Mercedes-Maybach has become the latest automobile company to join the market of electric vehicles, however, it’s doing it by launching an electric hybrid that is the first. Maybach’s latest entrance into the EV market is through the S 580 e sedan which shares many similarities with Mercedes-Benz its S580e hybrid.
It’s a time when numerous car companies have changed to EVs as well as those that fall in the category of ultra-luxury such as Rolls Royce and Bentley. This is a major move towards electrification for Maybach even if it’s an electric hybrid. The luxury brand has teased that it may eventually release an entirely electric vehicle, though.
Hidden hybrid features
While it’s a hybrid, in theory, Maybach designed the S580e to appear very similar to the other models it makes. The S580e’s charging port is located on the left side of the vehicle and the only sign that it’s an electric vehicle is the blue accents on the headlights, as well as the state of charge on the dashboard.
The S580e has an inline six-cylinder engine which is powered by a petrol engine that produces 500 Nm of torque. The electric motor delivers 150 horsepower and a torque of 440 Nm. The hybrid produces 515 horsepower and a maximum torque of 775 Nm. It gives you a top speed of 155mph and a time of 0-60 miles per hour in 5.1 minutes. With just the electric motor of the S580e, it is able to achieve an average speed of 85 mph.
The motor can also offer approximately 62 miles of range, which means it is able to be used for short journeys that are emissions-free. The S580e can be charged via an 11 kW charger that is connected to an AC outlet, as well as via 60 kW of DC rapid charging. With rapid charging technology, this hybrid will fully charge in just 30 minutes.
All-electric model coming
Mercedes-Maybach announced the S580e hybrid in China first, followed by Thailand as well as European markets following. Mercedes-Maybach claims it will bring the hybrid to other markets later on, but it didn’t say the country in which. The price isn’t available for the S580e at this time however, the majority of vehicles bearing the Maybach logo are expected to come with prices that are closer to $200,000.
Although Maybach’s first hybrid model is an important announcement, the brand’s ultra-luxury has also revealed its first electric vehicle. Daniel Lescow, head of Mercedes-Maybach has stated in a statement that Maybach will launch its first electric vehicle within the next few months. It’s a little odd to release an electric vehicle in the current climate given the abundance of all-electric alternatives available however at the very least Maybach appears to be firmly committed to adding to the luxury EV market.
