January 2, 2023. Posted in Auto News

Maybach V Mercedes: Spec check

There’s not many better ways to announce your arrival in style than in the back (or front) of the new Mercedes S Class. It is the epitome of luxury with regards to driving and riding experience. One that will often make arriving at your destination feel a little underwhelming in comparison. One of those ways, however is by doing so in the Mercedes Maybach S Class. The hyper luxurious version of the S Class. Think of Maybach as the luxury extension in the same way AMG is the sporty.

So what are the differences?

You could be forgiven for questioning what enhancements justify the healthy £170,000 start price for the Maybach. This is a staggering £80,000 more than the entry level Mercedes S Class. Unsurprisingly, the Maybach price tag continues to climb to an air thinning altitude of £260,000 once the arguably necessary optional extras are opted for. For this comparison let’s take a look at the top spec version of each, the Maybach S-Class S680 4MATIC First Class and the Mercedes S Class S580 e l AMG Line Premium Plus Executive. Each one will set even the deepest pockets back £121,000 and £217,000, respectively.

Maybach vs S-Class – Drivetrain

Starting with the Maybach. This small luxury mansion will get you to 62mph in 4.5 seconds thanks to a 6 litre V12 delivering 612 bhp. It does through all 4 wheels despite weighing a cuddly 3 tonnes. The Maybach continues to accelerate to 155mph. Despite appearing modest, it’s plenty fast enough for a car that you want to spend as much time as possible in. With comfort in mind, the familiar Airmatic air suspension with adaptive damping and Active Body Control delivers enough for even the hardest of backsides. There is however a dedicated Maybach Mode. This sets the dampers to their softest setting and forces the car to set off in second gear. You’re unlikely to spill your champagne when your chauffeur activates this setting.

In contrast, Every the Mercedes S 580 e L is powered by a 362bhp 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, which is mated to an 148bhp electric motor and a 28.6kWh battery pack. The engine sends drive to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Not too far behind the Maybach, it will reach 62 mph in 5.2 and sit level at 155 mph. Meaning at top speed each one can get a long awkward look at each others features… As the ‘e’ states the S-class comes with the environmentally responsible hybrid option that can carry the 2.4 tonnes quietly along for 63 miles on a single charge.

Exterior

There are no surprises as to why the Maybach is called the ‘limo’. It is 18cm longer than the S580e which is already a staggering 3.2 meters. This, however, is probably why it isn’t the most obvious exterior comparison to make. Arguably the most distinguishable feature – and often one that splits opinion – between the two is the two tone colour option available with the Maybach. There are 7 available that range from modest to all out colour clash.

A keener eye may spot the 21 inch forged alloys of the Maybach which are more ‘spokey’ and one inch bigger than the S580e. Despite what they say, this appears to have made all the difference visually between the two. Further visual differentiation is more subtle in comparison to the cost tag they come with. The ‘Maybach’ badges adorn the exterior in chrome alongside other chrome accents such as the oversized front grill, door pillars and air intakes.

Interior

The Maybach enters a league of it’s own in the cabin. The focus truly is centered around ultra luxury user experience which is why the added extras drive the price tag North. For a cool £30,000, one can opt for the MANUFAKTUR package. The focus is to elevate the sensory experience in the cabin with the scent and feel of luxury Nappa leather. Further enhancements include piano black trim with flow lines. This undeniably separates the Maybach from the S-Class. Other elements of the MANUFAKTUR trim include the steering wheel and crystal white roof lining. There are a plethora of other features that come as part of the Maybach luxury experience. These especially benefit the rider. Extra leg room, trim matched pillows, and a champagne holder with glasses to name but a few. Not to mention an abundance of ‘double M’ and Maybach logos in every possible location.

It would be remiss to mention the Maybach interior enhancements are so to an already luxury and well crafted interior of the S-Class. One would still find peeling themselves away from the Nappa leather and poplar wood trim equally as challenging.

You’d be forgiven for having unanswered questions about the price difference of the Maybach and Mercedes S-Class. Ultimately Maybach clientele simply don’t care. The name alone oozes a level of eliteness that justifies the price tag for most. For those looking at exploring both up close, the luxury rental market is an excellent opportunity. At Season Cars you can do just that and at the specifications compared here. Get in touch to experience surpreme luxury with our S580e and Maybach S Class, available for weekday and weekend hire.