The second S-Class variant to be launched today is the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach S 560. Think of it as a longer, more luxurious version of the S-Class and you won’t be far off. To start, the limousine carries a base price of RM 1.4 million before options, and it features a wheelbase of 3,365 mm, which is approximately 200 mm more than the long-wheelbase S-Class that it’s based on.

The added length benefits rear passengers, who also have access to two individual Executive seats. On the outside, the Maybach S-Class sports a new grille design that’s inspired by a pinstriped suit, and up front there’s a different bumper with several model-specific trim elements. The headlights and tail lights are carried over from the standard S-Class.


Round the side, it sits on huge 20-inch highly polished multispoke alloys, although three other variations of the wheels (also 20-inch items) can be had as well. Its length is accentuated by a slender strip of chrome on the lower side of the doors. The iconic Maybach badge is of course, stuck on the C-pillars, and the window surrounds are finished in chrome.

For colours, owners can choose to have it painted in two-tone, with up to nine different colour combinations available on request. Dark-coloured paints will receive a secondary clear coat, adding further lustre for a brilliant ‘piano lacquer’ finish. This process is done extensively by hand by Maybach Manufaktur handled by specially trained varnishers.


Inside, the grand luxo-barge gets black Maybach Exclusive nappa leather upholstery with part-quilt pattern. However, those preferring a more contrasty look can opt for copper-, gold- or platinum-coloured topstitching. Also available are trim inserts in designo flowing lines Magnolia wood. Of course, the cabin can be further customised to your taste.

The front part of the cabin is largely the same as a regular S-Class, starting with the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch display panels, quad centre air vents and COMAND controls down the centre. The armrest features a stamped Maybach logo, and on the underside are dual USB ports, an SD card slot for the GPS navigation and wireless charging tray. Special here, is an IWC analogue clock.


The rear seats, on the other hand, are truly designed to be a first class experience. For industry captains, the dual Executive seats feature 12 individual motors each, and they are said to accommodate all types of body size. With the Chauffeur package, the front passenger seat can be moved up to 77 mm, thereby granting even more legroom.

For the S 560, a 4.0 litre turbocharged V8 provides 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, which catapults it from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and tops out at an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.


The S 650 is powered by a 6.0 litre turbocharged V12 petrol engine with 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. In this guise, the century sprint is done 0.2 seconds quicker, and the top speed is also capped at 250 km/h. Both models are rear-wheel drive, but the S 650 gets a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic instead.

Facilitating comfort is the Magic Body Control function which combines active suspension with continuously adjustable dampers. It works in tandem with Road Surface Scan technology – which employs the use of a stereo camera to scan the road ahead – to provide precise damping forces of each individual wheel. The curve inclination function enables the car’s body to lean inwards by up to 2.65 degrees on bends, and is said to increase ‘subjective’ driving pleasure.


Other notable features here include Night View Assist Plus (detects pedestrians and larger animals in the dark via infrared lamps), dual-panel panoramic sunroof with Magic Sky Control (adjusts glass opacity), Energising comfort control (massage function) with Thermotronic (air pulsation) function and Air Balance package, as well as ventilated seats.

Also available is a 27-speaker Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system (1,590 watts) with five presets, which Mercedes claims to provide a realistic live-concert audio reproduction. There are six sound sources within the roof liner to enable this, boosted by a 400 watt subwoofer in the boot. Also on is an innovative voice amplification system that helps rear passengers commute clearly with those seated in front.


For safety, the Maybach models get the same kit as the S 450 L, with features such as 10 airbags (with side rear and rear beltbags), autonomous amergency assist, semi-autonomous driving capabilities, active rear seatbelt buckle and interior motion sensor with anti-theft alarm system.