Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class Review

In Malaysia's luxury sedan market, the Maybach S-Class has always been synonymous with ultimate comfort and a symbol of status. The 2022 Maybach S 580 4Matic, as the latest member of the family, not only continues the luxurious genes of its predecessors but also upgrades the hybrid system, intelligent configurations, and rear-seat exclusive experience, aiming at high-end users who have an extreme demand for ride quality. This test drive will focus on its static luxury feel, dynamic driving performance, and the practical performance of the newly added hybrid technology, to see if it can solidify its leading position in the same class.

The first look at the 2022 Maybach S 580 4Matic immediately gives off a more dignified aura compared to the standard S-Class. The body length has been extended to 5469mm, with a wheelbase reaching 3396mm, an increase of 31mm compared to the 2018 S 560, and the side lines are more elongated and smooth. The front adopts Maybach's iconic vertical chrome grille, paired with the three-pointed star emblem, making it highly recognizable; the front headlights have been upgraded to an intelligent LED system, which supports automatic adjustment and adaptive high beam, presenting a strong sense of technology when illuminated at night. At the rear, the twin dual exhaust outlets with chrome finish and the exclusive "MAYBACH" logo correspond to each other. The internal structure of the taillight group has been redesigned to create a visual link with the headlights. The 21-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 265/35 R21 tires further enhance the vehicle's luxurious stance.

Opening the car door, the sense of luxury in the interior is overwhelming. The dashboard and door panels are wrapped in a large area of Nappa leather, and the wood-grain trim features piano lacquer and metal accents, offering a delicate touch and exquisite craftsmanship. The center control area is equipped with a 12.8-inch touchscreen, with noticeably improved system smoothness compared to the previous model, supporting CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity; the fully digital instrument cluster and HUD head-up display create a three-screen linkage, making driving information clear at a glance. The front seats support electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and the headrests come with pillow designs, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats have been significantly upgraded, with the right-side passenger seat supporting one-click recline, combined with an electric leg rest and massage functionality, providing more than two fists of legroom, allowing even passengers as tall as 180cm to stretch out comfortably. The rear seats are also equipped with an independent air conditioning control system, 220V power outlet, and rear-seat LCD screens. You can even control the front passenger seat position through the center armrest, offering a VIP-level experience for business purposes. The trunk has a capacity of 470L, which is 30L smaller than the previous model, but it is more than sufficient for storing 2-3 suitcases for daily use.

In terms of performance, the 2022 S 580 4Matic is equipped with a 4.0T V8 turbocharged engine + a 20PS electric motor mild-hybrid system, with a combined maximum horsepower of 503PS, maximum torque of 700Nm (engine) + 200Nm (electric motor), paired with a 9AT gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive. Officially, 0-100km/h acceleration is 4.8 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the previous S 560. During actual driving, the motor provides additional torque at start-up, making the power response very agile, even during low-speed following, without any turbo lag. When switching to Sport mode, the throttle pedal sensitivity increases, and stepping on it unleashes an endless surge of power, inspiring confidence during overtakes. In daily cruising, the engine rpm stays around 1500, and the mild-hybrid system shuts down the engine during coasting, effectively reducing fuel consumption — during our test drive, the comprehensive fuel consumption under mixed road conditions was about 12.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 11.7L, but considering the vehicle's weight and performance, this result is already quite good.

The handling and chassis performance are equally outstanding. The steering wheel is light to operate and more precise than the standard S-Class, making everyday driving very easy. The chassis features multi-link independent suspension at both the front and rear, combined with an adaptive air suspension that filters out most of the bumps on the road. Even when driving over speed bumps or uneven terrain, the body does not experience noticeable shaking. When cornering, the suspension provides sufficient support, keeping body roll within a reasonable range. With the addition of the all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle has a high level of stability. In terms of braking, the ventilated disc brakes respond linearly, and the brake force is distributed evenly during emergency stops, giving a strong sense of security.

Riding comfort is one of Maybach's core strengths. The cabin noise isolation is extremely well done; at a speed of 120 km/h, both wind and tire noise are kept at very low levels, with only a faint engine sound entering the cabin. The Burmester 3D sound system, equipped with 15 speakers, delivers clear and transparent sound quality, providing an immersive audio experience when listening to music. The addition of the mild hybrid system makes the start-stop process smoother, so you can barely notice the restart of the engine. The energy recovery system offers adjustable strength levels, and in default mode, it feels similar to driving a traditional fuel car without any sense of drag. The rear seats feature multiple massage modes, which effectively relieve fatigue during long journeys. Along with the independent rear air conditioning and fragrance system, the overall experience is comparable to a luxurious mobile suite.

In terms of safety features, the new model comes standard with 12 airbags (3 more than the previous version), a 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and active braking system, providing comprehensive protection even in complex road conditions.

Overall, the 2022 Maybach S 580 4Matic has some very clear core advantages: First, the rear-row luxury experience has been upgraded, with improvements in leg supports, massage features, and rear-seat control authority compared to the previous model. Second, the mild hybrid system enhances both power response and fuel economy. Third, the intelligent features and safety systems are more comprehensive, giving it a technological edge over its competitors. Compared to other models in the same segment, such as the BMW 7 Series Executive Edition or Audi A8L Horch Edition, the Maybach has a clear advantage in brand prestige and rear-seat comfort. Although it is about 52,000 Malaysian Ringgit more expensive than the previous model S 560, the added features and experience fully justify the price difference.

This car is especially suitable for two types of people: first, corporate owners who need a vehicle for business receptions, as the luxurious rear-row configuration reflects their status. Second, high-net-worth individuals focused on family travel quality, as the spacious interior and comfortable seats can meet the needs for long-distance family trips. If you are seeking the ultimate riding experience and brand prestige, the 2022 Maybach S 580 4Matic is undoubtedly the top choice in its class—it is not just a car but a luxurious mobile living space.