Maybach is the nameplate used on ultimate Mercedes models. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

Ten Second Review

The second generation Mercedes-Maybach S-Class leverages the prestige of the Maybach badge in this super-luxury S-Class variant. Customers get long wheelbase space in the back, some of the greatest rear seats ever to grace a passenger car, a whisper quiet ride and the choice of all-wheel drive V8 or V12 twin-turbo powerplants.

Background

Having abandoned its Maybach nameplate as a stand-alone franchise in the noughties, Mercedes revived it once again in 2014, but this time as a Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand, supposed to designate the ultimate versions of its two largest models, the S-Class and the GLS SUV. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was based on the sixth generation 'W222'-series S-Class design and was replaced in 2021 by the replacement 'W223'-series model we look at here. Lower key it might be than rival Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost rivals but it's beautifully executed. It's also remains something of a toe in the water for Mercedes. Should customers take to this super-luxury version of the S-Class saloon, there could well be Maybach versions of the E and CLS lines. Don't for one moment think that Mercedes has the equivalent of a Ford Ghia badge here. The Maybach S-Class isn't just a normal long-wheelbase S-Class that's had an enthusiastic run at the options list. This one is something very special indeed.

Driving Experience

Power comes courtesy of the most appropriate engines on offer from the current S-Class portfolio, namely the 503hp 4.0-litre V8 and the 612hp 6.0-litre V12. Both record similar sprints to 62mph and 155mph top ends (4.8s and 4.5s respectively) but the difference between the feel of the two powerplants will mean that there will be some quite willing to stump up for the twelve-cylinder unit, despite is huge price premium. Unlike the previous generation model, the V12 is paired to Mercedes' usual 9G-TRONIC 9-speed auto gearbox, just like the V8. And, as before, there's massive torque generated by the twelve-cylinder unit; some 900Nm at just 2,000rpm. Both powerplants drive all four wheels via the Mercedes 4MATIC system - the previous generation car was only a rear-driven V12. One advantage of stretching to Mercedes-Maybach spec for your S-Class is that it'll get you two key engineering features that can't (currently) be had (even as an option) on an ordinary S-Class. Namely, 'E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL', which counteracts body lean through the bends and uses 'SURFACE SCAN' camera technology to prepare the AIRMATIC suspension for bumps before you reach them. And Rear-axle steering, which dramatically reduces this car's turning circle; think around 10.9-metres for the V8 model, much like a little A-Class hatch. With an ordinary long wheelbase S-Class, it's 12.8-metres. The V12 Mercedes-Maybach model uses a slightly different Rear-axle system with its larger 21-inch wheels, but even there, the turning circle is a relatively tight 11.9-metres.

Design and Build

The Maybach version of this S-Class makes quite a statement. You get a grand slatted silver grille and silver corner cut-outs just below it. There's silver glasshouse framing and bespoke forged 20 and 21-inch wheels. And of course you can only have this top variant with the lengthier long wheelbase body shape. Which more extrovert top executives can decorate with a two-tone paint finish that others will find rather garish. You choose this car though, for its rear seat experience, which includes more things you can't get on an ordinary S-Class. Like the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system with its twin 11.6-inch screens, one on each front seat backrest, linked into a TV tuner. Another unique fixture is a 31-speaker 1,750-watt Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system, which adds an extra dimension to the audio experience by incorporating vibrating exciters into each seat, along with ear level front seat speakers. There's also electrically-opening rear doors and a Rear Seat Comfort package that reclines the backrest and massages you. The steering wheel rim's finished in wood and leather, the roof's trimmed in suede-like DINAMICA and the floor mats are of the Rolls-Royce-like 'High pile' variety that you just sink your feet into. In addition, there's Maybach Exclusive nappa leather upholstery with the same colour options as for the S-Class, plus one extra shade - silver grey/black. And the cabin inlays are in designo black piano lacquer trim with flowing lines, though you can swap those out for brown burr walnut inlays - or trimming in black poplar wood.

Market and Model

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class pricing starts from around £167,000, which got you the S580 4MATIC standard version. But high fliers are probably going to want to stretch up to the top 'First Class' version with its individual rear seats. 'First Class' Maybach motoring comes in 4.0-litre V8 S580 4MATIC form for around £182,000 or in 6.0-litre V12 S680 4MATIC form for just under £211,000. To give you some segment perspective, a Bentley Flying Spur costs around £180,000 and a Rolls-Royce Ghost over £250,000. We mentioned in our 'Driving' section that the standard kit list includes innovations like 'E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL' and Rear-axle steering. And we covered off a lot of the cabin features in our 'Design' section. True VIPs can further upgrade their Mercedes-Maybach to top 'First Class' status, recognisable by an upgrade in size for the forged MAYBACH wheels from 20 to 21-inches. The 'First Class' variant gives you separate luxury individual Executive rear seats separated by an extended centre console incorporating a fridge compartment and champagne flutes. Folding tables retract out of the wood-trimmed designo front seat backrests. There's also a nappa leather roof liner. On a Mercedes-Maybach 'First Class' model, you can also spend another £28,000 on a 'MAYBACH Exclusive nappa leather design package', which trims the cabin in more unique design crystal white leather, complemented by silver grey pearl trim.

Cost of Ownership

We're not sure who buys a top-end limousine and devotes too much consideration to the fuel economy, but for what it's worth, the V8 version of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will return a combined economy figure of 25.5mpg and a CO2 reading of 253g/km (or 265g/km in 'First Class' form). While opting for the V12 will see that figure drop to 19.8mpg and 325g/km. Saving the planet? Who needs it? At least the BiK rating is the same 37% as a normal S-Class: so is the group 50 insurance rating. A bigger issue might well be residual value. The previous Maybach S-Class didn't fare too well in this regard, especially when it was compared to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the car it was designed to beat. What else? Well, there's a thirty year warranty against corrosion (yes, you heard that right). And we'll tell you that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. Servicing, by the way, is needed every 12 months or every 15,500 miles, whichever comes first.

Summary

Where the last Maybach version of this model was a bit 'new money' for many, the second generation Mercedes-Maybach S-Class ramps up the desirability. We've already been utterly seduced by the 'W223'-series Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon and taking that car and adding extra luxury won't spoil the appeal one iota. There's no shortage of people who want luxury but don't want to be ostentatious about the fact, and there doesn't look to be anything that touches the Maybach in that regard. It's still early days yet, but we think Mercedes may have finally hit upon the right market positioning for Maybach. That said, it's fairly easy to pull off this trick with an S-Class plus twenty percent. Repeating the act on an E-Class or a CLS while still retaining the Maybach badge cachet is going to be altogether trickier.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Front and rear electric windows

Magic vision control

Heat insulating, dark tinted noise insulating and infrared reflecting laminated glass

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Electronic stability programme with acceleration skid control

Brake pad wear indicator front brakes

Front large compound brake discs 390x36mm internally ventilated and perforated

Rear larger compound brake discs 360x26mm internally ventilated and perforated

Grey painted brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering at the front, grey logo badge at the rear

Carpets/Rugs

High-pile floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

E-Active body control

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto

Bluetooth connection

Preinstallation for Navigation Services

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front

Wireless smartphone integration

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the rear

Communications module (LTE Advanced)

Driver Aids

Direct steering

Attention assist

Crosswind Assist

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes

Intelligent parking pilot

Route based speed adaptation

Child presence detection

Driver Convenience

ECO start/stop function

Remote boot lid release and closing

Hands-free access for boot lid

Power closing aid for doors and boot lid

Extended MBUX functions

Power closing function

Driver Information

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Mercedes-Benz emergency call

Pre-installation for car sharing

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

Hard disc navigation

MBUX navigation premium

MBUX rear tablet

12.3" 3D driver display

12.8" OLED central display

Fingerprint scanner

MBUX augmented reality head-up display

Rear belt status indication in the instrument display

MBUX interior assist - front and rear

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

Automatically dimming inside rear-view mirror,drivers outside mirror including surround lighting with projection of Mercedes-Maybach logo

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

76 litre fuel tank

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

TV Receiver

Sound personalisation

Front 2x USB type-C ports

Rear 2x USB type-C ports

Burmester 4D surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Panoramic sliding sunroof

Radiator grille with chrome surround and three horizontal cross struts in chrome with inserts in high-gloss black

Mercedes-Maybach logo on C-pillar

Air inlet grille in the front apron in high-gloss black

Rear apron in vehicle colour, lower part in high-gloss black with chrome trim strip between the tailpipes

Illuminated door sill panels with "Maybach" lettering at front and rear

Chrome trim strip on the bonnet

Radiator grille with 27 vertical struts in high-gloss chrome ,chrome surround with centrally positioned "Maybach" lettering

Maybach lettering and model badge on the boot lid in Maybach-specific lettering

Maybach-specific chromed tailpipes in transverse-strut design with horizontal insert integrated into the rear apron

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Electric rear doors

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Adaptive brake lights

LED daytime running lights

LED third brake light

Digital light - LED headlight, adaptive highbeam, cornering and active light, enhanced fog light, city, country road mode, weather and LED rear lamp

Exterior mirror - Ambient lighting with projection of brand logo

2-piece LED tail lights with Maybach-specific 3D logo projection

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Thermotronic automatic 4 zone climate control

Energizing Air Control - Air quality and fine particle sensor

Interior Features

Steering wheel gearshift paddles

Steering column gear selector

Through loading system

Net in front passenger footwell

12V socket in rear centre console plus in the front passenger footwell

Centre console in black crystal look finish

Rear centre armrest with double cup holder

MBUX High-end rear seat entertainment system

Comfort doors in the rear

Maybach Exclusive nappa leather upholstery

2 luggage nets in the boot (only one luggage net depending on optional equipment)

Multifunction steering wheel in wood/leather with "Maybach" lettering in the vertical spoke

Rear-axle steering with 10 degree steering angle adjustment

Interior Lights

Adaptive rear compartment lighting

Ambient lighting with Maybach-specific light colours Amethyst glow and Rosegold white

Packs

Rear seat comfort pack - S Class Maybach

Active multicontour seat pack - S Class

Chauffeur pack - S Class

Parking package with 360 degree camera - S Class

Memory pack - S Class

Warmth comfort package - S Class

USB pack plus - S Class

Driving assistance package - S Class

Exclusive trim pack - S class

Sun protection pack - S class

Load compartment pack - S Class

Safety

First aid kit

Rear side airbags

Front side airbags

Three 3 point rear seatbelts

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Child locks on rear doors

Window airbags

i-Size and ISOFIX rear child restraint system

Pre-safe system including pre-safe sound

Pedestrian protection

Centre airbag

Tyre pressure loss warning system

Front and rear illuminated designer belt buckles

Forward facing rear airbags

Pre-safe impulse

Seats

Rear head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Automatic child seat recognition sensor

Driver and front passenger seat heating plus

4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Climatised front seats

Electrically adjustable rear seats including memory function

Easy entry system for driver

EASY ADJUST luxury head restraints with additional cushion for driver and front passenger, foldable and removable on front passenger side

Front passenger side seat electrically adjustable from the rear

Climatised rear seats

Seat heating plus for outer rear seats

Belt feeders in the rear

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Dashcam

Increased anti-theft protection

KEYLESS-GO starting function with seamless door handles

Vehicle key in high-gloss white with ornamental surround in high-gloss rose gold

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Transmission

9G TRONIC 9 speed automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Double sun visors with pivoting section to cover the side window

Wheels

Summer tyres

Noise reduced tyre with foam absorber

Wheels - Alloy

20" Maybach 5 hole forged wheels with high gloss polished ceramic finish incl. fully integrated wheel bolt cover

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit sealant kit

Emissions - ICE

HC: 0.021

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 242

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

CO: 0.222

Particles: 0

HC+NOx: N

NOx: 0.014

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: V8

Number of Valves: 32

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Gears: 9 SPEED

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 3982

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - High: 31.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 24.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 17.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 11.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.7

WLTP - MPG - Low: 15.8

General

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 503

Badge Engine CC: 4.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Coin Series: Maybach

Coin Description: 4Matic

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Top Speed: 155

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.8

Engine Power - KW: 370

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 503

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: MAYBACH 5 HOLE

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R20

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 3396

Width (including mirrors): 2109

Height: 1510

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1921

Length: 5469

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2910

Minimum Kerbweight: 2310

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 76

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 600

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 505

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 13.4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: N

Embellishment Trims

High-gloss brown burr walnut wood trim

High-gloss black poplar wood trim

Exterior Body Features

Two tone paint

Manufaktur exclusive solid paint

Manufaktur exclusive magno paint

Manufaktur exclusive metallic paint

Manufaktur paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Verde silver

Metallic - Emerald green

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Selenite Grey

Metallic - Nautic blue

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Mojave silver

Paint - Special

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Himalayas mid grey

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Cote dazur light blue

Manufaktur exclusive magno - High-tech silver

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Beige grey

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Yellowstone

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Copper orange

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Brilliant blue

Manufaktur exclusive solid - light ivory

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Ireland mid green

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Northern lights violet

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Carneol red

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Dolomite brown

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Rocky mountain dark brown

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Colorado beige

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Desert sand

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Steel blue

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Periclase green

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Cavansite blue

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Anthracite blue

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Hyacinth red

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Galaxy black

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Cote dazur dark blue

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Hansa blue

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Surf blue

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Ruby black

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Brilliant blue

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Teide light grey

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Ireland mid green

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Classic green

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Rose gold

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Ireland dark green

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Diamond white bright

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Sanidine beige

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Citrine brown

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Flint grey

Manufaktur - Patagonia red bright

Manufaktur - Opalith white bright

Manufaktur metallic - Graphite

Manufaktur metallic - Rubellite red

Manufaktur metallic - Kalahari gold

Manufaktur magno - Opalith white

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Allanite green

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Red

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Silver

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Mocha black

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Mauritius blue

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Cashmere white

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Chromite black

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Polar white

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Orange flame

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Selenite grey

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Aragonite silver

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Dark olive green

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Citrine brown

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Indicolite blue

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Moss green light

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Magnetite black

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - Elbaite green

Manufaktur exclusive magno - Dark olive green

Manufaktur exclusive metallic - South seas blue

Manufaktur exclusive solid - Classic grey

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone - Verde silver/Manufaktur Opalite white bright

Two tone - Nautic blue/High-tech silver

Two tone - Obsidian black/Manufaktur kalahari gold metallic

Two tone - Obsidian black/Selenite grey

Two tone - Obsidian black/High-tech silver

Two tone - High-tech silver/Selenite grey

Trim - Leather

Maybach Exclusive nappa leather - silver grey / black with black DINAMICA roof liner

Maybach Exclusive nappa leather - Macchiato beige/Bronze brown pearl with beige DINAMICA roof liner

Maybach Exclusive nappa leather - Sienna brown/Black with black DINAMICA roof liner

Maybach Exclusive nappa leather - Black with black DINAMICA roof liner