Two months after revealing the updated S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has now introduced the significantly enhanced Maybach S-Class facelift. This longer, more opulent version benefits from the same advanced visual and technological upgrades as its S-Class sibling, complemented by expanded customisation possibilities and a pivotal alteration to its powertrain lineup.
Exterior Design Refinements
The Maybach S-Class facelift mirrors the design evolution seen in the standard S-Class, incorporating distinctive Maybach touches that underscore its exclusive positioning. The front grille has been enlarged by 20 percent and is now elegantly framed by LED illumination. Above it, an illuminated Mercedes star adorns the bonnet.
Distinguishing the Maybach are its signature vertical grille slats and an illuminated ‘Maybach’ wordmark positioned above them. The redesigned headlamps feature the latest iteration of Mercedes’ Digital Light ambient lighting, complete with three-pointed star daytime running lights (DRLs).
Subtle yet luxurious rose gold embellishments, featuring the Maybach logo, replace the more technical blue accents found on the standard S-Class. This motif extends to the lower bumper air dams, where a pattern formed by these logos creates the mesh design, a detail also observed on the Maybach GLS and SL models.
Enhanced Proportions and Personalisation
Maintaining its lineage, the Maybach S-Class continues to be 180mm longer than the long-wheelbase S-Class, a difference immediately apparent in its side profile. New forged alloy wheels are available in 20- and 21-inch sizes.
These wheels employ an innovative manufacturing technique that allows for intricate multi-spoke designs. A notable feature is the counterweighted Mercedes logo, engineered to remain upright regardless of the wheel’s rotation. The iconic Maybach logo on the D-pillar is also illuminated, adding a further touch of sophistication.
At the rear, the tail-lamps incorporate the same triple-three-pointed star LED signature as seen on the standard S-Class facelift. Mercedes-Benz has expanded the ‘Manufaktur’ personalisation catalogue, offering a wider array of exterior paint shades and two-tone combinations, catering to the discerning preferences of Maybach clientele.
Interior Luxury and Advanced Technology
The interior of the Maybach S-Class offers an even greater degree of bespoke customisation. Buyers can now opt for more extensive extended leather upholstery, extending to the lower cabin areas, including the footwell.
New colour palettes for the leather are introduced, and in a significant first for Maybach, a leather-free vegan upholstery option with a unique design is now available. This caters to evolving customer preferences while maintaining the brand’s commitment to luxury.
Superscreen and AI Integration
The cabin inherits all the technological advancements from the regular S-Class facelift, most notably the ‘Superscreen’ glass panel that effectively replaces the traditional dashboard. This is enhanced with a unique Maybach graphical theme for all displays, featuring the signature rose gold colour accents.
The specialised Maybach drive mode returns, engineered to provide an even softer suspension setup for unparalleled ride comfort. The AI-driven technological overhaul is also integrated into the Maybach S-Class, featuring an advanced conversational assistant powered by a combination of ChatGPT, Bing, and Gemini.
The vehicle’s entire system, from infotainment screens to safety features and driving dynamics, is managed by the new E&E architecture, comprising four high-performance ‘supercomputers’. This sophisticated integration ensures seamless operation and an elevated user experience.
Rear Seat Experience and Control
While the front cabin receives extensive updates, the rear compartment, the primary domain of a Maybach S-Class occupant, remains as sumptuously appointed as before. The rear seats offer enhanced recline capabilities, tilting up to 43 degrees compared to the S-Class’s 38 degrees.
These seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for ultimate passenger comfort. Convenience is further enhanced with the introduction of two individual ‘smartphone’ remotes, replacing the previous tablet controller for operating various vehicle functions.
Return of the Maybach Night Series
The Maybach Night Series S-Class will be available from launch, offering a distinctively dark aesthetic. This special edition prioritises darker exterior paint shades and interior finishes, including exclusive colour options.
Key to the Night Series is the replacement of traditional chrome elements with dark chrome accents. The wheels are a different set of aero-efficient black units, intricately adorned with numerous Maybach logos, reinforcing the model’s exclusive identity.
Powertrain Options: S 580 and S 680
The S 580 V8 will continue to be a cornerstone of the Maybach range, now presented in an upgraded ‘M177 Evo’ guise. This enhanced V8 engine features a flat-plane crank, delivering an output of 537 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque.
In select markets, an S 580e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant is offered. This model pairs a 3.0-litre inline-six engine with a 163 horsepower electric motor and a 22 kWh battery. The combined system output is 585 horsepower and 750 Nm, with an impressive all-electric range of 98 km.
Top-Spec S 680: V12 or V8 Power
A significant change is designated for the top-specification S 680. Depending on the market, this model will be powered by either a V12 engine or a more potent version of the V8. Markets such as the United States and the UAE are expected to retain the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, which produces 630 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque.
However, for most global markets, including India, the S 680 is likely to feature a 612 horsepower, 850 Nm iteration of the S 580’s 4.0-litre V8 engine. If Mercedes-Benz opts to offer the V12 in a right-hand-drive market overseas, it could potentially be imported into India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU).
Indian Market Launch and Pricing Expectations
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class facelift is anticipated to arrive in India sometime in early 2027, following the launch of the standard S-Class. As is customary, the Maybach S 580 is expected to be assembled in India.
Given the extensive technological upgrades and enhancements, it is projected that the price will see an increase, likely exceeding the Rs 3 crore mark. This positions the updated model to continue its reign as a pinnacle of automotive luxury in the Indian market.