Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Evaluation: A Villainous V12 Sedan

With a real luxurious product, the purpose isn’t “extra.” Extra options, extra leather-based, and extra velocity are hardly related to the client of a quarter-million-dollar, twin-turbo V12-powered, palace-on-wheels. You have already got “extra”—it’s about how that “extra” seems to be on you.

Maybach is a model of true extra. It does essentially the most, at all times. Whether or not it is two-tone paint, vivid white interiors, or simply outright printing the Maybach brand on each potential floor, there’s zero disgrace within the concept of luxurious in Maybach. And there’s one thing to admire about that.

The most recent 2027 Maybach S-Class solely ventures additional down this path, retaining the V12 alive and retaining lots of its predecessor’s options. It’s hardly “extra” than earlier than, nevertheless it has extra of that Maybach allure than ever.

Even Extra Opulent

Photograph by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

A lot of what the Maybach S-Class gives ranges from refined to outright ridiculous. Visually, a slight facelift affords the headlights and taillights the trendy Mercedes-chic association. Essentially the most hanging replace is the Maybach sample within the vents flanking the primary grille, which some might even see as horrifyingly gaudy—I err towards loving the sheer nerve of doing it.

Inside, a lot of the S-Class is similar, apart from the brand new MBUX system. Three screens adorn a flat expanse of glass: A 12.3-inch 3D-capable gauge cluster show, a 14.4-inch main display, and a 12.3-inch passenger show. The rear passengers get twin 13.1-inch shows with Mercedes’ latest system with gaming, shopping, and streaming for every passenger.

The brand new tech is slick, a lot slicker than earlier MBUX. I already tested it in Mercedes VLE-Class, so there isn’t a lot to cowl right here, however relaxation assured it’s an enormous enchancment over the outdated system, particularly the bodily steering wheel knobs for quantity and cruise management. The Burmester stereo makes use of 31 audio system and 1,690 watts to ship the one most glorious audio expertise I’ve ever heard in a automobile.

Images by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Images by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

My tester’s spec will be greatest described as villainous. In full black with polished AMG monoblock wheels, the S680 is pure intimidation. I ran right into a good friend throughout my photoshoot who mentioned they had been “truly scared” of the S-Class pulling as much as them. That, reader, is the “extra” that I’m speaking about—the utter status and energy that the Maybach initiatives.

You can also make your Maybach mission no matter you need, nevertheless. Alongside the conventional unique choices, referred to as Manufaktur, there’s now a program referred to as Made to Measure, which permits for an excellent higher diploma of customization. There at the moment are tons of of exterior and inside colours to select from, which signifies that virtually any Maybach will probably be a novel proposition for its house owners.

V12 Excellence

Photograph by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Regardless, the S680 drives excellently, with only some wrinkles to the expertise. The aforementioned Burmester stereo combines nicely with an unbelievably low noise ground to ship a cinematic expertise. I’ve listened to Daft Punk’s Random Entry Recollections 1000’s of occasions as a reference album, and I may hear new particulars with this stereo. It alone is an distinctive and gorgeous characteristic.

The large Maybach has good steering and swift dealing with, and as soon as the V12 sings its surprisingly musical music, it’s fairly speedy too. Although it’s best skilled on the freeway and within the again seat.

The rear seats are fairly luxurious and comfy. There are steel Maybach champagne flutes, a massaging operate, seat cooling, and heating. Although it isn’t lay-flat, it reclines a considerable quantity, and the rear passenger facet seat can get a full stretch by folding the entrance seat away. Total room is sweet, however inferior to an SUV just like the GLS. Nonetheless, that is rather more modern.

The large Maybach has good steering and swift dealing with, and as soon as the V12 sings its surprisingly musical music, it’s fairly speedy too.

Its solely fault is a barely crashy experience over the harshest obstacles. Cracks within the highway, bigger velocity bumps, and fractured pavement end in sharp, booming thuds within the cabin, which could be very in contrast to the remainder of the expertise. Maybe it is that the Maybach is so quiet that flaws are extra readily communicated, nevertheless it’s an annoying wrinkle in an in any other case serene expertise.

The first experience high quality (massive, loping bumps and waves) is phenomenal. Little or no of the particular vertical movement is felt within the cabin. Over lengthy freeway stretches, you couldn’t discover a quieter, extra snug, and enjoyable automobile this facet of a Rolls-Royce.

Verdict: A Villainous V12 Sedan

Photograph by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

The V12 S-Class lives to combat one other day, and it’s preventing a very good combat. Although it’s reserved for the ultra-rich—with a beginning value of $2490,000—it’s good to know that the ultra-aspirational luxurious sedan continues to be round, and {that a} massive, intimidating, V12 cruiser nonetheless exists. You may as well craft it into any picture of your selecting, which doesn’t essentially need to be villainous.

However what the Maybach S-Class is, and can at all times really feel like, is “extra.” It’s not only a luxurious sedan; it’s the final word expression of a Mercedes luxurious sedan, and every thing that comes with it. For that purpose alone, it’s simpler to like than virtually some other luxurious sedan.

Simply know this: Be afraid if a Maybach S-Class pulls up on you.

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Supply: Chris Rosales / Motor1