2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comes with a pair of twin-turbo engines that are—a V-8 and a V-12—and all models come with all-wheel drive. The stretched body makes it ideal for being chauffeured, especially with the optional reclining and massaging rear seats, which beckons riders to relax and live their best lives.
While its rivals have more curb appeal the 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class’s styling is tame by contrast, allowing it to slip into traffic without drawing too much attention.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of every 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedan is a 496-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. Going with the S680 swaps in a 621-hp 6.0-liter V-12. All models will come with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The V-8 makes 33 more horsepower than the old S560 from 2020, and judging from our brief test drive, it packs quite a punch.
The V-12’s power rating is the same as the 2020 S650 model and does not benefit from a 48-volt hybrid system. We haven’t had a chance to test either model’s performance but when we do we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
An air suspension and an active sound cancellation system are both standard in the new model, which helps the car deliver a silky, ultra-quiet ride; the S-class also offers rear-wheel steering which should help with navigating this big sedan through tight city streets.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the S580 is good for 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; the S680’s fuel efficiency estimates have not been released. We’re looking forward to the day when we can test this comfy cruiser; when we do, we’ll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and report those test results here. For more information about the S-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Maybach S-class has a seven-inch longer wheelbase than the already-large Benz-branded S-class sedan, which provides even more stretch-out space inside its leather-lined cabin.
So many luxury features are standard in the Maybach we couldn’t possibly list them all here, but all models will come with exquisite leather on virtually every interior surface; a 64-color interior ambient lighting system; heated and ventilated front seats with massage and four-position memory settings; heated rear seats with power adjustments and massage; an air ionizing system with a signature fragrance; and a panoramic sunroof.
For buyers who intend to be chauffeured, Maybach can add the optional Executive Rear Seat Plus package, which includes rear-seat folding tables, an extended center console, additional rear-seat wood trim, and temperature-controlled cup holders. Also optional are electrically operated rear doors, a refrigerator, and Maybach-branded champagne flutes.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class offers a portfolio of standard driver-assistance features; traditionally the S-class is the model in which Mercedes offers its groundbreaking tech features first.
For more information about the S-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
