The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the most luxurious version of the Mercedes S-Class. It has a longer wheelbase — all of the extra length given to the rear passengers — plus longer rear doors, standard reclining executive rear seats, extra sound insulation, distinctive Maybach styling and, in the S 680, a 6.0-litre V12. It was introduced in 2015 on the W222 S-Class and continues on today’s W223 generation as the S 580 and S 680.

Maybach vs S-Class at a glance

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (long wheelbase) Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Wheelbase Long About 7 inches longer still
Rear doors Standard Longer rear doors, power-closing
Rear seats Executive seats available Executive reclining seats with calf rests
Engines (U.S.) Inline-six, V8, PHEV, AMG V8 (S 580) or V12 (S 680)
Styling S-Class Maybach grille, badges, optional two-tone paint

Where the extra length goes

Mercedes stretched the car between the B and C pillars — behind the front doors — so the rear doors and rear compartment are longer. The rear seats can recline to a near-lying position with extendable calf rests, and the rear quarter windows are replaced with a small fixed window so that rear passengers sit farther back, out of view.

Rear-seat features

  • Reclining executive seats with massage, heated armrests and neck heating.
  • Rear refrigerator between the seats, with holders for silver-plated champagne flutes.
  • Rear entertainment screens and an MBUX rear tablet.
  • Rear-seat airbags built into the front seat backs.
  • Chauffeur-friendly controls that let the rear passenger move the front passenger seat forward.
  • Active Ambient Lighting and a high-end Burmester 4D audio system with seat transducers.

A quieter cabin

Maybachs get additional sound insulation, including in the rear wheel arches and the rear doors, and special tires with foam inserts to reduce road noise. The result is one of the quietest cabins on the road.

Maybach design

The Maybach grille is taller with vertical chrome bars, badges replace the Mercedes star in some places, and many cars are finished in two-tone paint separated by a hand-painted pinstripe — a nod to the 1930s Maybach Zeppelin.

Pullman

The Mercedes-Maybach Pullman stretches the concept further, with facing rear seats — a true limousine for heads of state. Read about its ancestor, the Mercedes-Benz 600.

Maybach and chauffeured service

The Maybach is the ultimate executive chauffeur car, but for most executive travel the long-wheelbase S-Class delivers nearly the same comfort. See our Mercedes-Benz S-Class and rear-seat guide, or compare Maybach vs Rolls-Royce Ghost.