A new definition of luxury
Since the market launch in 2015, around 60,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have been delivered worldwide. In 2019, with around 12,000 units, more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before. Alongside China, which experienced a double-digit growth rate, the main sales markets in recent years have been Russia, South Korea, the U.S., and Germany. The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is poised to continue this success story. It combines the high-tech solutions of the recently presented Mercedes-Benz flagship model with the exclusivity and tradition of Maybach. The 7-inch longer wheelbase compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear. Thanks to standard Executive Seats, the rear section becomes 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. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2021.
“With the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, we are emphasizing 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 first-class standard of finish, all based on the very latest technology. Especially with respect to comfort, safety, and design, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has unique selling features in the hotly contested luxury segment.”
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (length/width/height: 215.3/75.6/59.4 inches) is a classic three-box sedan. Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive hood with a chrome fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille. This is highly recognizable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips. The word mark MAYBACH is elegantly integrated into the chrome surround of the grille. The rear doors are wider than those of the brother models, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight. Exclusivity is emphasized by the Maybach brand logo on the C-pillar. On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be equipped with electrically operated comfort rear doors and the exclusive appearance can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with dividing line. This is applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria.
The interior: generous space and great comfort in the rear
The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the completely new interior design of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The sculptured look of the dashboard, center console, and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape.
Five display screens are equipped as standard, including a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control center and a 12.3-inch 3D driver display with a three-dimensional representation of other road users and pronounced depth and shade effects.
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 color rose gold.
This color is also used for the active ambient lighting–the animated LED light band with intelligent comfort and safety functions. With rose gold white and amethyst glow, the active ambient lighting now has two new color themes. The “Welcome Rear” entry display welcomes passengers with a special light show. Adaptive rear lighting has its premiere in the Mercedes-Maybach. This follows the wishes of the occupants in several respects: as well as the brightness, the size and position of the light spot can be adjusted. There is also a wide adjustment range between precise working light and relaxing lounge light
There is plenty of classic luxury on board, too: new features include the large areas of trim on the front seats. High- quality wood surrounds encase the rear of the front seat backrests. With the available Executive Rear Seat Plus package, a similarly striking area of trim is positioned between the two rear passengers.
The 7-inch longer wheelbase compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear. A comparative overview of the key dimensions:
| Mercedes-Maybach S- Class (Z 223) | S-Class (V 223) | ||
| Overall length | in | 215.3 | 208.2 |
| Overall width | in | 75.6 (with seamless door handles) | 76.9/75.6 (with seamless door handles) |
| Overall height | in | 59.4 | 59.2 |
| Wheelbase | in | 133.7 | 126.6 |
A clear indication that the owner of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will typically be found seated in the rear are the standard-fit Executive seats on the left and right. The occupant is able to adjust the seat surface and backrest of the Executive seat independently. Using the footrest on the front seat and the electrically extending legrest creates a continuous, comfortable reclining surface for a pleasant sleeping position. The adjustment travel of the legrest has been extended by approximately 2 inches compared to the preceding series. The massage function of the calfrest and neck/shoulder heating in the rear are additional new comfort features.
The infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is even more personal and intuitive to use.
The second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), first introduced in 2018, debuted 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, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive.
Refined engine design for efficient power delivery
The engine of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comes from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and is in part electrically assisted. Electrification is by an integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). This provides a boost of up to 21 hp, facilitates efficient “gliding” when driving at constant speed, makes the start/stop experience even more comfortable and the drive system more efficient overall. All-wheel drive is always standard equipment.
The 9G-TRONIC transmission was developed further and adapted for the ISG. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. In conjunction with ISG it was 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 climatized.
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 a control at the lower end of the central display. DYNAMIC SELECT has a dedicated MAYBACH driving mode, which focuses entirely on ride comfort.
Standard rear-axle steering improves maneuverability in dense city traffic. This reduces the turning circle by up to 7 feet (almost two meters). Customers have a choice between two variants depending on the wheel selection: 4.5° and 10° rear-axle steering. Instead of 43 feet (13.1 meters), the turning circle is then 40 or 36.7 feet (12.2 or 11.2 meters).
The fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension (optionally available next year) 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 particularly resistant structures in the lower area of the vehicle.
Acoustic comfort: extraordinarily quiet and low in vibrations
The new luxury sedan further improves the exemplary NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance of the new S-Class generation. The extended NVH measures mainly benefit the rear section. For example, additional absorbent foam is installed in the area of the rear wheel arches. The additional, fixed triangle windows in the C-pillars have thicker laminated glass, as they are in close proximity to the heads of rear passengers. Noise-optimized tires with foam absorbers are available on request.
Active road noise compensation is used by the company for the first time. The system 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.
Safety: more protection before and during accidents
Especially in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, particular attention has always been paid to rear passenger safety. During severe frontal collisions, the innovative rear airbag included as standard 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 sedan 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, steering and changing lanes. This enables the driver to stay alert for longer, and reach the destination more safely and comfortably. When danger threatens, driver assistance systems can respond according to the situation and mitigate the severity of possible collisions, or even avoid them.
The brand: defining the luxury of the future for 100 years
Mercedes-Maybach is a byword for luxury that constantly reinvents itself. On the basis of 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 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.
In 1930, the Mercedes-Benz 770 “Grand Mercedes” (W 07) was presented, and in 1938 this was replaced by the W 150- series model of the same name. In the 1950s the brand made a comeback in the luxury segment with the Mercedes- Benz 300 (W 186 and W 189). The next high-prestige model arrived in 1963, with the Mercedes-Benz 600 (W 100). The luxurious Pullman Limousines of the S-Class 140 series (presented in September 1995) and 220 series (from 2000) continued this tradition into the new millennium.
In 2002, the then DaimlerChrysler AG revitalized one of Germany’s most exclusive automobile brands with the Maybach luxury sedans of the 240 series. And in 2014 the S-Class of today’s Mercedes-Maybach brand celebrated its premiere with the 222 series. This set new standards with the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman (2015) and the S 600 Pullman Guard (2016).
Interesting facts & figures
Sometimes numbers say more than a thousand words.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a 7-inch longer wheelbase than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 133.7 compared to 126.6 inches.
The active ambient lighting has a total of 253 LEDs.
The counter-phased audio signals of the active road noise compensation must reach the human ear within around three milliseconds to overlay the road noise generated by the vehicle.
The temperature of the optional refrigeration compartment in the rear armrest is adjustable from +33.8°F to +44.6 °F.
In the chauffeur position, the backrest of the front passenger seat can be tilted forward by 23° beyond the 90° position. The longitudinal and height adjustment of the seat creates more legroom in the rear.
The maximum backrest angle of the Executive Seats is 43.5 degrees. The most upright backrest position of 19 degrees allows relaxed working in the rear.
Since its market launch in 2015, more than 60,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Sedan have been delivered worldwide. In recent years, around 600 units per month went to China alone, and in 2019 the average even exceeded 700 units per month.
Painstaking application of the optional two-tone paint finish in the special paint shop can take up to 1 week.
When fully equipped with PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side and the beltbags, the interior of the Mercedes-Maybach has a total of 18 airbags.
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