Classic cocktails are back in vogue worldwide, reimagined with artisanal flair. So, why shouldn’t timeless sedans make a similar return?
For its latest Maybach creations, Mercedes-Benz has revisited its heritage, drawing inspiration from its early V-12 engines that once powered Count von Zeppelin’s airships and later, the opulent Maybach automobiles produced between 1921 and 1940. These massive V-12s, with displacements of up to 23 litres, also powered Germany’s Panzer and Tiger tanks during World War II, before the Maybach name faded into obscurity for decades.
Although Maybach may never achieve the same cachet as Rolls-Royce or Bentley—two British marques that endured wars and economic downturns to remain status symbols for the world’s elite—it still holds a special place for those who admire German precision in luxury sedans. For such buyers, the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S-Class offers the same grandeur at a fraction of the price of its British competitors.
The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S580 4Matic might lack the aristocratic aura of its British peers, yet it pampers its passengers with equal indulgence. It stretches the wheelbase by 7.1 inches over the standard S-Class and introduces cutting-edge features that surpass many rivals. Highlights include an advanced augmented reality navigation system and an Airmatic suspension that uses Car-to-X data from other Mercedes vehicles to adjust damping ahead of road imperfections.
The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach represents the most sumptuous iteration of the latest S-Class, itself boasting the most comprehensive mid-cycle update in the model’s history, encompassing around 2700 new or revised components. Distinctive illuminated elements adorn the 20% larger grille with Maybach etching, as well as the C-pillar emblems and optional Mercedes hood ornament. The headlamps incorporate twin Mercedes stars and rose gold accents, further elevating its aesthetic.
Borrowing a trick from Rolls-Royce, the self-leveling wheel caps keep the Mercedes star perfectly upright even when the car is moving. Buyers can select from 20- or 21-inch multispoke forged wheels, or opt for the monoblock design that many consider more elegant. The optional Night Series wheel from Mercedes’s Manufaktur division is perhaps the most flamboyant design on offer, adorned with multiple luxury insignias. Mercedes, however, maintains that there’s beauty in diversity.
Inside, the MBUX Superscreen stretches across the cabin, merging a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster with rose-gold accents, a 14.4-inch central infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen—all powered by the latest MB.OS operating system.
While the clear sensor panel on the grille and camera housings below the A-pillars slightly disrupt the sleek design, they serve a vital role. Once activated later this year, these sensors will support MB.Drive Assist Pro, a semi-autonomous driving system rivaling Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature. Though drivers must keep hands on the wheel, the Maybach will handle much of the drive itself.
Specifications
Powertrain: 3982 cc twin-turbocharged V8 with integrated electric starter generator
Power: 530 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
0–60 mph: 4.3 seconds (manufacturer claim)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Weight: To be confirmed
EPA Fuel Economy: To be confirmed
Driving Experience
The media drive took place at a helipad near the Côte d’Azur, where a fleet of 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S580s awaited. The brand’s signature two-tone paintwork—applied entirely by hand over a five-day period—adds an unmistakable presence. Buyers can choose from an incredible 150 exterior paints and 400 interior colours, with additional customisation through Manufaktur’s Made to Measure programme. The test car featured a striking Lake Green interior with open-pore pinstriped oak trim.
Although many assume Maybach owners are chauffeured, Mercedes notes that a significant number of U.S. buyers prefer to both drive and be driven. Behind the wheel, the S580 delivers a serene yet engaging experience. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, designed with a flat-crank, Miller-cycle layout for efficiency, produces 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque—34 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the 2026 version. A balance shaft setup ensures smooth operation, while the V12-powered S680 continues with 621 hp and 664 lb-ft.
Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a curb weight of around 5300 pounds, the S580 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The brakes are powerful yet tuned for gentle engagement, while the steering feels precise and fluid, perfectly suited for a luxury sedan of this calibre.
On the winding mountain roads above the Mediterranean, the adaptive dampers transformed the car’s behaviour in Sport mode, tightening body control without sacrificing ride comfort. Even at high speeds, the car remained composed. The optional rear-axle steering greatly improved manoeuvrability, offering an impressively tight turning radius for a nearly 18-foot-long vehicle.
The new Maybach driving mode enhances comfort even further, delivering a floaty, cloud-like ride reminiscent of classic luxury sedans but with modern body control. Rear passengers, in particular, will appreciate its tranquil refinement.
Living with the Maybach
Compared to the standard S-Class, the Maybach offers superior sound insulation, further enhanced by an optional 31-speaker Burmester 4D system with vibrating seat exciters—though many may prefer the actual massage function. The MB.OS platform integrates seamlessly with MBUX, which now uses AI inputs from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini to assist with tasks, though it still struggles with complex queries.
Front occupants can enjoy ambient experiences such as virtual fireplaces, aquariums, or forest scenes, paired with mood lighting and fragrance diffusion. However, the true luxury lies in the rear cabin. The optional Executive Rear Seat Package Plus converts the car into a four-seater, offering reclining lounge-style chairs with fold-out tables and integrated 13.1-inch touchscreens. Rear passengers also enjoy 47.2 inches of legroom, leather cushions, and motorised doors that can be operated in seven ways.
Video conferencing via Microsoft Teams is supported through integrated cameras, while a pair of premium headphones ensures privacy. The only ergonomic shortcoming is the absence of a dedicated volume knob on the remote, requiring on-screen adjustment.
Pricing and Verdict
Despite its exclusivity, the Maybach shares the same Sindelfingen production line as the regular S-Class, keeping prices comparatively reasonable. The 2026 Maybach S580 starts at $208,600, while the S680 with its V12 begins at $245,850. The standard S-Class starts from $132,000. Expect the 2027 models, launching late this summer, to follow a similar pricing structure.
Given the roughly 60% premium over the base S-Class, the Maybach S580 remains an attainable entry into the world of ultra-luxury sedans. Critics might argue that true connoisseurs should upgrade to the V12, but the V8 already delivers outstanding refinement and surprising efficiency, with highway mileage that can exceed 30 mpg.
Ultimately, whether you choose the V8 or V12, the Maybach S580 represents a compelling mix of craftsmanship, technology, and comfort. It offers the grandeur of a Rolls-Royce Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur at a significantly lower cost, with the reliability and innovation expected from Mercedes-Benz.
Highlights
We Love:
• A revival of true luxury sedan elegance.
• Innovative Mercedes technology.
• Lavish interior with serene refinement and powerful V8.
We Don’t:
• Brand identity still lacks clarity.
• 4D seat vibration feels gimmicky.
• Some switchgear feels less premium than expected.
Favourite Detail:
The rear champagne chiller—priced at $1100 in the 2026 model—remains a highlight. It includes holders designed to secure silver-plated flutes from Robbe & Berking, ensuring no spills even on the move. Whether chilling Krug or Capri-Sun, it’s a signature touch that encapsulates the Maybach’s spirit of indulgent luxury.
