2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed - Pushes Further Into Ultra-Luxury Territory

Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 14:03 [IST]

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class for the luxury customer, for whom the "regular" Mercedes S-Class feels a bit too understated.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the recently facelifted S-Class, and like its "regular" sibling, the Maybach brings a host of design tweaks to the exterior and major interior upgrades.

2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class - Design & Features

The overall shape of the Maybach S-Class is familiar, with the long-wheelbase proportions and formal stance unchanged, but the detailing has been reworked. The chrome pinstripe grille grows by 20 per cent and now gets an illuminated surround with Maybach lettering, making it more conspicuous in all lighting conditions.

The upright three-pointed star on the S-Class can now be illuminated, as can the Maybach emblem on the C-pillar. The updated headlights feature embedded three-pointed star elements and are detailed with rose gold accents. A chrome fin along the centre of the bonnet visually extends the car's length. New wheel options are offered, including 20-inch polished forged alloys with a centre cap that remains upright while driving.

Getting into the cabin of the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be triggered by either pulling the door handle or pressing a button. And when the rear doors open, the Maybach logo is projected onto the ground as occupants step inside the luxury barge.

Inside, the enormous Maybach S-Class features extensive use of leather, wood trim, ambient lighting and a dense layer of technology. The main update to the cabin comes in the form of the new 'Superscreen' layout, which combines a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display under a single glass panel, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The centre console, too, has been reworked and now includes dual wireless charging pads.

Rear seat comfort remains the core priority of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The two large individual seats, which recline to an almost flat position, remind you of those in first class and are paired with generous legroom. The revised rear centre console integrates detachable touchscreen remotes and holders for optional silver-plated champagne flutes. A 10-litre refrigerated compartment sits behind the armrest and can store multiple bottles, or be removed to free up additional storage alongside the 480-litre boot.

Rear passengers also get 13.1-inch displays mounted on the front seatbacks, each with integrated HD cameras for video calls. All displays on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class run the latest MBUX infotainment system, which uses an AI-based virtual assistant integrating ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini for voice interaction.

The Manufaktur Made to Measure programme for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class expands personalisation, offering a wide selection of leather, stitching, embroidery and bespoke finishes. Buyers can choose from over 150 exterior paint options, along with a leather-free interior option for the first time. There is a 'Stormy Grey' theme uses a synthetic alternative to leather paired with a linen and recycled polyester textile, finished with white piping and diamond-pattern stitching.

2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class - Powertrains

Mechanically, the philosophy remains unchanged. The Maybach is engineered to prioritise ride quality and refinement, with power delivery tuned for smoothness. And despite tightening emission norms, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has managed to retain its 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 for the S 680 variant. The venerated M 279 produces 603bhp, which is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed gearbox.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 features a mild hybrid 4.0-litre V8 setup, in countries where stricter emission norms have ensured the V12 had to be ditched. The V8 engine pushes out 603bhp and 850Nm of peak torque and is aided by an electric motor that adds another 23bhp and 205Nm of torque. Power is again sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed gearbox.

The S 580 is offered with a similar 4.0-litre V8 mild-hybrid setup. The V8 cranks out 530bhp and 750Nm of peak torque, while the motor adds 23bhp and 205Nm. The plug-in hybrid S 580 e with EQ Technology ditches the V8 for a plug-in hybrid V6 setup that also allows for 100km of pure electric range.