Mercedes-Benz Maybach launches the first plug-in hybrid

The Maybach division of Mercedes-Benz presented its first plug-in hybrid with the S 580 e on Thursday.

The electrified sedan, based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, will begin sales in China later this year, followed by Europe and a handful of other markets, although its US availability hasn’t been mentioned

Its powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6 combined with a single electric motor and sends its drive to the rear wheels. Combined power is a healthy 502 hp, or enough for 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 km/h.

When switching to pure EV mode, power drops to 147 hp. Maybach didn’t mention the size of the battery but said a full charge can deliver 62 miles of range on the WLTP cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower range. According to Maybach, the battery can be fully charged in about 30 minutes using a DC rapid charger.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 580 E

There’s little to call this particular version of the Maybach S-Class an electrified model, although there’s an extra cover for the charging port, as well as additional unique touches like blue accents in the headlights and hybrid-specific information in the instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Maybach is preparing an update for its version of the US-built Mercedes GLS-Class, which may introduce a plug-in hybrid option.

The Division also plans to enter the EV game. The first will be based on the Mercedes EQS SUV, which will also be built in the USA