The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class impresses with numbers

‘Sometimes the numbers say more than a thousand words’, the management believes. 

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines perfection and high-tech solutions with the exclusivity and tradition of Maybach. Since the market launch of Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in 2015, around 60,000 units have been delivered worldwide. In 2019 alone, 12,000 units were sold and sales figures in China were doubled. 

Its 18 centimetre-long wheelbase entirely benefits the rear compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, whilst its Executive Seats as standard and the Chauffeur package makes the rear section become a comfortable working or resting area. They are complemented by exclusive details, such as large areas of trim on the rear of the front seats and between the two rear passengers. 

"With the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, we are emphasising the progressive, modern approach of its exclusive product portfolio shortly before the 100th anniversary of Mercedes-Maybach automobiles," says Dirk Fetzer, head of Mercedes-Maybach product management. “As they did then, today's customers have high expectations of their exclusivity and individuality, elegant design and a first-class standard of finish, all based on the very latest technology. Especially considering comfort, safety and design, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has unique selling features in the hotly contested luxury segment," he added. 

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is a classic three-box saloon, with the distinctive bonnet, a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille in front. This is highly recognisable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips. The wordmark, MAYBACH, is elegantly integrated into the chrome surround of the grille, whilst the Maybach brand logo on the C-pillar emphasises exclusivity. Its rear doors are wider than those of the brother models and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarter light. As a standard, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is equipped with electrically operated comfort rear doors. 

The exclusive appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with a dividing line which is applied by hand to the highest quality standards. This is available as optional equipment, as is the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamp technology. In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. 

The interior: generous space and great comfort

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the new interior design of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console, and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. There are also up to five display screens available. Included by default is a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control centre. Meanwhile, a 12.3-inch 3D driver display with a three-dimensional representation of other road users and pronounced depth and shade effects is available on request. The distinctive look of the driver display in exclusive mode underlines the special status of the Mercedes-Maybach: The surrounds of the dial instruments are in the brand colour rosé gold. 

This colour is also used for the active ambience lighting, i.e. the animated LED light band with intelligent comfort and safety functions. It has two new colour themes for the active ambiance lightning—rosé gold white and amethyst glow. The "Welcome Rear" entry display greets passengers with a special light show. There is also a wide adjustment range between precise working light and relaxing lounge light. 

The infotainment system MBUX is more personal and intuitive

The second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) introduced in 2018 has its debut in the new S-Class. The unique feature of MBUX is its networking with a wide range of vehicle systems and sensor data. Brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The possibilities for personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. 

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also equipped with MBUX Interior Assist in the rear. 

MBUX Interior Assist recognises eye direction, hand gestures, and the body language of the occupants, so as to assist with automatic vehicle functions as the situation requires. The movements and gestures by the rear occupants can be recognised with the help of 3D laser cameras in the roof liner. For example, the belt extender for the outer rear seats automatically offers up the seat belt when MBUX Interior Assist recognises the occupant's intention to reach for the belt by hand movements. The exit warning function has also been extended and is able to register that a rear passenger intends to leave the vehicle. 

Refined engine design for efficient power delivery

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is available with a choice of two engine variants: the S 580 4MATIC, powered by an eight-cylinder petrol engine (M176) with integrated second-generation starter-alternator and 48-volt onboard electrical system; and the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, powered by the familiar V12 (M279), for the first time combined with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The 9G-TRONIC transmission was developed further and adapted for the integrated starter generator (ISG). The electric motor, the power electronics, and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. In conjunction with ISG, it became possible to eliminate the entire two-piece belt drive, as an electric refrigerant compressor is used. This means that even when the engine is not running (start/stop and gliding phases), the interior can be efficiently and comfortably climatised. 

Suspension: comfortable setup with surprising agility

The AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment. Using DYNAMIC SELECT, the driver is able to individually modify the characteristics of the powertrain, ESP®, the suspension and the steering. The selection is made using control at the lower end of the central display. DYNAMIC SELECT has a dedicated MAYBACH driving mode that focuses entirely on ride comfort. 

Rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability in urban areas. This reduces the turning circle by up to two metres. Customers have a choice between two variants: 4.5° and 10° rear-axle steering. Instead of 13.4 metres, the turning circle is then 12.4 or 11.4 metres. 

The optional, fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on a 48 V basis uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead, and smooths out undulations. It also gives additional protection in the event of a lateral collision, as it raises the vehicle level. It can reduce the loads acting on the occupants because it directs the impact forces towards highly resistant structures in the lower area of the vehicle. 

Acoustic comfort: extraordinarily quiet and low in vibrations

The new luxury saloon further enhances the very good noise, vibrations, harshness (NVH performance of the new S-Class generation. The extended NVH measures mainly benefit the rear section. Additional absorbent foam is installed in the area of the rear wheel arches, for example. The additional, fixed quarter lights in the C-pillars have thicker laminated glass, as they are in close proximity to the heads of rear passengers. Noise-optimised tyres with foam absorbers are available depending on wheel size. 

For the first time, the company used the active road noise compensation system.  This reduces unwanted low-frequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. The bass speakers of the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system are used for sound reproduction, as well. 

Safety: even more protection before and during car accidents

Especially in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, particular attention has always been paid to safety in the rear section. During severe frontal collisions, the standard innovative rear airbag can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seat belt wearing occupants on the outer rear seats. In the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, passengers in the rear of a saloon car have the benefit of an automatic belt extender for the first time. It is an indirect invitation to fasten the belt, and also makes the process more convenient. The belt extender is integrated into the adjustable backrest of the executive seat, and therefore always in the right position for the passenger. 

In day-to-day driving, new and extended assistance systems relieve driver stress as the situation requires when adapting the vehicle speed, controlling distance, and lane-changing. This enables the driver to stay alert for longer, and reach the destination more safely and comfortably. When danger threatens, driving assistance systems can respond according to the situation and mitigate the severity of possible collisions, or even avoid them.

The brand: redefining the luxury of the future for 100 years

Mercedes-Maybach is a byword for luxury that constantly reinvents itself. Based on a historically evolved understanding of luxury and superlative quality, Mercedes-Maybach has always redefined the luxury of the future. More than ever before, Mercedes-Maybach now stands for "sophisticated luxury". The brand combines the top-class technology and perfection of Mercedes-Benz with the exclusivity and elegant luxury of MAYBACH. 

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class follows a unique tradition of exclusive prestige models by the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands. Maybach Motorenbau GmbH presented its first automobile at the Berlin Automobile Exhibition in 1921: the Maybach Model W3 with coachwork by Auer in Cannstatt.