Tested: 2023 Maybach S680 is a V12 Private Jet for the Road

The 10 Second Review

The 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S680 V12 is the pinnacle of luxury and performance. With a powerful V12 engine, opulent interior, and cutting-edge technology, it’s a vehicle that embodies automotive excellence, with a premium price.

The In-Depth Review

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 S680 Maybach is equipped with a technologically advanced V12 engine with a 6.0-liter displacement. This powerhouse generates a staggering amount of horsepower and torque, providing a seamless and commanding driving experience. The transmission is typically an advanced automatic, engineered for precision and smooth gear shifts.

The V12 engine is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100KM/H in 4.5s, showcasing its exceptional performance capabilities. In terms of handling, the car’s suspension system ensures a comfortable and stable ride, whether maneuvering through city streets or cruising on the open road.

Throughout our experience with the vehicle, we were amazed by the smooth ride and the near-silent interior. We measured an exceptionally low 64 decibels inside the car while traveling at 120 km/h. The inclusion of an air suspension and an active sound cancellation system as standard features in the new model contributes to the car’s serene and hushed journey. Additionally, the S-class comes with rear-wheel steering, which is expected to assist in maneuvering this sizable sedan through congested city streets.

However, it’s important to note that this impressive power and performance come at a trade-off in terms of fuel efficiency. The V12 engine’s thirst for fuel might not make it the most eco-friendly option, but it undoubtedly delivers on the promise of luxury and performance expected from a Maybach.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The extended 18cm wheelbase, longer than even the lengthiest version of the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class, greatly benefits the rear compartment of this remarkably elongated car. In essence, this car surpasses even the longest ‘regular’ S-Class in the lineup.

This rear compartment is truly magnificent, featuring exquisite materials like diamond-patterned leather and high-quality wood, seamlessly integrated with top-tier technology. The Maybach doesn’t shy away from showcasing its technological prowess; rather, it proudly wears its advancements.

The utilization of OLED technology for the displays, including the rear screens in our test car, is a notable highlight. The rear section offers heated and cooled cupholders, active ambient lighting, a premium Burmester 4D surround sound system, and the convenience of doors that open and close with a simple touch.

The rear seats are a marvel. Both ‘executive’ seats can recline up to an impressive 43.5 degrees. When fully reclined on one side, the front passenger seat automatically moves forward (if unoccupied), and a heel rest elegantly emerges. This provides an exceptionally flat and comfortable reclining surface, ideal for a restful and comfortable sleeping position.

Naturally, the Maybach offers a variety of massage programs to soothe away your aches and pains, including one for your calves. And, as you’d expect, there’s the convenience of raising one of two silver-plated champagne flutes filled with champagne from the onboard fridge to toast your achievements, probably your next big company exit.

To ensure a serene environment, the Maybach features additional sound-absorbing foam in the rear wheel arches, thicker laminated rear glass, and even the option for quieter tires. A standout feature is the noise suppression system, which collaborates with the audio setup to detect road irregularities and counter them with sound waves phase-shifted by 180 degrees through the bass speakers.

In essence, it’s astonishingly quiet, allowing you to communicate with your chauffeur from the rear compartment with just a faint whisper.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Similar to the Benz S-Class, the Maybach includes Mercedes’s most up-to-date MBUX infotainment system, which is presented on a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as a standard feature. The vehicle also features a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and includes an augmented-reality navigation system that provides easy-to-follow video directions on both the infotainment screen and the car’s head-up display.

In terms of connectivity, the Maybach offers standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 6 USB-C ports for various devices. Moreover, it boasts a premium 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a rear-seat entertainment system as part of its standard package.

Prices starting from AED1,299,000

“Mercedes-Maybach S680 V12 is the pinnacle of luxury and performance.”

Learn more about the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

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