Although Mercedes-Benz South Africa has just launched the facelifted S-Class range in South Africa, Mercedes-Maybach has decided to 'further' facelift the luxury limousine, and has recently unveiled it at the Geneva International Motor Show.
The refreshed Maybach S-Class differentiates itself from the standard sedan with a new grill that uses chromed vertical slats - first seen on the Vision Mercedes‑Maybach 6 concept - instead of the standard horizontal ones, and a discreet emblem embedded into the top part of the grill.
Maybach also added a two-tone paint job to the options list. It’s offered in nine color combinations. New-look 20-inch wheels (as seen on the AMG S65) and two additional interior colour combinations round out the list of aesthetic changes for the new Maybach.
The S560 carries on with a biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 345kw/700nm, while the S650 retains its twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 that makes 463kw/1000nm.
Also worth a look: the Latest Mercedes-Benz S Class ushers a new standard in luxury and the Mercedes-Maybach introduce new models to celebrate 100-year .
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Maybach S560 starts from around R2,800,000 while the flagship S650 will set you back approximately R3,500,000, making it one of the priciest luxury saloons you can buy locally.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class worth buying over a regular S-Class?
If you've got the extra R1,000,000 lying around and want the ultimate in luxury bragging rights, then yes, the Maybach's extended wheelbase, premium materials and exclusivity justify the premium over the standard S-Class.
Q: What's the difference between the Maybach S560 and S650?
The S560 uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 345kW/700Nm, while the S650 gets the mighty 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 pumping out 463kW/1000Nm, plus you'll pay about R700,000 more for the V12 privilege.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class?
The S560 hits 100kph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 250kph, while the S650 does the sprint in just 4.6 seconds, which is seriously quick for a luxury barge weighing over 2,300kg.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in South Africa?
Your main alternatives are the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost, though the Maybach sits somewhere between the Germans and the ultra-luxury British brands in terms of pricing and prestige.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is absolutely worth buying if you're a captain of industry with R3,000,000 to spend on the ultimate executive express. This isn't just a car, it's a rolling boardroom that commands respect at every robot and makes the standard S-Class look almost ordinary. The S560 at R2,800,000 offers incredible luxury and performance, but if you're already spending this much, stretch to the S650 for that glorious V12 soundtrack and bragging rights. Yes, you could buy a house in some suburbs for the same money, but none of those houses will chauffeur you to meetings while massaging your back. The best ultra-luxury saloon under R4,000,000 in SA is definitely the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and it's the obvious choice for bosses who've truly made it.
