6 Crazy Features on the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Mercedes-Benz has a knack for making luxury cars, and for making them opulent to a degree most might not expect from a German brand. One might expect such pampering from a bespoke marque with British roots, like Bentley or Rolls-Royce, but Mercedes-Benz? Its specialty has always run more toward techno-wizardry than outright ostentatiousness. But Mercedes has been trying to combine technological mastery with a push toward ultra-luxury fittings with its latest Maybach offerings, and the newest example is the just-released 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 sedan.

Related: 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600: A Taller Ride for Your Chauffeur

The S580 is a stretched and widened version of the latest S-Class intended to go up against the likes of the new Bentley Flying Spur. It’s Mercedes’ chance to show off the latest and greatest technology in one jaw-dropping package, and this new Maybach most definitely does not disappoint on that front. 

Here are the six craziest features we found on the new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580:

1. Augmented Reality Head-Up Display

Not only does the new S580 have an AR function for its navigation display on the dash, but it also can be had with the same function in its head-up display. That means it’ll throw floating arrows and street names up into the driver’s field of vision as the navigation system guides you to your destination. 

2. Rear-Axle Steering

The new Maybach S580 is loooong — nearly 18 feet, from tip to tail — so the brand equipped it with rear wheels that can turn like the front ones do, either 4.5 degrees or 10 degrees maximum, depending which wheel size you order. This can reduce the turning radius of this luxury liner by more than 6 feet, according to the company, which is quite useful in tighter urban environments. 

3. Chauffeur Mode

Let’s be honest: This is really a car you’re meant to be driven in, preferably in the backseat with its optional First-Class Rear seating compartment. Mercedes understands that, and it’s introduced a new mode for the vehicle mode selector: Chauffeur. It softens accelerator inputs so as not to disturb the passengers, starts the transmission in 2nd gear from a stoplight and minimizes shifting gears overall. 

4. Backseat Airbags

Lots of cars have rear-seat airbags these days, but they’re generally meant for side-impact and rollover accidents. Like the regular S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach S580 also has rear airbags that can deploy in the event of a frontal collision, albeit at lower, less violent speeds than the front airbags. They’re meant to cushion rear-seat occupants and protect even more than just the side and curtain airbags alone. 

Related Video:

5. Calf Massages, Neck and Shoulder Heaters

The backseat truly is the place to be in the new S580 thanks to its optional Executive Rear Seat Plus Package that changes the compartment into a two-person throne room, complete with deeply reclining seats that now feature calf-rest massages and a heated panel to soothe sore neck and shoulder muscles. 

6. Maybach-Specific Scent 

Most Mercedes-Benz models have a canister that ties into the climate control to infuse the cabin with a specific fragrance if so desired. The fragrance is either one that Mercedes supplies based on several themes you can choose from or one of your own preference. The Maybach S580, however, will have a unique scent available for its owners. We can only presume it smells like massive piles of cash. 

We don’t yet know how much the new Mercedes-Maybach S580 will cost, but the outgoing 2020 S560 started at a cool $173,995, including destination. The redesign is slated to arrive in the middle of 2021, so start saving up now.

More From Cars.com:

• Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class Will Give You a Lift (in the Event of a Crash)
• Oh Hey, Mercedes: MBUX Multimedia System Gets Personal
• The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 Gets Ready for Its Closeup With Carwash Mode
• 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Review: This Beauty Is a Beast
• 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450/580 Review: Panache at a Price

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.