Overview

Ultimate luxury cars such as the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-class offer the world's wealthiest a place to rest their weary heads on the commute between their rooftop helipad and their Hamptons estate. These ultra-high-net-worth individuals can choose between twin-turbo V-8 or V-12 powertrains and indulge in a supremely spacious and superbly posh cabin. Believe it or not, the Maybach's styling is rather subtle compared to flashier entrants in the ultra-luxury category, including the blinged-out Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost. This more subdued look allows the S-class to navigate through traffic without drawing unwanted attention, which is something you want if you're a particularly camera-shy billionaire. The rear seat is the place to be, especially if the S-class is equipped with optional reclining and massaging VIP seats. But Maybach takes care of the chauffeur, too, with fine leather upholstery, a comfortable driving position, and a host of high-tech infotainment features.

What's New for 2023?

Two fashion-forward special editions will be offered on the Maybach S-class for 2023, starting with a limited-edition S680 by Virgil Abloh, which is a tribute to the late fashion designer. He had collaborated with Mercedes-Maybach on concept vehicles in the past, but this production model—which will be limited to just 150 examples—is street ready. The black-and-tan color scheme pays homage to the Project Maybach concept car with cool monoblock wheels rendered in the same tan color. The two-tone theme continues throughout the car's luxurious interior. The second special edition, also limited to just 150 examples, is the Haute Voiture. The Haute Voiture is offered only in S680 form and features a two-tone blue and rose-gold exterior paint with matching monoblock wheels. The cabin is decked out with bouclé upholstery, rose gold accents, linen and mohair floor mats, a patterned headliner, and matching luggage.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of every S580 sedan is a 496-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. Going with the S680 swaps in a 621-hp 6.0-liter V-12. All models will come with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The V-8 makes 33 more horsepower than the old S560 from 2020, and it packs quite a punch. During our testing, the S580 rocketed to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. But that's not really the most impressive thing about the Maybach S-class. During our time with the car, we were impressed with the ride quality and the nearly silent cabin—we recorded an extremely low 64 decibels inside the car while cruising at 70 mph. The V-12 in the S680 is even more impressive and gets the massive Maybach to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds in our testing. An air suspension and an active sound cancellation system are both standard in the new model, which helps the car deliver a silky, ultra-quiet ride; the S-class also offers rear-wheel steering which should help with navigating this big sedan through tight city streets.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the S580 is good for 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; the S680's fuel efficiency estimates are 12 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. When we get the chance, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and report those test results here. For more information about the S-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Maybach S-class has a seven-inch-longer wheelbase than the already-large Benz-branded S-class sedan, which provides even more stretch-out space inside its leather-lined cabin. So many luxury features are standard in the Maybach we couldn't possibly list them all here, but all models will come with exquisite leather on virtually every interior surface; a 64-color interior ambient lighting system; heated and ventilated front seats with massage and four-position memory settings; heated rear seats with power adjustments and massage; an air ionizing system with a signature fragrance; and a panoramic sunroof. For buyers who intend to be chauffeured, Maybach can add the optional Executive Rear Seat Plus package, which includes rear-seat folding tables, an extended center console, additional rear-seat wood trim, and temperature controlled cup holders. Also optional are electrically operated rear doors, a refrigerator, and Maybach-branded champagne flutes.