2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

As if the regular S-Class wasn’t posh enough, Mercedes-Benz also produces the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, a pair of sumptuous sedans taking luxury to a higher echelon. They aren’t badged as such, but the only S-Class models imported to the United States are long-wheelbase examples. In the Maybach models, this wheelbase is stretched by 7.1 inches for maximum rear passenger space — because that’s where most owners spend their time. Then these cars are given fabulous engines, including a Maybach-exclusive V12 and a host of incredibly luxurious features.

Having launched for the 2021 model year, the Maybach S-Class also has plenty of up-to-the-minute technology, including advanced safety equipment. We’re unlikely to see many examples outside moneyed areas like Beverly Hills, South Beach, Silicon Valley, or between Manhattan and the Hamptons. Still, the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class could be ideal for those fortunate few.

A center airbag between the front seats and a digital key have become standard equipment. The satellite radio subscription is extended to three years. New exterior metallic paint choices are Sonoran Brown and Verde Silver. The Manufaktur personalization program now offers two-tone finishes of Moonlight Metallic/Verde Silver and Sonoran Brown/Obsidian Black Metallic.

There’s also an exclusive limited edition for buyers in the United States — the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Edition Nordic Glow. Only 50 examples will be made, starting at $340,150, and include virtually every plush feature the Maybach can offer, including hand-stitched Nappa leather, executive rear seating, and special two-tone exterior paintwork.

None of the usual S-Class rivals, like the BMW 7 Series or Audi A8, have anything quite as regal as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Which puts this conveyance above those contenders price-wise. But here’s an interesting twist, the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is priced competitively against the Bentley Flying Spur, and something of a bargain compared with the Rolls-Royce Ghost while still offering many ultra-luxury features like a chiller compartment and champagne flutes.

The Maybach S 580 4Matic has a perfectly appropriate 496 horsepower, which is enough to propel this substantial car from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Go for the 612-hp S 680 4Matic, and 60 mph will come up 0.3 of a second sooner. Impressively quick speeds, regardless of vehicle size.

True to its high-class reason for being, the Maybach S-Class rides smoothly on an adaptive air suspension. Rear-wheel steering is also standard, which is a boon in tight city streets as well as providing effective cornering abilities.

Fuel Economy

This aspect probably won’t keep Maybach S-Class owners awake at night, but it’s good to know everything before going in. Both Maybach models achieve 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Thinking about it, we find this completely acceptable for a large luxury vehicle.

Professional basketball players, take note. Because the Maybach S-Class is even longer than its regular stablemate, that translates to lots of rear legroom. If Shaq can fit in this car, you probably will too.

Once those soft-closing doors have performed their subtle action, Maybach occupants will sink into super-comfortable seats covered in fine leather, and generally relish being cut off from the awful outside world thanks to a cocoon of profound luxury. Massaging seats are standard in both rows, and the rear seats have a neck-heating function. Rear passengers also have a tablet to control the infotainment system, as well as their own wireless charger. We could go on, but you get the idea.

The overall exterior design of the S-Class conveys elegance, authority, and prestige. The Maybach version pushes that expensive envelope even further with its own grille design, bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels, plus chrome for the window surrounds and B-pillars. The whole effect adds up to a greater presence.

A distinct Maybach option is the two-tone color scheme. This year, Mercedes-Benz adds Moonlight Metallic/Verde Silver and Sonoran Brown/Obsidian Black Metallic to the list of choices. The Night Series design package offered with Maybach models involves a lot of gray and black.

Burmester surround-sound
We think Burmester makes some of the best automotive sound systems, and the standard setup in the Maybach S-Class is among the best Burmester has to offer. It comprises 31 speakers handling 1,750 watts, plus Dolby Atmos for an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience.

Active Parking Assist
This feature is part of the standard equipment inventory. It steers the Maybach S-Class into and out of parallel or perpendicular spaces, taking care of gears and brakes as well. For a car of the Maybach’s size, we would welcome this whenever we drove into the city.

Driver assistance features
We find it reassuring that Maybach S-Class models come standard with a whole array of advanced safety features like evasive steering assistance, cross-traffic functions, adaptive cruise control, and a dashcam.

Executive Rear Seat Package Plus
This option turns the Maybach into a 4-seater, adding folding tables in the back, plus heated and cooled cupholders.

Cheers
They’re both individual options, but Maybach buyers can order a small refrigerator for the rear of the cabin, plus a pair of special Maybach silver-plated champagne flutes with a special compartment.

V12 engine
A V12 has always been special and is even rarer these days. It can be yours if you choose the Maybach S 680 version. It sounds awesome and provides serious thrust.

The Maybach S 580 employs a 4.0-liter V8 turbocharged to produce 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This is augmented by a mild hybrid system, whose electric motor enables smooth operation of the fuel-saving engine stop/restart function and provides brief boosts of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. An electrical compressor is also part of the setup. It’s like a supercharger, working in tandem with the turbochargers. This system also powers the optional E-Active Body Control hydro-pneumatic suspension. It’s typical of Mercedes-Benz to corral technology in the pursuit of comfort and refinement.

The S 680 Maybach employs a fabulous twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 developing 612 hp and 665 lb-ft of torque.

Both cars have a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), known as 4Matic, as standard.

The regular S-Class lineup and the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance each have separate reviews.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-car and powertrain warranty on a 2025 Maybach S-Class lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Roadside assistance is included. This is the usual arrangement in the luxury sector.

Safety Ratings

The S-Class hasn’t been crash-tested by any independent agencies. That’s common for such high-end vehicles, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Mercedes-Benz packs its flagship sedan with an array of comprehensive and often innovative standard safety features, such as the special windshield wiper system that doesn’t mess up vision with indiscriminate splashing all over the glass.