The latest Maybach S-Class has arrived with a bolder aesthetic, enhanced interior tech, and a shifting engine lineup. Mercedes-Benz is doubling down on exclusivity with more visible branding, refined luxury features, and updated powertrains. The question of the V12’s long-term viability is central to this update.
Exterior: More Maybach, More Noticeable
The refreshed Maybach S-Class is immediately identifiable by its dramatically enlarged grille – 20% larger – now featuring an illuminated contour and a backlit Maybach inscription. Illuminated emblems on the C-pillar and hood further emphasize the model’s status. Self-leveling wheel center caps and striking wheel designs with repeated Maybach logos reinforce the brand’s identity.
Mercedes insists these changes are about “quiet authority,” not ostentation, but the effect is undeniably striking. The exterior can be customized with over 150 colors, including two-tone finishes and a new Nautic Blue shade.
Interior: A Tech-Forward Sanctuary
Inside, the Maybach S-Class offers unparalleled luxury. Customers can choose from more than 400 color combinations, including four new two-tone leather options. The dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen layout, with a 14.4-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch passenger display, and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Rear passengers enjoy dual 13.1-inch tablets with remote controls for entertainment and comfort features.
Additional details include automatic rear doors, champagne flutes, and ambient lighting with 199 LEDs in 64 selectable colors. The extended wheelbase provides generous legroom, while improved sound insulation and adaptive air suspension ensure a supremely smooth ride.
Powertrains: V12 in Limbo
Engine options are the most significant change. The V12-powered S680 will remain available in the U.S. and “select other markets,” delivering 621 horsepower. However, stricter emissions regulations mean the V12 is being phased out in Europe and other regions.
Instead, those markets will receive an S680 with a downsized, yet still potent, 604-horsepower V8. The S580 also gets a power boost to 530 hp, while the plug-in hybrid S580e now offers 577 hp and up to 61 miles of electric range.
This shift reflects the broader automotive industry’s move towards electrification and tighter emissions standards. The V12’s survival is increasingly tied to specific markets willing to accommodate its higher output.
Availability and Market Focus
The Maybach S-Class facelift will reach U.S. dealers in the second half of the year. European order books open on March 25. Mercedes is prioritizing China and the U.S. for its Level 2 MB.Drive Assist Pro technology, with European availability dependent on regulatory approval.
The new Maybach S-Class represents a calculated blend of luxury, technology, and exclusivity. The future of its iconic V12 engine remains uncertain, but for now, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring the brand remains at the pinnacle of automotive opulence.
