There are few more effective ways to announce that you’ve “arrived” in high society than somewhere in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But one of those ways is by arriving in a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – the hyper-lux version of Mercedes’s top-tier sedan. More than just a badging exercise, the Maybach takes the plush S-Class as a base and then steps up the opulence to chase down some Bentley sales.
ByMartin Pretorius
Published: 19 September 2023, 10:49
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
The same, only more of it
The current and latest-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers an impressive package with various state-of-the-art electronics and safety systems featured as standard. However, there are a lot of options that remain exactly that, options. Thus, it is up to the customer to specify certain trim items, stylistic features, infotainment, and safety systems.
That’s where the Mercedes-Maybach comes in: it’s a luxury extension to the S-Class range in the same way as Mercedes-AMG is the sporty extension of the brand. It has nicer trimmings than the normal Benz version, but its body is different, the standard spec sheet is more complete, and the options list is more eclectic.
Related:The top 3 things you need to know about the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
You want space? You get space!
It doesn’t take close scrutiny to notice that the Maybach S-Class looks rather different from a normal LWB model when seen in the profile. The reason is simple: an extra 180 mm was added to the wheelbase of the LWB S-Class, which necessitated redesigned rear doors and an extra window in the C-pillar.
Blending the elongated proportions into the S-Class’sArt Deco-inspired styling does give it a slightly blubbery appearance from some angles but also pays dividends in interior space – it allows for a very roomy rear seating arrangement that can almost let a passenger lie flat by pushing some buttons.
Related:If the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is too plebeian for you, may we direct your attention to the bigger Pullman?
Detailed refinement
It’s hard to imagine that anyone could consider the cabin of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class a tad noisy. Yet, the Maybach features extra sound insulation to eliminate any remaining intrusive sounds.
Consequently, Mercedes could have claimed that the Maybach S-Class was the quietest car in the world at the time of its launch. Although it is possible that some newcomers may have quieted down to even greater levels since then, the Maybach is still quieter than the already-silent Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Related:We compiled this must-see list of the 6 best luxury cars.
Money can indeed buy power
Don’t even think about a diesel engine for a Maybach – diesel is for sensible people, and Maybach buyers generally couldn’t care less about being sensible. In fact, there aren’t six cylinders of any stripe in the Maybach range, with only a V8 and a V12 on offer.
The V8 in the S580 is derived from Mercedes’s corporate 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which does duty in everything from a C63 to the AMG GT sports car. This application is tuned to deliver only 385 kW with the 48V electric motor engaged and 700 Nm but to produce that output as unobtrusively as possible. It sends the power into a 9-speed automatic gearbox for a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds and a governed top speed of 250 km/h, so it’s still very rapid for a limousine.
An S680 badge denotes the big daddy, Maybach, with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 under its long bonnet. The outputs jump substantially, with new headline figures of 450 kW and 900 Nm going to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic gearbox. But, despite all that extra power, the S680 isn’t a lot quicker than the S580, likely due to traction constraints: the 0 – 100 km/h dash now takes 4.5 seconds, and the top speed remains governed to 250 km/h.
Related:Comparing Mercedes-AMG S-Class engines, we conducted a futile effort to look for an efficiency champ...
More standard toys
While both the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Maybach offer opening panoramic roofs, as a cool trick on the latter, the buyer can also specify the “Magic Sky Control”, which can darken or lighten the glass roof with the touch of a button, with the front and rear glass sections featuring independent darkening control.
Other standard add-ons are the Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system and heaters in the massaging rear seats (optional for most lesser S-Class cars). The First-Class rear compartment (optional across the S-Class range) is particularly appealing in the Maybach, thanks to the extra space created by the longer wheelbase.
FAQs
Maybach is Mercedes' flagship brand, which produces ultra-luxurious versions of the company's products. The Maybach S-Class has a 7.1-inch-longer wheelbase than its Benz-branded sibling, with all of that space going to the rear seat. As a result, it's commodious and limousine-like for the people back there.
What is difference between Maybach and S-Class? ›
Price and Value-
Maybach is way more expensive with a value of 2.69 crore, while S Class is valued at 1.71 crore. The significant difference between both the cars is because Maybach is designed for a very specific type of customer, who value luxury, comfort and exclusivity above anything.
Is Maybach quieter than S-Class? ›
Detailed refinement
Yet, the Maybach features extra sound insulation to eliminate any remaining intrusive sounds. Consequently, Mercedes could have claimed that the Maybach S-Class was the quietest car in the world at the time of its launch.
What is so special about Mercedes S-Class? ›
Few cars combine aerodynamics with stateliness like the S-Class sedan. Adaptive AIRMATIC® suspension combines refinement with responsive handling. LED Intelligent Light System headlamps flank the iconic S-Class grille. The high-tech cabin is also a haven of serenity even in the urban jungle.
Is it worth it to buy a Maybach? ›
Maybachs are some of the most luxurious cars on the market, but they certainly come with a hefty price tag. For many people, the high cost of ownership is the biggest drawback to owning a Maybach. In addition, Maybachs can be difficult to maintain and repair, and parts can be expensive.
What is the most luxurious class of Mercedes? ›
The S-Class is the flagship Mercedes-Benz vehicle. It is a full-size luxury sedan that is the epitome of luxury and refinement.
Is Maybach longer than S-Class? ›
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Maybach S-class has a seven-inch-longer wheelbase than the already-large Benz-branded S-class sedan, which provides even more stretch-out space inside its leather-lined cabin.
Why do people buy Maybach? ›
Pros: Luxury and Comfort: Maybach is synonymous with luxury. The interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, and the seats are incredibly comfortable.
Why is Maybach so special? ›
Making the ultimate in luxury tangible.
Hallmark Maybach: in the interior, exclusive materials and sophisticated highlights testify to the highest of quality, underlining the ultimate in luxury.
Is the S550 the same as a Maybach? ›
The biggest difference between the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Maybach vehicles is the extended wheelbase. Like the S600, the Maybach S550 4MATIC comes with a 132.5-inch wheelbase.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is arguably one of the best new luxury cars you can buy, but that hasn't stopped it from depreciating 51.9 percent on average. You'll lose around $65,375 if you buy one new and hold it for five years.
Is Mercedes S-Class high maintenance? ›
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maintenance Costs
A Mercedes-Benz S-Class will cost about $12,306 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for luxury sedan models by $345. There is also a 31.57% chance that a S-Class will require a major repair during that time.
How long does a Mercedes S-Class last? ›
Many experts agree that Mercedes-Benz vehicles can last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles on average with routine maintenance. In fact, you may even get more mileage out of your Mercedes-Benz vehicle if it has been properly taken care of.
Can I daily drive a Maybach? ›
The simple answer is yes, a Maybach can be used as a family car as well as a being chauffeur driven.
Who is the target audience for Maybach? ›
Key Brands Under Mercedes-Benz Group
Mercedes-Benz Group AG encompasses a spectrum of brands, each with a unique identity and market positioning. Mercedes-Maybach epitomizes opulence and exclusivity, targeting the ultra-luxury segment.
Does Maybach hold its value? ›
Mercedes has only a few models from its extensive lineup that are projected to retain less than 40 percent of their original value after five years. S-Class cars , AMG GT 4-Door Coupes , and the Maybach GLS SUV are among the 2021 vehicles expected to depreciate the most.
Is an S-Class A Maybach? ›
S-Class Sedan. Truly grand travel is measured by the smallest details.
What makes Mercedes-Maybach so special? ›
Luxury and Comfort: Maybach is synonymous with luxury. The interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, and the seats are incredibly comfortable. Features like massaging seats, premium sound systems, and advanced climate control contribute to a first-class experience.
