What is the Method to Distinguish Between Mercedes-Benz and Maybach?
4 Answers
Mercedes-Benz and Maybach can be distinguished by their seating arrangements: Mercedes-Benz models feature five seats with connected rear seats, while Maybach models have four seats with separated rear seats. Mercedes-Benz's lineup includes models such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Taking the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS as an example, it is a large SUV with dimensions of 5214mm in length, 1956mm in width, and 1823mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3135mm. As for the 2011 Maybach, it is a large car measuring 6171mm in length, 1980mm in width, and 1573mm in height, also with a wheelbase of 3135mm.
Last time at the car wash, the boss asked me how to tell apart a regular Mercedes-Benz from a Maybach on the road. There's actually a simple but effective trick: check the C-pillar! On a standard S-Class, the rear door and triangular window are one piece, while the Maybach has its triangular window separately embedded in the C-pillar, and the door frame lacks chrome trim. Another giveaway is the rear badge—look for the 'MAYBACH' lettering. Regular S-Class rear doors are shorter, whereas Maybach doors stretch nearly 1.7 meters, even more exaggerated than a BMW 7 Series. Wheels are another key detail—Maybach’s exclusive 'hubcap-style' rims are blindingly shiny. Oh, and if you visit a dealership, just feel the seats: Maybach upholstery features diamond-quilted leather with double-M embossed headrests. On the road, the presence is different too—a Maybach always gives the impression that a chauffeur is behind the wheel.
My neighbor just picked up his new Maybach S480, and the difference is striking compared to his previous Mercedes S400. The most noticeable upgrade is the rear seats—the Maybach features electric leg rests and a fold-out table, with reclining angles up to 43 degrees, offering more space than a first-class airline seat. When driving, the engine runs quieter, and the suspension smoothens the road as if it were polished. The body is 18 cm longer than a standard S-Class, especially with the extended rear doors, making entry and exit effortless without worrying about head clearance. Even the key is distinctive—the Maybach key fob comes with genuine wood trim. The interior clock doesn’t bear the Mercedes logo but is engraved with the Maybach name. Even the climate control display shows the Maybach model name, exuding luxury down to the bone.
Veteran car enthusiasts know Maybach was once an independent brand, now serving as Mercedes-Benz's top-tier sub-series. Despite both featuring shield-shaped grilles, Maybach's radiator grille has vertical chrome slats, while regular Mercedes models use horizontal bars. The side profile is more telling – Maybach has illuminated MAYBACH branding on the sill strips. The roofline differs too, with Maybach's C-pillar extending more linearly rearward. The wheel gap is even more pronounced: the Mercedes S-Class tops out with 20-inch wheels, while Maybach starts at 21 inches with exclusive bullet-shaped wheel hub covers. Upon closer inspection, Maybach's taillights feature more intricate detailing in the lamp chambers. Used car buyers should note particularly – pre-2017 Maybachs still carried the dual-M logo on the steering wheel, while current models have switched to the Mercedes emblem.
