2022 Mercedes-Maybach S580 Is Higher S-Class

The potential buyer base for a automobile that may ship the luxurious consolation of a personal jet and the efficiency of a muscle automobile is probably going a small one, however we needs to be joyful that the Mercedes-Maybach S580 has it coated. Carrying the two-tone paint scheme that indicators its superiority over the common S-class—a $14,500 choice we suspect most patrons will go for—this XL sedan appears to be like prefer it needs to be gently shuttling A-listers between pink carpets. But it’s brutally quick when unleashed, even when doing so would possible trigger rear-seat passengers to spill their champagne (from their Maybach-branded flutes).

How briskly? Throughout testing, the Maybach S580 blasted its method from zero to 60 mph in simply 4.1 seconds, from relaxation to 100 mph in 10 seconds flat, and thru the quarter-mile in simply 12.6 seconds. The V-8 Bentley Flying Spur is barely faster, however additionally it is extra clearly aimed toward those that drive themselves fairly than chill out within the again. The Maybach appears like a luxurious yacht with the punch of a speedboat—and the forthcoming S680, with its 621-hp V-12, needs to be even faster.

But even essentially the most demanding plutocrat would discover it arduous to really feel shortchanged by the S580 and its 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8. Efficiency is delivered with out drama—full throttle produces an exhaust notice that sounds as if it is issuing from a number of cities away. Beneath extra respectful use the engine is nearly silent, with the Maybach’s cabin very hushed at cruising speeds. We recorded 64 decibels at a 70-mph cruise, and Maybach’s lively noise cancellation successfully suppresses low-frequency highway rumble and makes the cabin appear even quieter. The low ambient noise additionally gives a blemish-free auditory backdrop for the excellent 30-speaker Burmeister audio system.

From the motive force’s seat, there aren’t any apparent variations between the Maybach and the common Mercedes S-class. Each automobiles share the identical controls and shows, with a 12.3-inch display screen for the devices that options 3-D rendering. A few of us liked the impact, others instantly switched it again to 2-D. The huge 12.8-inch touchscreen within the middle of the dashboard runs the identical MBUX UI system as lesser Mercs—and suffers from the identical usability points. It does develop simpler to grasp with extended use, however the necessity to work together with the display screen to regulate heating and air flow settings requires you to take your eyes off the highway. Each the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur have much-nicer-feeling bodily controls.

It is while you transfer to the again that the Maybach turns actually particular, combining the room of an extended-wheelbase S-Class—7.1 inches longer than the common automobile—with plusher trim. Our take a look at automobile had been given the form of full-options exercise we suspect few Maybach patrons will likely be ready to withstand, albeit one which took its asking worth to almost $230,000.

That tally was boosted by the very best grade MANUFAKTUR leather-based package deal ($8000), a fridge behind the seats with two clip-in champagne flutes ($4300), and the Government Rear Seat Plus package deal, which brings two individually reclinable chairs with fold-out airline fashion tables within the middle console, in addition to heated and cooled cupholders ($6000). It additionally had power-operated rear doorways, eradicating the irksome requirement of bodily heaving them open and shut ($1350).

The driving expertise is clearly suited to chauffeuring. The Maybach feels greater and heavier than it really is, with the tender suspension settings and light-weight steering encouraging mild use. As within the common S-class, there are switchable dynamic modes, together with a brand new Maybach one which’s successfully a Consolation Plus setting, delivering actually imperious progress.

Our take a look at automobile additionally had the $6500 choice of the E-Energetic physique management system, which brings lively anti-roll and a Curve dynamic mode that really leans the automobile right into a nook to scale back the perceived lateral forces, though the bicycle impression felt odd from the motive force’s seat. The S580 was impressively pillowy over rougher highway surfaces however appeared to wrestle to digest freeway enlargement joints, thumping over these in a way unsuited to its worth.

Though it presents little encouragement for spirited driving, even in Sport mode, it’s potential to hustle the Maybach S580 alongside at a formidable tempo. Our take a look at automobile rode on Pirelli all-season run-flat tires, enabling 0.91 g of skidpad grip—totally respectable for a big luxurious sedan. Pushed past these limits the Maybach defaults to mild understeer, with no sense of the all-wheel-drive system’s claimed rear-torque bias. Extra spectacular is the low-speed maneuverability enabled by the rear-wheel steering, which helps thread the automobile by gaps and pull off tight U-turns. Braking efficiency was respectable at 185 toes from 70 mph, though that’s 17 toes longer than the Flying Spur V-8 managed, additionally on all-season tires.

The Maybach’s 48-volt hybrid system does not appreciably add to efficiency, but it surely does enhance gas financial system, with a decent 18-mpg EPA total ranking that quantities to fifteen mpg metropolis and 24 mpg freeway. We averaged 19 mpg in combined driving.

Whereas the Bentley Flying Spur is extra athletic, and the equally sized however costlier Rolls-Royce Ghost tasks extra VVIP presence, the Mercedes-Maybach S580 appears like a wholly justified addition to the highest of the luxury-sedan section. It builds on the strengths of the already-excellent S-class, albeit at a considerable premium. Simply be sure to specify the unique two-tone paint, lest onlookers suppose you settled for the mere Benz.