Road test the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach that rivals fear
Our road test the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class left testers smitten with comfort and personalization that now rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Driven along France's coast in the extended-wheelbase four-door, it emerges as a real alternative to the Ghost and Flying Spur ahead of late-summer U.S. deliveries.
The South of France drive, covered by Robb Report, found frosty air, quilted Nappa leather, and chilled champagne flutes turning a sweltering coastline cruise into cool, chauffeur-grade calm. For readers tracking ultra-luxury living alongside flagship cars, see more in our Luxury Real Estate & Dream Homes hub.
Key Takeaways
- This is the most comprehensive Maybach S-Class update since 2014, not a clean-sheet redesign.
- The S 580's mild-hybrid 4.0-liter V-8 makes 530 hp and hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
- Expanded Manufaktur Made-to-Measure personalization pushes the car closer to Rolls-Royce and Bentley territory.
- U.S. deliveries of the S 580 and S 680 start by late summer, with estimated prices near $220,000 and $275,000.
What changed on the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class?
Think comprehensive refresh. Buyers get a more powerful electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, up 34 hp, a more expressive front end, and a full-width MBUX Superscreen shared with the newest Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Designers grew the nose about 20 percent, added a prodigious chrome grille with an illuminated surround and Maybach badge, plus complex twin-star LED headlights with rose-gold detailing. New 20- and 21-inch forged wheels include a polished 21-inch option with gold accents and floating center caps.
Inside, the Superscreen pairs a 12.3-inch instrument display, 14.4-inch infotainment screen, and 12.3-inch passenger display under one black-glass panel. A water-cooled Mercedes AI assistant draws on ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini, even interjecting unprompted during the French drive.
How does the road test the 2027 Maybach stack up for rear-seat luxury?
Open any door and the Maybach brief becomes clear. New 13-inch seat-back screens include cameras for Zoom or Teams calls, while docked wireless controllers manage rear climate, entertainment, and sunshades.
Manufaktur and the new Made-to-Measure programs unlock more than 400 interior colors, engraved Robbe & Berking champagne flutes, and personalized stainless sill plates. Reviewers called the craftsmanship and materials the clear step above the standard S-Class.
On broken roads, Maybach or chauffeur mode among six presets softens Airmatic air suspension with predictive Cloud-based damping. Slightly more body roll is the trade for what testers described as otherworldly erasure of rough pavement.
Should Rolls-Royce and Bentley buyers worry about this Maybach?
Robb Report argues yes on tech and personalization. The Ghost and Flying Spur still lean on older hand-me-down systems from BMW and Audi parentage, while this Maybach's AI cabin and Superscreen feel current.
Behind the wheel on mountain roads, rear-axle steering helps the roughly 18-foot, 5,400-pound limousine feel poised, especially in Sport mode. The V-8 is quick but a bit vocal at higher revs; the Maybach-exclusive V-12 S 680 offers 621 hp, 664 ft lbs of torque, and hushier refinement, reaching 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
Official pricing is unconfirmed, though an increase over today's $208,400 S 580 and $245,650 S 680 is expected. Estimated bases land around $220,000 and $275,000. The verdict from the France road test: without doubt worth it as the brand's most opulent, tech-laden production model yet.