Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – the dream ship
Immendingen Even the marketing strategists at Mercedes probably never thought that luxury would run so well around the world. Every seventh S-Class that rolls out of the assembly hall in Sindelfingen now bears the Maybach emblem, the double M, which stands for Mercedes-Maybach. In the year before Corona, i.e. 2019, there were over 12,000 units, around 60,000 since the market launch in 2015. By far the most Maybach went to China, Russia, the USA and – who would have thought that? – to South Korea.
Small statistics on the side: the average Maybach household has five vehicles in the garage. And in China, the German luxury sedan is the first car in life for some buyers. Sometimes you are not even 30 years old.
The whole thing should play out in a very similar way with the new generation of the Mercedes-Maybach sedan. Reason: It embodies even more prestige and presence than the previous model. Especially when the customer opts for the extremely elaborate two-tone paintwork, which costs 12,500 euros and which takes almost a week to set up.
The extremely elaborate two-tone paintwork costs 12,500 euros extra.
But even so, the Maybach version differs quite significantly from the normal S-Class. The side window graphic with the wider chrome surround and the additional triangular window on the C-pillar is striking. Because the Maybach stretches out compared to the S-Class with the longer wheelbase by another 18 centimeters and thus comes to a height of 5.47 meters.
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Compared to the S-Class with the longer wheelbase, the Maybach stretches by another 18 centimeters and thus comes to a height of 5.47 meters.
Average parking garages should be clearly declared hostile territory, even if the limousine has an optional rear-axle steering. But in these circles the chauffeur is waiting in front of the shop anyway – or driving around the block. The Mercedes-Maybach gets further independence from its special bumpers, the other bonnet, which raises the grill with its fine, vertical chrome pinstripes 2 centimeters higher – and the huge, 23-inch wheels, also in their own design.
Average parking garages are likely to be declared hostile territory, even if the sedan has an optional rear-axle steering.
Not to forget: the illuminated brand emblem, which is only allowed in China and the USA. However, the greater staging of luxury takes place in the interior of the Stuttgart flagship. There is first class on wheels here. It’s amazing what the developers have come up with in order to meet even the most extraordinary demands of the customer. Noble wood and the finest leather, of course, that is what other luxury cars offer too.
But who thinks of a massage function for the calves when it comes to the rear seats? Or shoulder and neck heating for the passenger (usually the owner) in the back seat? For the first time, there is now an automatic belt feeder at the rear that politely prompts you to buckle up. It is integrated in the adjustable backrest and is therefore always in exactly the right position.
Fist class on wheels applies particularly to the rear area.
The adaptive rear lighting is also premiering in the Mercedes-Maybach. The light color (cold / warm) and the separation between precise work and relaxed lounge light can be selected. And if the rear passenger wants to take part in the MBUX infotainment and operating system, which runs via the high-tech command center at the front, they can either do so via the screen behind the front seat or via a removable tablet on the center armrest. There are also two champagne glasses stored there for relaxation. The sparkling cold drink comes from the refrigerator in the trunk and is accessed through the hatch in the backrest.
Enjoy in proper style.
However, the greater staging of luxury takes place in the interior of the Stuttgart flagship.
With so many amenities, the drive of the Mercedes-Maybach almost fades into the background. In the base (S 580) for 164,500 euros, the sedan drives a more than 500 hp mild hybrid eight-cylinder biturbo from AMG, as befits its standing. It goes without saying that this alone achieves superior driving performance, paired with incredible comfort and fascinating suppleness. Because the Mercedes-Maybach is equipped with air suspension as standard, which can individually regulate the spring and damper forces on each wheel.
In the base (S 580) for 164,500 euros, the sedan drives a more than 500 hp mild hybrid eight-cylinder biturbo from AMG, as befits its standing.
The chassis receives its information, among other things, from a front camera that scans the road surface in front of the car. Active noise suppression ensures additional travel comfort. It runs via the microphones of the hands-free system and via sound sensors on the wheels. Low-frequency noises are then eliminated within three milliseconds using anti-phase sound waves. It’s quiet in the Maybach, you can’t get any more peace and quiet.
Anyone who invests a little over 50,000 euros in addition has the type designation S 680 on the trunk lid and twelve low-vibration cylinders whisper under the hood at the front. Welcome to the supreme discipline of engine construction. Mercedes is one of the last car manufacturers who still have such a fine unit on offer.
The V12 with its 612 hp and 900 Newton meters of torque is not really necessary, but the Stuttgart strategists know only too well that customers buy this top-of-the-range engine for reasons of prestige. But the Maybach owner actually does that anyway.
Technical specifications
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – four-door, four-seater luxury sedan
Length: 5.47 meters
Width: 1.92 meters
Height: 1.51 meters
Wheelbase: 3.40 meters
Boot space: 505 liters
S 580 4Matic:
4.0-liter eight-cylinder turbo gasoline engine
370 kW / 503 PS
maximum torque: 700 Nm at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm
9-speed automatic
all wheel drive
0-100 km / h: 4.8 s
Vmax: 250 km / h (limited)
Standard consumption: 10.2 liters / 100 kilometers (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 233 g / km (WLTP)
Emission standard: Euro 6d
Price: from 164,500 euros
S 680 4Matic:
6.0 liter twelve-cylinder turbo gasoline engine
450 kW / 612 PS
maximum torque: 900 Nm at 2,000 – 4,000 rpm
9-speed automatic
all wheel drive
0-100 km / h: 4.5 s
Vmax: 250 km / h (limited)
Standard consumption: 13.3 liters / 100 kilometers (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 305 g / km (WLTP)
Emission standard: Euro 6d
Price: from 217,323 euros
More: Champagne box – Mercedes turns the GLS into a Maybach