2025 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
As far as ocean liner-size, ultra-luxury sedans go, the Mercedes-Maybach S-class is less showy than cars from Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Keen-eyed observers will note the wheelbase stretch compared to a regular Benz-branded S-class, the reshaped C-pillars wearing Maybach logos, and the metal trim running down the hood. But once a rear door pops open (either by hand or via an available power assist) the limo-like cabin’s additional space comes into focus and the Maybach’s reason for being solidifies: it’s a sybarite’s haven in there, with materials, finishes, and features to match those in the most expensive luxury sedans. This fanciest of S-classes is the closest thing to a sensory deprivation tank on four wheels; it practically floats down the road. If you happen to grab the keys from your chauffeur, you’ll experience effortless acceleration with every prod of the right pedal as well as surprisingly poised handling. Rear-wheel steering helps it to feel a size smaller, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces. A V-8 is standard, but we prefer the oligarch-spec V-12 for its turbine-like power delivery. If an off-the-shelf Maybach S-class isn’t special enough, Mercedes offers additional customization possibilities through its Manufaktur program. After something more attention-getting? Consider a Rolls-Royce Phantom—or maybe a custom-painted private jet.
Maybach is offering the S680 Edition Nordic Glow, which celebrates the Northern Lights with special two-tone paint and specific interior finishes. Just 50 will be offered and, in addition to the unique appearance elements, the Nordic Glow comes with just about every available add-on, including the Night Series Design and Executive Rear Seat Plus packages. These levels of exclusivity and opulence do not come cheap; the Nordic Glow costs a cool $100k more than a plain-Jane Maybach S680—which puts it within striking distance of a Rolls-Royce Ghost’s starting price.
If you’re going to go with a Maybach version of the S-class, you might as well go big and get the S680 and its powerful V-12 engine. Standard features are of course plentiful and include luxury items such as soft-close doors, an air suspension, a 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, a rear-seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreens, and much, much more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of the S580 sedan is a 496-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. Going with the S680 swaps in a 621-hp 6.0-liter V-12. All models come with Mercedes’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. But effortless power is not the most impressive thing about the Maybach S-class. During our time with the car, we were impressed with the supremely supple ride quality and the nearly silent cabin—we recorded an extremely low 64 decibels inside the car while cruising at 70 mph. An air suspension and an active sound cancellation system are both standard, helping the car deliver its silky, ultra-quiet ride; the Maybach S-class also offers rear-wheel steering, which should help with navigating this big sedan through tight city streets.
