Updated Mercedes-Maybach S-Class revealed with new tech, engines and more luxury
The facelifted Maybach S-Class brings a larger grille, new V8 and six-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid tech, leather-free interior options and Mercedes' latest MB.OS software onboard.
Rob Leigh
Mercedes-Maybach has unveiled the most significant update in the S-Class's history, with the revised luxury limousine going on sale in Europe from today, March 25. Australian pricing and timing haven't been confirmed, though local arrival is expected in late 2026 or early 2027, and yes - the V12 is coming here.
The exterior gets a 20 per cent larger illuminated grille, rose gold headlight accents, and a new party trick: forged alloy wheels with a floating Mercedes-Benz star badge that stays upright via a precision ball-bearing mechanism regardless of wheel rotation.
Powertrain lineup
- S580 - 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 395kW/750Nm + 17kW/205Nm mild-hybrid assist, ~11L/100km
- S680 (Europe) - same V8 in higher tune, 450kW/850Nm + mild-hybrid, ~11L/100km
- S580e - 3.0-litre turbo inline-six plug-in hybrid, 430kW combined, ~3.0L/100km, up to 100km electric range
- S680 V12 (selected markets including Australia) - 6.0-litre twin-turbo, 463kW/900Nm
The big tech story is the debut of Mercedes' MB.OS operating system in a Maybach for the first time. It powers the fourth-generation MBUX interface, including a Superscreen up front that spans driver, central and passenger displays under a single glass panel. Rear passengers get 13.1-inch seatback screens and handheld remote controls. An AI-powered virtual assistant integrates with ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini.
Inside, the cabin gets a revised centre console with secure holders for the signature silver-plated Robbe and Berking champagne flutes and a 10-litre cooler behind the rear armrest. New open-pore timber trims and a fresh "Beech brown" colour join the options list. There's also a leather-free interior option for the first time, using a linen and recycled polyester textile called Mirville.
The MANUFAKTUR personalisation program spans over 150 exterior colours and 400 interior combinations, with a Made to Measure tier for fully bespoke requests including custom embroidery and historic Mercedes and Maybach paint codes.
New AIRMATIC air suspension uses real-time road data from other Mercedes vehicles via the cloud to pre-emptively adjust damping before hitting bumps.
For Australian buyers, specific pricing and the final model lineup won't be confirmed until closer to local launch. If the current model's pricing is any guide, expect the range to start north of $400,000.
This is the most technically capable and visually assertive Maybach S-Class yet, and with the V12 confirmed for Australia, there's a clear play for the Rolls-Royce crowd.
