
The differences between Mercedes- and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are: 1. Different body dimensions: The Mercedes-Maybach has a length, width, and height of 5466mm, 1899mm, and 1500mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3365mm; the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a length, width, and height of 5283mm, 1905mm, and 1500mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2945mm. 2. Different driving methods: The Mercedes-Maybach is front-engine, rear-wheel drive; the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is full-time four-wheel drive. 3. Different power options: The Mercedes-Maybach offers three power models, equipped with a 3.0T V6 twin-turbocharged engine, a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine, and a 6.0T V12 twin-turbocharged engine respectively; the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers two power models, equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and a 3.0T turbocharged engine respectively.

















The differences between the Mercedes- and the regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class are quite significant. I've been driving my S-Class for two years, and recently test-drove a friend's newly purchased Maybach S-Class. The most immediate impression was the exceptionally spacious rear seating area, with legroom exceeding that of the S-Class by over ten centimeters—enough to cross your legs without touching the front seats. The seats feature thicker wool-blend upholstery, offer greater recline angles, and include massage functions, making long journeys of three to four hours fatigue-free. Noise insulation is enhanced with double-pane laminated glass, reducing wind and tire noise below S-Class levels. On the road, the suspension filters out bumps more delicately, making speed bumps almost imperceptible. The interior adds features like real wood folding tables and a built-in refrigerator, and the ambient lighting design is more upscale, embodying understated luxury overall. Despite the price being more than double, the experience truly sets it apart.

Having studied for quite some time, the Maybach S-Class can be considered an upgraded version of the S-Class. In terms of dimensions, the Maybach S-Class is approximately 18 centimeters longer than the standard S-Class, with particularly noticeable improvements in rear passenger space. Under the hood, while it shares the same 3.0T engine with the S500, the Maybach's tuning prioritizes smoothness. The chassis features the Magic Body Control suspension system, offering better roll control during cornering. It comes standard with 20-inch forged wheels, providing more stability compared to the S-Class's 18-inch wheels. Sound insulation materials are thicker, with an additional layer of insulation in the engine compartment. In terms of features, amenities like electrically adjustable rear window sunshades and an active fragrance system are exclusive to the Maybach. It also holds its value better in the long run, with a five-year-old model fetching 200,000 to 300,000 yuan more than an equivalent S-Class.

Recently accompanied the boss to look at cars and found that the S680 costs nearly 3 million yuan on the road, more than double the price of the S450. The salesperson said the price difference mainly lies in the rear seats: the Maybach features heated and ventilated airline-style seats that recline to 43.5 degrees, compared to just 37 degrees in the standard S-Class. The roof uses Alcantara material, which feels better than the standard velour in the S-Class. The entertainment system includes two additional rear-seat screens that can connect to Bluetooth headphones independently. The car is equipped with five Burmester speakers, while the S-Class only comes standard with four. However, for daily city commuting, the S-Class is more than sufficient, especially since the Maybach is nearly 5.5 meters long, making parking in older residential areas quite challenging. It really comes down to budget and how often the rear seats will be used.

As a graphic designer, I'm particularly sensitive to car body lines. Although the S-Class shares the same platform as the S-Class, it features a vertical waterfall grille paired with a two-tone body. The sides are adorned with chrome trim strips and Maybach badges, while the triangular rear quarter window on the C-pillar is a signature design element. The interior differences are even more pronounced: Maybach's diamond-quilted stitching creates stronger three-dimensional effects compared to the S-Class's parallel stitching. The wood trim uses ash wood instead of the S-Class's walnut grain, exuding a more subdued texture. The ambient lighting offers 270 colors, providing more refined options than the S-Class's 64-color system. The door sills feature illuminated logos, and the floor mats are made of thickened wool felt. The overall design language leans towards classic luxury, resembling a mobile drawing room.

Veteran car enthusiasts know that was once an independent luxury brand before its revival and subsequent integration into Mercedes-Benz. Today, the Maybach-badged S-Class is more like a collector's edition, with its hand-assembled production line at the Berlin factory boasting higher precision than the standard S-Class line. From my experience, the key to buying a Maybach lies in the details: the seats use German calfskin with perforation craftsmanship, featuring higher stitch density than the S-Class. The audio system delivers 1,700 watts of power, compared to just 750 watts in the standard S-Class. The rear windows are thickened by 5mm and equipped with noise-insulating seals. The core difference lies in positioning—the S-Class is suited for driving, while the Maybach is more tailored for being chauffeured. Maintenance costs are higher, with minor services starting at over 8,000, but the Maybach is rarer in the used car market.


