2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560

The Mercedes-Maybach S560 builds on the Mercedes-Benz of the same name with more space for the rear passengers, a nearly endless list of luxury and tech features, and a more upscale design.

It's the entry-level model in the Maybach lineup. Buyers who want the most opulent S-Class to date should step up to the S650.

Overview

Maybach retained a low-key appearance when transforming the S-Class into an even more luxurious model. On-lookers with a well-trained eye will notice the S560 receive a brand-specific front end, new wheels that look like they were milled from a solid block of alloy, thicker chrome trim around the windows, and discreet Maybach emblems on d pillars. It also rides on a longer wheelbase, and Maybach model also has re-shaped rear doors for easier ingress/egress.

You have to be a true car-spotter to point out these differences. To most, it's just an S-Class, and that's exactly how designers wanted it.

The best seats in the house are out back. Once you slip in the back of the Maybach you're coddled in a super-luxurious cabin that wouldn't look out of place in a private jet. There's leather and wood everywhere, a pair of power reclining seats, individual TV screens, and just about all the comfort and convince items (heated/ventilated seats, massaging function, 4G LTE WiFi, just to name a few) you could imagine. The only thing missing is a partition to separate you from the driver.

The attention to detail in the back of the Maybach is simply staggering. Yes there's quilted leather and high-end speakers mounted above your head for full 3D sound effects, but there's so much more than initially meets the eye.

For example, raise the temperature from the back seat and the LED lights glow either red or blue to indicate if you're making the cabin warmer or cooler. Look up and you'll see a sunroof that can go from clear to semi-transparent with just a flick of the door switch, allowing you to let just the right amount of sunlight in. Mercedes really has thought of everything for clients willing to pay for it all.

Technical specifications

Power for the Maybach S560 comes from a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine that makes 463 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It spins the four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Weighing somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 pounds, the Maybach S560 isn't sports car fast, but the big sedan is deceptively quick. Mercedes says the Maybach S560 can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, which is plenty fast for a vehicle of this size.

Occupant safety

The Maybach S560 comes with nine airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. It also offers collision prevention assist, adaptive high beam assist, crosswind assist, evasive steering assist, active lane-keeping assist, night view assist, and half a dozen other assist systems to keep you out of trouble.

Key competitors

The Mercedes-Maybach S560 competes in the same segment as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the BMW M760i. Buyers with a little bit more to spend can also look at the sporty Aston Martin Rapide.