Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class 2018 Review

In Malaysia's luxury sedan market, long-wheelbase models have always been the core choice for high-end business and family premium needs. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class S 560 is a representative contender in this segment. With its extended wheelbase providing an advantage in rear-seat space, Maybach-exclusive luxury features, and Mercedes-Benz’s consistent quality control, it has become a "Dream Car" option for many users. This time, we have the actual car, and our primary goal is to verify whether its luxury is truly "worth the money" and to evaluate whether its daily driving and riding experience match its million-class positioning.

From the exterior, the 2018 Maybach S 560 can immediately be distinguished from the regular S-Class: the body length reaches 5462mm, with a wheelbase of 3365mm. The elongated rear door on the side and the Maybach-exclusive chrome badge on the C-pillar are the most recognizable features. The front continues the Mercedes family-style large-size vertical chrome grille, paired with an AMG-style front bumper, but with more refined details. The rear features a dual chrome exhaust layout, and the LED taillights have a delicate internal structure with high recognition when lit. The entire vehicle's lighting system uses LEDs, with standard automatic headlights and daytime running lights. The light shape and brightness when illuminated at night meet the standards of luxury cars.

Step inside, and the sense of luxury first comes from the materials—large areas of the dashboard and interior door panels are covered with Nappa leather, paired with matte wood veneers, offering a delicate touch with no sense of cheap plastic. The central control layout adopts Mercedes’ classic dual 12.3-inch connected screens design. The instrument cluster is fully digital with three theme modes available, and the central control screen supports both touch and rotary knob operation, with responsiveness at the forefront among 2018 models. The front seats are 12-way electrically adjustable with memory function, offering a soft filling but sufficient support. The highlight lies in the rear seats, which are two independent seats supporting electric adjustment, massage, and memory functions. The leg rests fully extend, complemented by the standard rear air conditioning and 220V power outlets, allowing for a nearly reclined posture for long journeys. In terms of storage, the trunk has a capacity of 500L, easily accommodating two 28-inch suitcases, while the front central armrest box and door panel storage compartments are ample for daily use.

For performance, the 2018 Maybach S 560 is equipped with a 4.0L V8 naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 475PS with peak torque fully available at 2000rpm. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. Official 0-100km/h acceleration is 4.9 seconds. During our test drive, switching to Sport mode allowed nearly no delay at start-up, and during mid-to-late acceleration or overtaking, deep pressing the throttle unleashes a continuous stream of power, giving a noticeable yet seamless push-back feeling, consistent with the “effortlessly powerful” tone of luxury vehicles. For everyday driving under Comfort mode, gear shifts are smooth, with barely any sense of jerking, making it ideal for urban commutes.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards comfort tuning—steering wheel feedback is light, with slightly more slack compared to the regular S-Class, making it more suited for high-speed cruising rather than aggressive driving. The suspension system uses air suspension, automatically adjusting firmness according to road conditions. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations are thoroughly filtered out, and the rear passengers feel almost no noticeable jolts. On winding mountain roads, even with its long body, the chassis provides sufficient support, keeping the body roll within a reasonable range without an overly "boat-like" swaying sensation. As for fuel economy, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.8L/100km. In actual urban traffic conditions, the fuel consumption is about 11-12L, while on the highway during cruising, it can drop to around 7.5L. Considering its weight of 2.17 tons, this performance meets expectations.

The details of ride comfort are well executed - the whole car uses double-layer soundproof glass, and at speeds below 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise are almost negligible. The Burmester 13-speaker sound system delivers clear sound quality with rich bass performance, and even at high volumes, there is no distortion. The seat massage function offers 5 modes to choose from, effectively alleviating fatigue during long-distance rides. It is worth mentioning that its active safety features are comprehensive, including standard lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and more, which helps reduce the driver's attention burden during high-speed driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Maybach S 560 are evident: compared to the long-wheelbase versions of the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8L in the same class, it offers more spacious rear seating, more luxurious features (especially the rear massage seats and Burmester sound system), and stronger brand premium capability. However, its price is about 200,000 MYR higher than the standard S-Class, making it suitable for users with a generous budget who place importance on the rear seating experience — such as business professionals frequently entertaining clients, or family users pursuing a "mobile palace" experience.

If you are someone who seeks the endorsement of a luxury brand while needing a rear seat that allows you to "lie flat" and relax, the 2018 Maybach S 560 is one of the best choices in its price range. However, if you value handling or cost performance more, the standard S-Class might be a better fit. All in all, it is a car that "takes luxury and comfort to the extreme," perfectly meeting the high-end user's demands for an "exclusive experience."