Fresh Tech
\nIncredible Stereo
\nExcellent Primary Ride Quality<\/p>\n
Crashy Secondary Ride Quality
\nNeeds More Physical Controls<\/p>\n
Even More Opulent<\/p>\n
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Photo by: Chris Rosales \/ Motor1<\/p>\n
Much of what the Maybach S-Class offers ranges from subtle to outright ridiculous. Visually, a slight facelift affords the headlights and taillights the modern Mercedes-chic arrangement. The most striking update is the Maybach pattern in the vents flanking the main grille, which some may see as horrifyingly gaudy\u2014I err toward loving the sheer nerve of doing it.<\/p>\n
Inside, much of the S-Class is the same, except for the new MBUX<\/a> system. Three screens adorn a flat expanse of glass: A 12.3-inch 3D-capable gauge cluster display, a 14.4-inch primary screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. The rear passengers get dual 13.1-inch displays with Mercedes\u2019 newest system with gaming, browsing, and streaming for each passenger.<\/p>\n The new tech is slick, much slicker than previous MBUX. I already tested it in Mercedes VLE-Class<\/a>, so there isn\u2019t much to cover here, but rest assured it\u2019s a huge improvement over the old system, especially the physical steering wheel knobs for volume and cruise control. The Burmester stereo uses 31 speakers and 1,690 watts to deliver the single most excellent audio experience I\u2019ve ever heard in a car.<\/p>\n Photos by: Chris Rosales \/ Motor1<\/p>\n Photos by: Chris Rosales \/ Motor1<\/p>\n My tester\u2019s spec can be best described as villainous. In full black with polished AMG monoblock wheels, the S680 is pure intimidation. I ran into a friend during my photoshoot who said they were \u201cactually scared\u201d of the S-Class pulling up to them. That, reader, is the \u201cmore\u201d that I\u2019m talking about\u2014the utter prestige and power that the Maybach projects.<\/p>\n You can make your Maybach project whatever you want, however. Alongside the normal exclusive options, called Manufaktur, there is now a program called Made to Measure, which allows for an even greater degree of customization. There are now hundreds of exterior and interior colors to choose from, which means that practically any Maybach will be a unique proposition for its owners.<\/p>\n \u00a0 Photo by: Chris Rosales \/ Motor1<\/p>\n Regardless, the S680 drives excellently, with only a few wrinkles to the experience. The aforementioned Burmester stereo combines well with an unbelievably low noise floor to deliver a cinematic experience. I\u2019ve listened to Daft Punk\u2019s Random Access Memories thousands of times as a reference album, and I could hear new details with this stereo. It alone is an exceptional and stunning feature.<\/p>\n The big Maybach has nice steering and swift handling, and once the V12 sings its surprisingly musical song, it\u2019s quite rapid too. Though it is best experienced on the highway and in the back seat.<\/p>\n The rear seats are quite sumptuous and comfortable. There are metal Maybach champagne flutes, a massaging function, seat cooling, and heating. Though it isn\u2019t lay-flat, it reclines a substantial amount, and the rear passenger side seat can get a full stretch by folding the front seat away. Overall room is good, but not as good as an SUV like the GLS. Still, this is much more fashionable.<\/p>\n The big Maybach has nice steering and swift handling, and once the V12 sings its surprisingly musical song, it\u2019s quite rapid too.<\/p>\n Its only fault is a slightly crashy ride over the harshest obstacles. Cracks in the road, larger speed bumps, and fractured pavement result in sharp, booming thuds in the cabin, which is very unlike the rest of the experience. Perhaps it’s that the Maybach is so quiet that flaws are more readily communicated, but it’s an annoying wrinkle in an otherwise serene experience.<\/p>\n The primary ride quality (big, loping bumps and waves) is exceptional. Very little of the actual vertical motion is felt in the cabin. Over long highway stretches, you couldn\u2019t find a quieter, more comfortable, and relaxing car this side of a Rolls-Royce.<\/p>\n Verdict: A Villainous V12 Sedan<\/p>\n Photo by: Chris Rosales \/ Motor1<\/p>\n The V12 S-Class lives to fight another day, and it\u2019s fighting a good fight. Though it is reserved for the ultra-rich\u2014with a starting price of $2490,000\u2014it\u2019s nice to know that the ultra-aspirational luxury sedan is still around, and that a big, intimidating, V12 cruiser still exists. You can also craft it into any image of your choosing, which doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be villainous.<\/p>\n But what the Maybach S-Class is, and will always feel like, is \u201cmore.\u201d It\u2019s not just a luxury sedan; it\u2019s the ultimate expression of a Mercedes luxury sedan, and everything that comes with it. For that reason alone, it\u2019s easier to love than almost any other luxury sedan.<\/p>\n Just know this: Be afraid if a Maybach S-Class pulls up on you.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nV12 Excellence<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n