2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing and specs detailed: S 580 L and Maybach S 680 to double new BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 rival's range

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the seventh-generation S-Class range will double in size in the fourth quarter of this year, when new V8-powered S580L and V12-powered Maybach S680 variants of the upper-large sedan are due.

The short-wheelbase S450 ($240,700 plus on-road costs) and long-wheelbase S450 L ($264,900) continue to open proceedings but are joined by the mid-range S580L ($329,900) and flagship Maybach S680 ($565,800).

Whereas the S450 and S450 L are motivated by a 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine, the long-wheelbase S580 L ups the ante with a 370kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

Either way, a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission is fitted alongside Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive and EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid systems, with the latter providing up to 16kW/250Nm of electric boost for short periods.

Then there’s the extra-long-wheelbase Maybach S680 that uses the same transmission-drivetrain combination but stands out with a 463kW/900Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, which isn’t long for this world due to tightening emissions regulations.

For reference, standard equipment in the S450 includes adaptive air suspension, Multibeam LED headlights, power-closing doors, auto-folding side mirrors with heating, keyless entry, rear privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof.

Inside, push-button start, a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen MBUX multimedia system, satellite navigation with live traffic, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 710W Burmester sound system with 15 speakers, three-dimensional (3D) 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, a power-adjustable Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, and dual-zone climate control feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist (including emergency), adaptive cruise control (with stop and go functionality), traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, active blind-spot monitoring, exit warning, park assist and surround-view cameras.

The S450 L adds power-adjustable rear seats, rear climate control and rear-front airbags, while the S580 L goes even further with Digital Light LED headlights, an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, active multi-contour seats and Nappa leather upholstery.

To justify its positioning, the Maybach S680 also gets full rear-wheel steering, a TV tuner, digital radio, a rear entertainment package, a Burmester 4D surround-sound system, rear seatbelt feeders, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, high-pile floor mats and adaptive ambient lighting, among other features.

Order books for the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 rival’s expanded line-up open in the third quarter, so start saving now.

2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing before on-road costs