also opt for the two-tone paint job.

Despite sitting on the already stretched long-wheelbase version of the S-Class platform, engineers have extended the distance between the two axles by a further 180mm to liberate extra space for rear occupants.

The added room has allowed a pair of electrically adjustable recliners to be introduced to the cabin that not only fold near-flat but incorporate massaging leg/foot rests.

In the rear, passengers get their own 11.6-inch infotainment system which can be used to browse the internet or watch TV.

Unsurprisingly, there's an almost endless list of optional extras that include a built-in 10-litre fridge within the arm rest that can chill drinks or food down to 1 degree Celsius.

A pair of silver champagne goblets is also offered, residing in a special central cabinet within the centre console.

Up front, the driver has the same 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the huge 12.8-inch infotainment system as the standard S-Class, which is no bad thing as both are among the best in its luxury class.

Like the flagship Benz, both the S 580 and S 680 are offered with the car-maker's latest autonomous driving aids that will allow drivers to read, watch TV and reply to emails when in operation, but in Europe this is limited to up to 60km/h due to current legislation.

Other new tech includes the introduction of next-generation noise cancelling and the car-maker's latest MBUX interior assist.

The latter uses cameras to monitor occupants' eye movements, hand gestures and body language to accurately predict what they want to do next.

Reach for a seat belt, for example, and the car will automatically extend the belt to you.