Geoff Maxted
By Geoff Maxted

In an otherwise quiet week for automotive news, Mercedes-Benz have released a small flurry of new and revised vehicles. For example, in October 2025 we covered the current model Mercedes-Maybach S-Class saloon in all it’s luxury (see that post here). Now, as of April this year, discerning customers can order the latest version from this prestige German car maker, an upgrading that receives the most extensive update in this model’s history, elevating luxury to an even more exclusive level.

2026 marks 140 years since the invention of the automobile and the Mercedes‑Maybach brand combines the cutting-edge technology and perfection of Mercedes‑Benz with the exclusivity and elegance of the luxury Maybach name.

The new Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class therefore arrives with some profound intent: the idea being to redefine what a luxury saloon can be. The transformation, we learn, is both technical and emotional – a vehicle conceived to be experienced as a 21st Century oasis of tranquillity, craftsmanship and technological grace. The powerful Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), debuts in a Maybach for the first time, creates an unbroken digital journey that is at the same time intuitive, elegant and intelligent.

The Epitome Of Automotive Elegance

The Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class has always carried presence. You know it when you see it. Now it sits waiting at the kerb with even greater poise. The enlarged radiator grille exudes confidence and grandeur. Illuminated accents, the grille surround, the Maybach word-mark as well as, where available, the upright Mercedes‑Benz star and the C‑pillar emblem, create a sense of ceremony at every approach. Rose‑gold elements within the double‑star headlamps add subtle jewellery‑like refinement. The Maybach pattern within the air intakes is rendered in gleaming chrome, plus V12-powered models are identifiable by a new emblem in the grille.

A discreet projector integrated into the side sills casts the Maybach word-mark onto the ground when greeting or parting with the car; a little theatrical perhaps but a nice extra touch nonetheless. At the rear, the delicately sculpted tail lights mirror the star motifs of the front, while the redesigned two‑tone handle strip, now divided into chrome and high‑gloss black, exemplifies the Maybach philosophy of making even the smallest detail worthy of contemplation.

Maybach S Class
Maybach S Class

Two new multi‑spoke forged wheels enrich this vehicle’s portfolio: a 21 inch wheel in a sophisticated golden finish and a 20 inch polished forged wheel offering classical elegance. The floating star at the centre of all silver‑finish forged wheels, held upright by a precisely engineered ball‑bearing gimbal mechanism, evokes the quiet, effortless grace long associated with premium luxury.

A ‘Night Series’ design package introduces a darker, more contemporary interpretation of the very special Maybach elegance. Paint finishes in hues of grey, black and white or a two-tone paint finish in ‘obsidian black’ / ‘mojave silver’ combined with dark chrome accents elevate the visual drama. For the first time, ‘Night Series’ can now also be combined with blue metallic. This optional design package comes with a choice of two refined interior colourways: black Maybach ‘Exclusive Nappa’ leather or deep white/black pearl with a delicate mother‑of‑pearl effect on selected surfaces, paired with gold‑grey piping, underscores the craftsmanship within.

The optional automatic comfort doors create a moment of calm theatre at every stop. Opening and closing softly at the touch of a button or on the ‘MBUX’ display, they transform entering the rear cabin into a quiet ritual – another hallmark of Maybach’s luxury.

The Prestige Cabin

The interior redesign of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class extends from steering wheel to centre console and was crafted with a single purpose: to deepen the Maybach ‘cocooning’ experience. Digital and analogue elements now meet in seamless harmony, creating an atmosphere of calm. At the heart of this transformation, the centre console has been refined with an enhanced phone cradle featuring integrated charging, framed by a generously sculpted trim element offered in finishes such as open‑pore oak or open‑pore amber‑brown wood in a distinguished-looking herringbone pattern.

Maybach S Class
Maybach S Class

In the rear, the redesigned centre console introduces two bespoke holders, each one precisely shaped to cradle the silver‑plated ‘Robbe & Berking’ champagne flutes, even as the car glides onward. Since 2002, these optional flutes have added a touch of celebratory sparkle to the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class, if champagne is your thing; needless to say the actual wine is not standard fit, nor an option, alas. Behind the rear armrest, a refrigerated compartment ensures your champagne is always kept at the perfect temperature. With its ten‑litre capacity, it comfortably accommodates several bottles yet can be removed when additional space for personal belongings is desired!

For the first time, the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class offers a leather‑free interior; a contemporary expression of modern luxury in our eco-age. The optional ‘stormy grey’ colour scheme pairs finely embossed ‘Artico’ man‑made leather with the high‑grade ‘Mirville’ mélange textile, a linen‑and‑recycled‑polyester blend with a natural‑fibre character. Deep white piping and open‑quilted diamond stitching that continues into the door panels complete the new interior option. Despite its alternative materials, the interior meets the same exacting standards of aesthetics, comfort and durability as the traditional premium Maybach leather collection.

The ride is of supreme importance obviously and additional insulation measures have further enhanced noise and vibration suppression. As a result, the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class delivers an even more refined driving experience, harmoniously combining serenity, efficiency and effortless power. This is further refined by the dedicated ‘Maybach’ mode within the ‘dynamic select’ drive modes, engineered entirely around supreme ride comfort.

The Power

The combustion range has been extensively re‑engineered and readied for future emissions regulations. At the summit of the line-up in Europe sits the latest evolution of the eight‑cylinder now on a par with the current 12‑cylinder unit (see below). Technical upgrades and the mild-hybrid technology ensure agile, linear power delivery with efficient energy recuperation, while two ‘Lanchester’ balance shafts provide exceptional refinement. The celebrated V12 (M 279)is rated at 603BHP (612PS / 450 kW) but will only now be available in certain global markets, yet to be advised.

Maybach S Class
Maybach S Class

In the Mercedes‑Maybach S 580, the now more powerful V8 develops 530BHP (537PS / 395 kW).  In the Mercedes‑Maybach S 580 e version with ‘EQ Hybrid Technology’, the revised six‑cylinder petrol engine responds with greater immediacy, offering a more assured and serene driving experience. Customers benefit from an all‑electric range of around 62 miles (100 kilometres), along with stronger electric mid‑range acceleration thanks to increased torque in partial‑load situations. A more powerful electric auxiliary compressor, an optimised cylinder head with refined intake and exhaust ports, and an adapted intake camshaft underpin these improvements. Further optimisation of the combustion process and exhaust after-treatment, together with enhanced insulation for superior noise and vibration damping, all contribute to a serene, composed character. The plug‑in hybrid variant pairs this further‑developed six‑cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor, increasing system output by up to 74BHP (75PS /55 kW) compared with the previous engine generation. The plug‑in hybrid model will be available in selected markets, again to be advised.

MHH International With Mercedes-Benz

This new model will, as mentioned, be available in due time but other models from this prestige manufacturer are of course available from MHH International, including (at the time of writing) two Maybach S-Class models. You can see our current stock on these pages where there is literally something for every motorists needs.

We export from the UK to many destinations around the world, including New Zealand, Kenya and Mauritius. You can see the full list of countries served via our Home Page. Our impeccable service means safe transactions and advice on VAT-free options. Please get in touch with our dedicated colleagues to find out more.

Maybach S Class

Export your Maybach S Class with the experts in car export

Trustpilot