THE Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has gone on sale with prices starting from £162,390 for the Maybach S 580 4MATIC, and £177,025 for the S 580 4MATIC First Class.

The Maybach S 680 4MATIC First Class costs £204,375.

Particularly suitable for chauffeured driving, the wheelbase of the Maybach is 18 cm longer compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

This focus on the rear area is underlined by more refined appointments with new massaging functions and an extensive upgrade for the First Class rear compartment.

The S 580 4MATIC features a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 503hp and 700 Nm of torque.

A further 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque is available thanks to the EQ Boost mild hybrid system which features an integrated starter-generator powered by the 48-volt on-board electrical system, improving overall performance and efficiency.

It can reach 62 mph from standstill in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The S 580 4MATIC can deliver between 24.1 and 25.5 mpg on the combined cycle and emits 253 g/km of CO2. The First Class variant releases 265 g/km.

The range-topping six-litre V12 S 680 4MATIC First Class, starting from £204,375, produces 61 hp. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 4.5 seconds, while it delivers 19.8 mpg and emits 325 g/km of CO2.

All models come as standard with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and are available only in long wheelbase form.

The Maybach S 580 4MATIC comes with the next generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), a high-end rear seat entertainment; a rear tablet, augmented reality head-up display, a digital TV tuner; 12.8-inch OLED media display and a Burmester high-end 4D sound system among its features.

The First Class models feature 21-inch Maybach multi-spoke forged wheels, two wireless headsets, folding tables in the rear, nappa leather roof liner, rear-axle steering, designo backrests in wood, champagne flutes, a 10-litre capacity rear fridge compartment, designo brown open-pore walnut wood trim with aluminium lines and a nappa leather steering wheel.

While the S 580 has five seats, the First Class is available only with luxury individual rear seats and the S 580 4MATIC and S 580 4MATIC models feature an entirely new, fully active suspension system based on the 48V electrical system.

It uses five multi-core processors, more than 20 sensors and the stereo camera, to react to each driving situation. The S 680 features air body control air suspension.