2023 Mercedes Maybach S680: Luxury, Performance, and Elegance Unveiled

2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Starting at $194.550

Highs Hedonistic luxury, smooth-running turbocharged engines, peerless ride quality.
Lows Subdued styling isn't as flashy as rivals, steep pricing, gas-guzzling powertrains.
Verdict Designed to pamper passengers in every way possible, the ultimate S-class is a rolling alcove of uncompromised comfort.

Overview

Ultimate luxury cars such as the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-class offer the world's wealthiest a place to rest their weary heads on the commute between their rooftop helipad and their Hamptons estate. These ultra-high-net-worth individuals can choose between twin-turbo V-8 or V-12 powertrains and indulge in a supremely spacious and superbly posh cabin. Believe it or not, the Maybach's styling is rather subtle compared to flashier entrants in the ultra-luxury category, including the blinged-out Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost. This more subdued look allows the S-class to navigate through traffic without drawing unwanted attention, which is something you want if you're a particularly camera-shy billionaire. The rear seat is the place to be, especially if the S-class is equipped with optional reclining and massaging VIP seats. But Maybach takes care of the chauffeur, too, with fine leather upholstery, a comfortable driving position, and a host of high-tech infotainment features.

What's New for 2023?

Two fashion-forward special editions will be offered on the Maybach S-class for 2023, starting with a limited-edition S680 by Virgil Abloh, which is a tribute to the late fashion designer. He had collaborated with Mercedes-Maybach on concept vehicles in the past, but this production model—which will be limited to just 150 examples—is street ready. The black-and-tan color scheme pays homage to the Project Maybach concept car with cool monoblock wheels rendered in the same tan color. The two-tone theme continues throughout the car's luxurious interior. The second special edition, also limited to just 150 examples, is the Haute Voiture. The Haute Voiture is offered only in S680 form and features a two-tone blue and rose-gold exterior paint with matching monoblock wheels. The cabin is decked out with bouclé upholstery, rose gold accents, linen and mohair floor mats, a patterned headliner, and matching luggage.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
S580 4Matic: $194,550
S680 4Matic: $230,150
S680 by Virgil Abloh: $250,000 (est)
S680 Haute Voiture: $350,000 (est)

If you're gonna go with a Maybach version of the S-class, you might as well go big and get the S680 and its powerful V-12 engine. Standard features are of course plentiful and include luxury 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 more.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of every S580 sedan is 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 more horsepower than the old S560 from 2020, and it packs quite a punch. During our testing, the S580 rocketed to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. But that's not really the most impressive thing about the Maybach S-class. During our time with the car, we were impressed with the ride quality and the nearly silent cabin—we recorded an extremely low 64 decibels inside the car while cruising at 70 mph. The V-12's power rating is the same as the 2020 S650 model and does not benefit from a 48-volt hybrid system, but we haven't had a chance to test the new one yet. 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 offers rear-wheel steering which should help with navigating this big sedan through tight city streets.

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