2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Overview

It requires a great deal to out-luxe a Mercedes-Benz S-class, but the 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-class manages to carry out just that. This ultra-luxury sedan is actually a worthy rival towards the Bentley Flying Spur along with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and it offers much more high-end attributes than we will checklist. A set of twin-turbo engines are on offer—a V-8 and a V-12—and all models come with all-wheel drive. The stretched body makes it ideal for being chauffeured, especially with the optional reclining and massaging rear seats, which beckon riders to relax and live their best lives. While its rivals have far more curb appeal the Maybach S-class's styling is tame by contrast, allowing it to slip into traffic without drawing too much attention.

What's New for 2022?

A V-12 engine option returns to your Maybach lineup for 2022 in the form of the S680 4Matic sedan. The V-12 engine is rated for 621-hp and is said to propel the big limo to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

With a starting price of around $185,000, the Maybach S580 carries a nearly $25,000 premium over the similarly-posh Maybach GLS600 SUV. The sedan is powered by a 496-hp twin-turbo V-8 with a 48-volt hybrid system. Standard attributes are of course plentiful and include luxurious items such as soft-close doors, an air suspension, a 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreens and much, much extra.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of every S580 sedan can be 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 extra horsepower than the old S560 from 2020, and judging from our brief test drive, it packs quite a punch. The V-12's power rating is the same as the 2020 S650 model and does not benefit from a 48-volt hybrid system. We haven't had a chance to test either model's performance but when we do we'll update this story with driving impressions and test results. 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 presents 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 have not been released. We're looking forward into the day when we can easily test this comfy cruiser; when we do, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and report those test results here. For far 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 capabilities are standard in the Maybach we couldn't possibly record 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.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Like the Benz S-class, the Maybach comes standard with Mercedes's latest MBUX infotainment interface displayed on a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard, and all models also come with an augmented-reality navigation system that displays easy-to-follow video directions on both the infotainment display as well as the car's head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity car blog, 6 USB-C ports, a 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a rear-seat entertainment system are all standard capabilities.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Maybach S-Class offers a portfolio of standard driver-assistance attributes; traditionally the S-class is the model in which Mercedes features its groundbreaking tech capabilities first. For additional information about the S-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety functions include:

•  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Maybach provides solid warranty coverage. It surpasses the protection offered by Bentley.

•  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  No complimentary scheduled maintenance