A few months after introducing the 2026 S-Class facelift, Mercedes has launched its more luxurious Maybach counterpart. Priced at Rs 3.35 crore, the Maybach S-Class commands a premium of Rs 1.15 crore over the standard model. But apart from the Maybach badge, what exactly does it offer for the extra money? Here is everything you need to know.
Note: LHD models used for representation
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Regular S-Class: Exterior
Unlike the standard S-Class, which features two exterior designs across variants, the Maybach S-Class gets a uniform exterior design throughout. The Maybach builds on the standard S-Class design, turning up the luxury quotient. At the front, it sports a Maybach-specific grille with fine vertical chrome slats and Maybach lettering at the top. The regular S-Class, by contrast, features horizontal chrome slats paired with a pattern of tri-star motifs.
Lower down, the standard S-Class's air intake details are replaced on the Maybach by a fine mesh patterned with small Maybach logos, and there’s thicker chrome trim along the bumper’s edges. The LED headlights feature rose-gold accents, while the bonnet-mounted Mercedes star is retained.
In profile, both models ride on 20-inch alloy wheels. However, the Maybach features multi-spoke forged rims, self-centring wheel caps that keep the Mercedes logo upright while moving, and noise-absorbing tyres. The Maybach’s rear doors are also slightly longer, as it has a 180mm longer wheelbase than the standard model. A subtle illuminated Maybach badge on the C-pillar further sets it apart from the side.
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At the rear, the updates are more understated. Maybach lettering on the bootlid distinguishes it from the standard model, alongside minor tweaks to the lower sides of the bumper. Both models share the same LED taillights with tristar motifs connected, and there’s a full-width chrome strip right above it. The Maybach S-Class also offers greater personalisation, including dedicated paint options and exclusive dual-tone colour schemes.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Regular S-Class: Interior
Inside, the Maybach retains the multi-screen layout of the regular S-Class. The dashboard features a 14.4-inch OLED central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a dedicated 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. Both models run the latest MB.OS software, but the Maybach gets custom user-interface graphics. It also offers richer materials and expanded upholstery options, including bespoke leather finishes, stitching, and embroidery.
At the back, the Maybach S-Class gets the “executive rear seats” package as standard, whereas the standard S-Class gets it as an optional extra. This means you get a 4-seat layout as standard, and the rear seat recline angle is increased to 43 degrees, up from 38 degrees on the standard model's 5-seat configuration.
Rear passengers in the Maybach get more creature comforts over the standard S-Class, including temperature-controlled cup holders and dual wireless phone chargers.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vs Regular S-Class: Powertrain
Like the standard S-Class, the Maybach uses a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup. In the S 580e trim, it pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor and a 22kWh battery pack. Combined output reaches 585hp and 750Nm of torque—a noticeable step up from the regular S 450e’s 435hp and 680Nm. Both cars send power to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. An AWD layout is standard on both models.
Both models feature a dedicated pure-electric mode. Here, the regular S-Class offers a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 115km, while the Maybach achieves 100km. Conversely, the Maybach earns a higher claimed combined efficiency figure of 34.48kpl versus the standard model's 32.3kpl. Additionally, the Maybach adds an exclusive "Maybach" drive mode that's used for maximum rear-seat ride comfort.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
