autoevolution
 

MERCEDES BENZ S-Class Maybach Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2015
Engines: Plug-in hybrid, Mild hybrid, Gasoline
MERCEDES BENZ Maybach S 580 e photo gallery

More than a century after Wilhelm and Karl Maybach started their journey into the automotive segment, the brand produced its first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e.

Based on the same platform as the well-known Mercedes-Benz S Class 580 e, the Maybach version came as a statement for future electrification. Thus, customers who wished to use the vehicle in pure electric mode for their urban businesses were finally able to do that. And, as expected, the car came fitted with all the luxurious features they could hope for.

At first sight, the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e was not too much different from its non-electrified siblings. But a keen eye for detail could notice the blue shades on the headlights. Also, the massive grille with its 27 vertical chromed slats hosted a similar color for the radar. Another detail that differentiated this model from the rest of its stablemates was the charging-port flap on the right-rear quarter panel.

Inside, the automaker installed all the luxurious items it had in its storage. The leather-wrapped cabin welcomed occupants with comfortable individual seats at the back, separated by a center console extended all the way to the dashboard. For the driver and side passenger, Maybach installed luxurious heated and cooled seats, fronting a high-tech dashboard. The carmaker placed a 12.8” OLED display atop the center stack, while the driver enjoyed a 12.3” 3D display for the instrument panel.

But the most essential upgrade for the car was under its skin. The plug-in hybrid system consisted of a three-liter inline-six gasoline engine that produced 367 PS (362 hp) and an electric motor for a total output of 510 PS (503 hp). The carmaker claimed that the battery pack could provide up to 100 km (62 miles) of pure electric drive, and the car could be charged from either an 11 kW wallbox or, as an option, from a 60 kW DC charger.

full description and technical specifications
MERCEDES BENZ S-Class Maybach (X223) photo gallery

After failing to impose the Maybach as a distinct brand, Mercedes-Benz decided to make it a trim level, which was much more than just some shiny set of wheels and a better plastic inside.

In 2015, the German carmaker introduced the Mayback trim-level available for its flagship model, the S-Class. The result was stunning, and more than 60.000 units have been sold in just five years. It was clear that the idea of an S-Class fully loaded got more traction than a standard Maybach 62.

The 2021 Maybach was 19 cm (7") longer than the long-wheelbase S-Class, and the rear passengers benefited from that additional length. On top of the front grille, with vertical chromed slats, the carmaker placed the Maybach word. But on the hood, there was still the three-pointed star badge. To emphasize the luxurious model, Mercedes-Benz installed the brand's specific triple-M badge on the C-pillars.

But it was the interior that mattered the most, especially the rear seats where Maybach installed Executive seats with more legroom than in a First Class lounge. Also, for the rear occupants, there was a mobile office, refrigerator, and massage seats. To reduce the inside noise, Mercedes-Benz worked together with Burmeister to install an active road noise compensation system.

For the driver, the carmaker installed only digital displays for the instrument cluster and the infotainment unit.

full description and technical specifications
MERCEDES BENZ S-Class Maybach (X222) photo gallery

The Maybach nameplate returned in 2015 not as a separate brand but as a trim level for the already luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But it was more than just some posh on the wheels.

Maybach didn't make it well after the 2008 world economic crisis, and it was cut from the assembly line. Seven years later, Mercedes-Benz decided to introduce it as a trim level. The features and amenities installed on the S-Class, along with the Maybach badge applied on the C-pillars, were a statement for the new luxury line, which almost doubled the price of the S-Class. In 2018, a facelift was introduced.

The 2018 S-Class Maybach was longer than the longest S-Class, and between its front and rear axle, it could fit a SMART four-four. At the front, the grille design was different than the one existing on the regular S-Class. But the three-pointed-star badge was still installed on top of the radiator grille and on the hood.

Inside, the Maybach offered a higher level of luxury and technology than most of the limousines on the planet. It was certainly a car built for the rear two passengers since there were just two seats separated by an ample center console. The reclining seats, the touch-screens in the back of the front seats, or the electric shades for the side windows are just a few examples of fine luxury features. For the sound system, a 3D Burmeister unit with 26 speakers could ensure a concert-hall quality level. On long journeys, the rear seat occupants could enjoy an intense massage experience with specific music and aromatherapy surround them.

Mercedes-Benz offered this hi-class luxury experience with a choice of two gasoline engines. The base version, with 469 hp, was offered with rear- or all-wheel-drive.

full description and technical specifications
MERCEDES BENZ S-Class Maybach (X222) photo gallery

A perfect combination of luxury: S-Class and Maybach. Even though the Maybach Motorenbau nameplate is part of Mercedes-Benz now, its history began in 1909 when it was founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son as a part of the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmBH. Maybach later became a standalone brand and ultimately became a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz in 2015.

The refreshed S-Class Maybach was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018. The major changes were represented by a reinterpreted radiator grille, an optional two-tone exterior paint and a new set of luxury 20-inch multi-spoke wheels.

Mercedes offered nine different color combinations available on request. For a lacquer effect, customers could opt for a second bodywork clear coat, which was applied by hand in Maybach Manufaktur's facilities.

The interior was available in a combination of armagnac brown/black and savanna beige/black. The exclusive Nappa leather could be ordered in gold, copper or platinum. The wheelbase length was increased by 20 cm compared to the longest wheelbase seen on an S-Class sedan so far, offering the rear passengers more space, albeit it was not as long as an S-Class Pullman.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class came with three engine options: S 560 with a displacement of 3982cc developing 469 hp, S 560 4matic with the same specs and S 650 with a displacement of 5980 cc producing 630 hp thanks to a hand-built V12. The S650 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the S 650 needs only 4.7 seconds.

full description and technical specifications