Mercedes-Maybach Just Gave The S-Class Its Biggest Update Ever
Mercedes-Benz-Maybach has revealed the most comprehensive update to the S-Class in the model’s history, and it touches nearly everything — exterior presence, powertrain, interior materials, and the digital architecture underneath it all. Series production begins at the Sindelfingen plant in April 2026, timed to coincide with Mercedes-Benz’s celebration of 140 years since the invention of the automobile.
The headline changes are hard to miss. A redesigned radiator grille grows 20 percent larger and gains an illuminated contour, while the MB.OS operating system — running the fourth-generation MBUX — makes its Maybach debut here for the first time. New electrified six- and eight-cylinder engines replace the previous units across most markets, and a leather-free interior option signals where the ultra- luxury car segment is quietly heading.
A More Commanding Exterior With Illuminated Details Throughout
The enlarged grille sets the tone outside, but the detail work is what separates this update from a simple facelift. Maybach lettering inside the grille frame is subtly illuminated for the first time. The twin-star headlights pick up rose gold accents. A discreet projector in the side sills casts the Maybach logo onto the ground when the rear doors open — understated, but unmistakably intentional.
All forged wheels in silver finish carry a small engineering curiosity: a Mercedes-Benz star mounted on a precision ball-bearing mechanism that keeps it perfectly upright regardless of wheel rotation. Two new multi-spoke forged wheel designs join the lineup, including a 21-inch MANUFAKTUR unit with a gold finish. The Night Series design package, previously limited to grays, blacks, and whites, now adds Nautical Blue metallic as an option.
In selected markets, the Maybach emblem on the C-pillar and the upright hood star can be optionally illuminated as well. Mercedes-Maybach describes the intent as “quiet authority — never ostentation,” and the execution tracks that brief.
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Revised Engines Across the Board, V12 Stays in Select Markets
The powertrain lineup has been comprehensively revised. At the top of the European range, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 receives the latest M 177 Evo eight-cylinder, producing 450 kW plus a 17 kW mild-hybrid boost (ISG 2.0) and a combined peak torque of 850 plus 205 Newton meters. Mercedes-Benz says that figure puts it on par with the outgoing V12 in terms of performance. Two Lanchester balance shafts handle refinement duties. The V12 — the M 279 at 450 kW — remains available in selected markets for buyers who want it.
The S 580 gets a revised eight-cylinder at 395 kW plus 17 kW, with 750 plus 205 Nm on tap. The S 580e plug-in hybrid pairs a revised M 256 Evo inline-six with an electric motor, delivering roughly 100 kilometers of pure electric range and increased mid-range acceleration versus the previous generation. That model is available in selected markets. Additional sound insulation across all variants pushes the cabin further toward what Maybach calls its “cocooning” character.
MB.OS Arrives in a Maybach for the First Time, With Rose Gold Everywhere
The fourth-generation MBUX runs on MB.OS and brings Maybach-specific visual treatment throughout. The MBUX Superscreen combines a 36.6 cm central display and a 31.2 cm passenger display under a single glass panel. Instrument cluster tubes are rendered in rose gold; a gold Maybach emblem sits between the two rings. Rear passengers get two 33.3 cm displays with redesigned remote controls that mirror the cabin’s UI color scheme.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant draws on AI from Microsoft and Google — including ChatGPT 4o, Microsoft Bing Search, and Google Gemini — and can conduct complex, multi-turn conversations while retaining context from prior interactions. Over-the-air updates via the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud will keep both entertainment and driver assistance systems current. The new AIRMATIC air suspension adds predictive damping that uses real-time Car-to-X data from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to anticipate road conditions before the wheels reach them.
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A Leather-Free Interior Option and Near-Limitless MANUFAKTUR Customization
For the first time, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be ordered without leather. The optional “Stormy Grey” concept uses ARTICO man-made leather alongside “Mirville” mélange textile — a linen and recycled polyester blend — finished with deep white piping and an open-stitched diamond graphic. Mercedes-Maybach says the material meets the same durability and comfort standards as the traditional Nappa leather collection.
Beyond that, MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure offers over 150 exterior paint colors, more than 400 interior color options, and hundreds of leather and stitching combinations. Two new MANUFAKTUR paints debut: a black with real glass flakes that scatter light, and a matte verdesilber magno. Customers can work through the program via a new digital visualizer, or in person at one of the MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure centers — including the Center of Excellence at Sindelfingen, where selected elements are handcrafted on-site.
Markus Bauer, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, framed the update plainly: “exceptional comfort, meticulous attention to detail, and a highly modern understanding of exclusivity.” Whether it’s the floating wheel star, the rose gold instrument cluster, or the V12 that quietly survives for those who insist on it — this S-Class update makes a strong case that the top-end sedan segment still has room to move upward.
Source: Mercedes
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