
S600 is not a Maybach. Maybach is an upgraded, more high-end and luxurious version based on the Mercedes-Benz S600, representing the top-tier luxury brand under Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz S600 is the flagship product of Mercedes-Benz sedans, equipped with a new V12 engine featuring 3 valves per cylinder (instead of 4) driven by a single overhead camshaft. In terms of body dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz S600 measures 5230 mm in length, 1871 mm in width, and 1485 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3165 mm. Regarding configuration, the Mercedes-Benz S600 comes standard with an autonomous driving system featuring distance radar, independent rear-seat air conditioning, elegant leather seats, and wood trim, among other features.

I've always been fascinated by automotive history. The S600 definitely doesn't count as a Maybach. The Maybach brand was originally an independent German luxury marque, later acquired by Daimler AG and now serves as Mercedes' high-end sub-brand. The S-Class sedans produced by Mercedes themselves, like the S600 with its powerful V12 engine, offer strong performance but come with standard bodywork and interior configurations. Maybach models such as the S680 are upgraded versions based on the S-Class platform, featuring extended wheelbases, custom leather upholstery, and various luxury amenities at significantly higher prices. I recall a car magazine interview from years ago stating that buying an S600 gives you the Mercedes flagship experience, while choosing a Maybach represents true prestigious status. So don't get confused - driving an S600 means owning an excellent car, but not Maybach-level luxury.

I drove my friend's older S600, and the driving experience was super stable and comfortable, with powerful acceleration that made highway driving a blast, but it's definitely not part of the lineup. Maybach models now carry the Mercedes-Maybach branding—like another buddy of mine who owns a Maybach S450, which has an enormous rear cabin space and even comes with massage seats, clearly more luxurious than the S600. When buying a car, the dealership guy specifically pointed out that the S600 is Mercedes' own top-tier model, while Maybach is a whole different level, costing hundreds of thousands more for the upgrade. I'd recommend test-driving both to compare, or you might end up wasting your money.

From a technical perspective, the S600 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V12 twin-turbo engine producing over 500 horsepower, yet its body design resembles the S550 and it is not classified as a Maybach model. The Maybach version, such as the S680, extends the wheelbase by 20 centimeters, features a more stable chassis tuning, thicker sound insulation, and even a custom audio system. These enhancements on the spec sheet confirm that the S600 is purely a Mercedes-Benz product, while the Maybach represents the luxury upgrade line.

As a car brand enthusiast, I've noticed the positioning of and Maybach: the S600 is the high-performance representative of the S-Class family, targeting business elites; Maybach, on the other hand, is a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, aimed at the ultra-luxury market like celebrity customization. Historically, Maybach once went bankrupt, but later Mercedes-Benz integrated it and launched the Mercedes-Maybach series, which is more than twice as expensive as the S600. I've touched the real cars at auto shows, and the interior difference is huge—the S600 is like a well-decorated house, while Maybach shines like diamonds.

People often ask if the S600 is a , and the answer is no. The Mercedes-Benz S600 is still part of the Mercedes lineup, while Maybach is an independent luxury label. The difference between the two is like that between a base model and a premium version: the S600 is fun to drive but has standard configurations, whereas the Maybach, such as the S680, offers significant upgrades in trunk capacity and seat comfort. Car enthusiasts share that buying an S600 is a good deal, but opting for a Maybach is where true luxury lies—so you won’t regret making the wrong choice.


