Princely luxury in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: V8 hybrid for Europe, V12 for Asia and America

The S-Class is actually already the synonym for luxurious travel. If that isn't enough for you, you can also opt for Maybach with the updated S-Class. Here there is even more luxury, more status and many new details. And if the noble S-Class still isn't enough for you, you'll soon get a Maybach-VLS!

20 percent more 'grill'

The front view of the new Maybach generation probably makes the biggest difference in the new S-Class. The grille, now stylishly illuminated and 20 percent larger, ensures a more than stately appearance as the new Maybach S-Class rolls up the driveway. If desired, the Mercedes star, the Maybach script in the grille frame, and the Maybach emblem on the C-pillar can also be subtly illuminated — details that make the noble difference in the new S-Class. That also applies to the LED headlights, inside which there are not only two Mercedes stars, but also appliques in rose gold. One detail Mercedes has now borrowed from Rolls-Royce. The 21-inch alloy wheels forged in silver now receive a centrally aligned star that always stays upright. An integrated ball bearing makes it possible to suppress all rotation tendencies.

V12 for Asia and America

The iconic twelve-cylinder of the S 680 remains the softly purring flagship – but not anymore in Europe, for here the V12 in the Maybach is for now history. All the more surprising, after core competitor Rolls-Royce recently emphasized that it intends to stick with its twelve-cylinder engines for the time being and not rely solely on electric propulsion. The V12 engine is offered by Mercedes in the Maybach S-Class on the main markets in Asia, the USA or United Arab Emirates, but a region like Europe must content itself with hybrid six- and eight-cylinder engines.

Here, the top model is still called the Maybach S 680, but it is powered by the turbocharged V8 delivering 450 kW / 612 PS / 850 Nm, whose mild-hybrid technology adds a further 17 kW / 205 Nm. In Europe, the Maybach S 580 with the new V8 delivering 395 kW / 537 PS / 750 Nm is probably the main engine, whereas in Asia the exclusive Maybach version is particularly popular, especially with the base six-cylinder. There is now also a hybrid S 580e in Europe, where it can travel up to 100 kilometers on purely electric power.