“Make sure you have a good place to put it (garage), and safe area. It is a LONG vehicle, so be sure to look for longer parking spots. You will be noticed - make sure you're prepared for the attention.”
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class is a stretched, passenger-first version of the S-Class luxury sedan, known for exceptional rear-seat space, quietness, and ride comfort. It combines a handcrafted cabin with effortless V8 or V12 power and, in the current generation, all-wheel drive.
Since its 2016 U.S. debut, the Maybach S-Class has put rear passengers at the center of the experience. Its longer wheelbase, executive seating, added sound insulation, and comfort-focused suspension make it suited to being chauffeured, though it remains powerful and composed from the driver’s seat. Newer generations have added more cabin technology and driver assistance without changing that passenger-first character.
Strengths
- The rear cabin is the centerpiece, with 49.1 inches of rear legroom in 2026.
- Its stretched body, added sound insulation, and comfort-focused suspension create a quiet, relaxed ride.
- The executive rear seating and handcrafted cabin details make it especially well suited to chauffeur-driven travel.
- Both 2026 trims have all-wheel drive, giving their substantial power more confident traction in poor weather.
- The lineup preserves a rare V12 option while offering a mild-hybrid V8 as the more restrained alternative.
Who it's for
It best fits someone who wants first-class road travel and expects to spend meaningful time in the back seat, whether with a chauffeur or while sharing driving duties. It also suits buyers drawn to a traditional luxury sedan and the uncommon character of a V8 or V12 rather than an SUV.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class lineup
In the current generation, the S 580 4MATIC is the more restrained choice, pairing a mild-hybrid V8 with all-wheel drive while preserving the same passenger-first layout. Pick it when the Maybach cabin and ride matter more than having the top engine. Step up to the S 680 4MATIC for the rarer, more powerful V12; since 2022, it has also paired that engine with all-wheel drive. Limited S 680 collector editions occasionally add exclusivity, but they do not change the core two-trim structure.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class generations
From 2016 to 2026, the Maybach S-Class spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — Z223 arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation — X222 (2016–2020).
2nd Generation — Z223 (2021–2026)
This redesign moved the Maybach S-Class to the Z223 platform with a longer body, more rear-seat space, a mild-hybrid V8, new touchscreen technology, rear-wheel steering, and upgraded driver assistance. The V12-powered S 680 joined the US range for 2022.
0 In Stock
2026
A 25-unit S 680 special edition joined the US range. The regular S 580 and S 680 carried over without significant changes.
2025
A limited 50-unit S 680 special edition joined the US range, and Digital Vehicle Key became standard on the regular S 580 and S 680.
2024
The S 580 and S 680 carried over without significant changes.
2023
Two limited-production S 680 collector editions joined the range. The regular S 580 and S 680 were otherwise unchanged.
2022Trim changes
The S 680 joined the US range with a twin-turbo V12, nine-speed automatic, and AWD.
2021New generation
The redesigned Z223 generation arrived with a longer body, mild-hybrid V8, new touchscreen system, rear-wheel steering, and upgraded cabin and safety technology.
1st Generation — X222 (2016–2020)
The first Mercedes-Maybach S-Class used a stretched S-Class body with extra rear-seat room, added sound insulation, reclining rear seats, and a V12 at launch. A 2018 mid-cycle update revised the styling, cabin controls, comfort features, driver assistance, model names, and engines.
2 In Stock2020
A 15-unit, US-only S 650 Night Edition joined an otherwise unchanged two-model range.
2019
Both models received a Maybach-specific grille with fine vertical bars. The powertrains and cabin technology carried over.
2018Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling and lighting arrived with updated cabin controls, new comfort programs, broader driver assistance, new S 560 and S 650 names, and revised engines.
2017Trim changes
The S 550 joined the US range with a twin-turbo V8, nine-speed automatic, and AWD. The V12-powered S 600 carried over.
2016New generation
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched in the US as the stretched, V12-powered S 600 with a rear-seat-focused cabin.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class.
2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2022 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2019 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2018 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2017 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class just a regular S-Class with nicer trim?
No. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a stretched body and substantially more rear-seat space than the regular S-Class. It is built around a quieter ride, reclining rear seats, handcrafted cabin details and passenger comfort.
Does the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class come in any body style besides a sedan?
No. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class covered here is a four-door luxury sedan. Its extra-long wheelbase is designed to create limousine-like room for rear passengers.
What is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class known for?
It is known for exceptional rear-seat space, a quiet cabin and a very smooth ride. Reclining rear seats, high-end audio and strong V8 or V12 power reinforce its passenger-first character.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class a good car for a chauffeur?
Yes. The stretched rear cabin, power-reclining seats and comfort-focused suspension make it especially well suited to chauffeur-driven travel. It still provides strong performance and extensive driver assistance for the person behind the wheel.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class a hybrid?
The newer S 580 is a mild hybrid, using electric assistance with its twin-turbo V8. It does not plug in. The S 680 uses a conventional twin-turbo V12, while earlier Maybach S-Class models used gas engines without the S 580's mild-hybrid system.
Does every Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have all-wheel drive?
No. Newer S 580 and S 680 models have all-wheel drive, as did the earlier S 550 and S 560 V8 models. The older S 600 and S 650 V12 sedans used rear-wheel drive.
How many generations of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are there?
There are two US generations in this range. The first-generation X222 ran from 2016 through 2020. The redesigned Z223 arrived for 2021 with a longer cabin, a mild-hybrid V8, newer touchscreen technology and upgraded driver assistance.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class.
4.5
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class
(49 reviews)
“Currently in shop. Less than 250 miles. Does not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.”
“Avoid vehicles that copy TESLA horrible touch screen, which doesn't work well and is distracting.”
“The vehicle is a luxury vehicle with lots of leg room in both the front and rear, a comfortable ride and a quiet ride, lots of technology - a beautiful car, albeit pricey and basically a Mercedes S Class with more technology, luxury and an extension to the Mercedes S Class”
“This is a car of dreams!!! It is the most luxurious and innovative car I have ever seen. I'm in love with this car (and I don't fall in love with cars...)”
“Takes time to learn personalization of preferences to vehicle. Computer does not hold preferences well.”