The key difference between the Maybach 57S and the Mercedes-Maybach S560 lies in their eras and engineering. The 57S is a true ultra-luxury sedan from the original Maybach revival, focusing on bespoke craftsmanship and immense V12 power. The S560, however, is a modern interpretation, blending Maybach’s opulence with Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge technology and advanced driving dynamics within the renowned S-Class platform.
When you hear “Maybach,” you might picture extreme luxury and power. For decades, this nameplate has been synonymous with the highest level of automotive indulgence. Today, we’re diving into a comparison that many enthusiasts and discerning car owners ponder: the Maybach 57S versus the Mercedes-Maybach S560. These two titans represent different chapters in the Maybach story, each offering a unique blend of comfort, performance, and prestige.
Perhaps you’re a long-time Mercedes-Benz fan considering an upgrade, or maybe you’re new to the ultra-luxury segment and eager to understand the distinctions. Finding clear, straightforward information can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. That’s where we come in. This guide will break down the core differences, helping you appreciate the evolution of ultra-luxury sedans. We’ll explore what makes each of these vehicles special, from their engines and interiors to their technological advancements. Get ready to understand exactly what sets the iconic 57S apart from its modern successor, the S560.
Maybach 57S vs Mercedes-Maybach S560: A Tale of Two Eras
Before Mercedes-Benz revived the Maybach brand in the early 2000s, the nameplate hadn’t graced a production car since the 1960s and was a legend whispered among collectors. The Maybach 57S was a spiritual successor, designed to compete directly with the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Arnage. It was about uncompromised, old-world luxury, handcrafted to an extreme.
The Mercedes-Maybach S560, on the other hand, emerged from a different strategic vision. After the original Maybach struggled to find its footing as a standalone brand, Mercedes-Benz integrated the Maybach name into its own S-Class lineup. This created a sub-brand that leveraged the established S-Class platform, infusing it with Maybach’s signature opulence and exclusive features, but within a more modern, technologically advanced package. Think of it as Maybach luxury meeting Mercedes-Benz innovation.
This fundamental difference in their origin stories sets the stage for everything that follows. One is a devoted reinterpretation of a classic ultra-luxury formula, while the other is a modern evolution, blending ultra-luxury with cutting-edge automotive engineering.
Engine and Performance: Raw Power vs. Refined Might
When comparing the Maybach 57S and the S560, the engine and performance characteristics reveal a significant generational leap.
Maybach 57S: The Herculean V12
The “S” in 57S famously stood for “Sport,” and it was not a misnomer, relatively speaking for a car of this stature. The 57S was powered by a formidable twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine. This powerhouse was engineered by Maybach, though it shared some ancestry with Mercedes-Benz’s own V12s of the era.
Displacement: 6.0 Liters
Configuration: Twin-Turbocharged V12
Horsepower: Approximately 612 hp
Torque: Around 738 lb-ft (900 Nm)
Transmission: Typically a 5-speed automatic gearbox
The focus with the 57S was less about razor-sharp handling and more about effortless, immense power delivery. Merging onto a highway felt like unleashing a freight train, with smooth, relentless acceleration that belied the car’s considerable weight. The V12’s inherent smoothness provided an almost surreal level of refinement.
Mercedes-Maybach S560: Sophisticated Twin-Turbo Power
The Mercedes-Maybach S560 represents the modern era of performance, where twin-turbocharging is the norm, and efficiency plays a more significant role, even in ultra-luxury vehicles. Powering the S560 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. While smaller in displacement than the 57S’s V12, modern engineering allows it to deliver comparable, if not superior, performance with greater fuel efficiency and technological integration.
Displacement: 4.0 Liters
Configuration: Twin-Turbocharged V8 with Cylinder Deactivation
Horsepower: Approximately 463 hp
Torque: Around 557 lb-ft (700 Nm)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission (9G-TRONIC)
The S560’s V8, while producing fewer horses than the 57S’s V12 on paper, offers a more responsive and versatile performance profile. Advanced systems like cylinder deactivation (shutting down four cylinders under light load) enhance fuel economy, a consideration that was less paramount in the 57S era. The 9-speed automatic gearbox provides quicker shifts and a wider range of gears for both acceleration and relaxed cruising. While it might not have the same sheer V12 orchestral presence, the S560 V8 delivers an incredibly potent and refined driving experience, often feeling just as quick thanks to modern gearing and lighter engine internals. For more about Mercedes-Benz engine technology, you can explore resources like the official Mercedes-Benz USA engine information.
Exterior Design: Timeless Elegance vs. Modern Grandeur
The visual identities of the Maybach 57S and the Mercedes-Maybach S560 speak volumes about their respective design philosophies and the eras they hail from.
Maybach 57S: The Epitome of Bespoke Presence
The Maybach 57S was designed to evoke a sense of timeless, understated opulence. Its shape was deliberately classic, drawing inspiration from the original 1930s Maybachs and some of the most elegant sedans of the mid-20th century.
Overall Form: Long, stately, and formal sedan profile. Longer wheelbase than a standard S-Class of its time.
Grille: A prominent, upright grille with distinctive Maybach branding.
Details: Often featured two-tone paint schemes, a signature of ultra-luxury vehicles, hand-painted pinstripes, and bespoke chrome accents.
Wheels: Typically featured large, elegant multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Distinctive Features: The elongated rear doors and the discreet “Maybach” lettering were key identifiers. It aimed for presence without ostentation.
The 57S was, in many ways, a minimalist interpretation of ultra-luxury, allowing the sheer quality of materials and the grand proportions to do the talking. It was less about flashy design and more about a commanding, dignified presence.
Mercedes-Maybach S560: Integrated Luxury and Modernity
The Mercedes-Maybach S560 takes the foundational design of the S-Class and elevates it with Maybach’s exclusive touches. It feels distinctly modern, yet retains the characteristic Maybach elongated silhouette for enhanced rear passenger space.
Overall Form: Based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, offering a more contemporary and aerodynamic profile. It still features an extended wheelbase for exceptional rear legroom.
Grille: A more integrated, sculpted grille with vertical chrome elements and the star emblem, drawing from Mercedes-Benz’s current design language.
Details: Available with elegant two-tone paint options, often with a “flame” or “waterfall” effect where the colors blend. Chrome accents are used judiciously to enhance the luxury feel.
Wheels: Features Maybach-specific wheel designs, often with a more intricate pattern than traditional Mercedes-Benz wheels.
Distinctive Features: The unique Maybach triple louvre grille, the subtle Maybach badging on the C-pillars, and the absence of a distinct Maybach fender vent (as seen on older models) mark its modern integration.
The S560’s exterior is a masterful blend of flowing lines and luxurious details. It’s unmistakably a Maybach, but one that sits comfortably within the modern Mercedes-Benz family, signaling its advanced technology and sophisticated engineering.
Interior and Comfort: The Maybach Experience
This is where both vehicles truly shine, offering an experience far beyond typical luxury sedans. However, their approaches to achieving ultimate comfort differ significantly due to their respective eras.
Maybach 57S: The Art of Bespoke Entourage
The interior of the Maybach 57S was a testament to what could be achieved when craftsmanship and bespoke options were prioritized above all else. It was designed to be a sanctuary, a private jet for the road, with an emphasis on traditional luxury elements.
Seating: Incredibly spacious and comfortable rear seats designed for ultimate relaxation, often featuring reclining functions, massage capabilities, and individual climate control.
Materials: Exquisite leather upholstery (often sourced from top-tier suppliers), real wood veneers, polished metals, and meticulous stitching. Every surface felt premium to the touch.
Features: High-end audio systems, perhaps a mini-fridge for champagne, fold-out tables, and personal reading lights. The focus was on creating mobile executive suites.
Ambiance: A quiet, serene cabin designed to isolate occupants from the outside world, often with advanced sound deadening.
Customization: A hallmark of the original Maybach was its near-limitless customization. Buyers could choose from an almost infinite palette of colors, materials, and bespoke options to make their car truly unique.
The 57S interior evoked the feeling of a tailored suit or a bespoke fine piece of furniture – luxurious, handcrafted, and utterly personal.
Mercedes-Maybach S560: Modern Sanctuary with Intelligent Luxury
The Mercedes-Maybach S560 continues the tradition of creating an unparalleled passenger experience, but it does so by integrating cutting-edge technology with the highest quality materials. It’s a modern interpretation of automotive luxury, emphasizing both physical comfort and digital convenience.
Seating: The exclusive “First Class” rear seating, offering reclining and ottoman-style leg rests, is a centerpiece. These seats are engineered for maximum ergonomics and comfort, incorporating extensive adjustability and advanced massage programs.
Materials: The finest Nappa leather, authentic wood trims (often with exquisite inlay work), and polished metal elements are standard. The quality is undeniable, but the execution is cleaner and more integrated than in the 57S.
Features: A sophisticated infotainment system controlled from the rear, ambient lighting with a vast spectrum of colors and effects, a high-end Burmester surround sound system, and advanced climate control systems that can even ionize and scent the air.
Ambiance: While still incredibly quiet, the S560’s interior feels more connected and technologically advanced. Innovations like active ambient lighting can subtly adapt to driving conditions or occupant preferences.
Technology: Features like the large dual widescreen displays (one for instrumentation, one for infotainment), advanced driver assistance systems, and seamless smartphone integration are key.
The S560’s cabin is a marvel of modern engineering and design, offering a sanctuary that is both sumptuously comfortable and intelligently connected, making it a true executive lounge on wheels.
Technology and Safety: A Generational Divide
The technological and safety advancements between the Maybach 57S and the Mercedes-Maybach S560 represent the most significant difference, illustrating the rapid evolution of automotive engineering over roughly a decade.
Maybach 57S: Pioneering Luxury Tech (for its time)
The Maybach 57S was equipped with the best technology available when it launched in the mid-2000s, focusing on luxury and convenience features that enhanced the chauffeured experience.
Infotainment: A premium sound system, navigation, and communication features were present, but the screens and interfaces were more basic by today’s standards.
Comfort Systems: Advanced climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and ample power adjustments were key.
Navigation: A sophisticated GPS system, delivered through a central display.
Safety: Standard safety features of the era, including airbags, ABS, and stability control. However, advanced driver assistance systems as we know them today were largely absent.
The technology in the 57S was about enhancing the luxury and comfort of traditional automotive functions. It was sophisticated for its time but lacks the integrated digital ecosystem and advanced driver aids of modern cars.
Mercedes-Maybach S560: The Cutting Edge of Automotive Innovation
The Mercedes-Maybach S560, being a product of the late 2010s, is a veritable showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s most advanced technology and safety innovations.
Infotainment: The COMAND infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays provides a seamless digital experience. It integrates navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings with intuitive controls and voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Driver Assistance: A comprehensive suite of cutting-edge driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC PLUS), active lane keeping assist, active brake assist, cross-traffic alert, and more. These systems significantly enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue.
Connectivity: Advanced telematics and online services allow for remote vehicle access, real-time traffic information, and over-the-air updates.
Comfort Technology: ENERGIZING Comfort control, which links various climate, seat, lighting, and even fragrance functions to create specific wellness modes.
Ride Quality: The AIRMATIC air suspension system provides exceptional ride comfort and can dynamically adjust damping for optimal handling and stability. You can learn more about air suspension systems on Car and Driver’s explanation of air suspension.
The S560 is a technologically advanced vehicle that leverages computing power to enhance both the driving experience and the passenger sanctuary, offering a level of safety and convenience unimaginable in the 57S.
Pricing and Value: Investment vs. Appreciation
When discussing the Maybach 57S and the Mercedes-Maybach S560, pricing and value are approached very differently.
Maybach 57S: The Ultra-Exotic Purchase
The Maybach 57S was launched with an eye-watering price tag, positioning it well above even the most opulent Mercedes-Benz sedans of its day.
Original MSRP: Typically started in the high $300,000s and could easily exceed $400,000 with customization.
Depreciation: Like many ultra-luxury vehicles, the 57S experienced significant depreciation in its early years.
Current Value: Today, used Maybach 57S models are available in the collector market. Prices can vary wildly based on mileage, condition, service history, and rarity of specifications. They can range from under $100,000 for a high-mileage example to well over $200,000 for pristine, low-mileage exemplars.
Running Costs: Ownership costs, including maintenance, repairs (especially V12-specific components), and specialized servicing, are exceptionally high.
The 57S is an aspirational purchase, often bought by those seeking the pinnacle of classic, handcrafted luxury and a statement piece that stands apart from more common ultra-luxury cars. Its value is driven by its exclusivity, historical significance, and the sheer bespoke nature of its creation.
Mercedes-Maybach S560: Modern Luxury with a Premier Price Tag
The Mercedes-Maybach S560, while also expensive, operates within a different financial spectrum. It’s placed at the zenith of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup.
Original MSRP: Typically started in the low to mid-$170,000s when new, and with options, could easily climb to $200,000+.
Depreciation: As with most high-end luxury cars, depreciation is a factor, though typically less dramatic than for bespoke ultra-luxury brands of a bygone era.
Current Value: Used S560 models offer a more accessible entry point into Maybach ownership. Prices can be found from around $70,000 to $120,000+ depending on year, mileage, and condition.
* Running Costs: While still substantial, the running costs for an S560 are generally more predictable and potentially lower than for a 57S, thanks to its Mercedes-Benz underpinnings, wider availability of parts, and more modern, potentially more fuel-efficient V8 engine.
The S560 provides Mercedes-Benz’s legendary engineering and service network, making it a more practical choice for those seeking Maybach-level luxury combined with modern reliability and technology. Its value proposition is about experiencing cutting-edge luxury and performance without the extreme bespoke elements and associated high running costs of the 57S.
Maybach 57S vs Mercedes-Maybach S560: Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a summary of the key differences:
| Feature | Maybach 57S | Mercedes-Maybach S560 |
|---|---|---|
| Era of Production | Mid-2000s to early 2010s | Late 2010s (e.g., 2018-2020 model years) |
| Engine | 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (with cylinder deactivation) |
| Horsepower | ~ 612 hp | ~ 463 hp |
| Torque | ~ 738 lb-ft (900 Nm) | ~ 557 lb-ft (700 Nm) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Automatic | 9-speed Automatic (9G-TRONIC) |
| Design Philosophy | Timeless, bespoke, classic ultra-luxury | Modern luxury integrated with S-Class platform |
| Interior Focus | Handcrafted, opulent, traditional luxury, extreme customization | Technologically advanced, intelligent luxury, ergonomic comfort |
| Key Tech Highlight | Premium comfort features of its era | Advanced driver assistance, COMAND, ambient lighting, connectivity |
| Original Price Point | ~$350,000 – $450,000+ | ~$170,000 – $200,000+ |
| Current Market | Collector, classic luxury car market | High-end used luxury car market |
FAQ: Your Maybach Questions Answered
Here are some common beginner questions about these two exceptional vehicles:
Q1: Is the Maybach 57S a Mercedes-Benz or a separate brand?
The Maybach 57S was produced by Maybach Motorenbau GmbH during its revival period (2002-2012). While it used many Mercedes-Benz components and engineering, it was marketed as a distinct ultra-luxury brand separate from Mercedes-Benz.
Q2: What does the “S” in Maybach 57S mean?
The “S S” in Maybach 57S stands for “Sonderklasse” (Special Class) and “Sport.” It indicated a higher performance variant compared to the regular Maybach 57, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier styling cues for its time.
Q3: Is the Mercedes-Maybach S560 considered more reliable than the 57S?
Generally, yes. The S560 benefits from more modern engineering, advanced diagnostics, and the vast service network of Mercedes-Benz. The 57S, with its bespoke V12 and complex older systems, can be significantly more expensive and challenging to maintain.
Q4: Which car is better for long-distance driving?
Both are superb. However, the Mercedes-Maybach S560 offers a more technologically advanced and refined ride, with superior safety systems (like adaptive cruise control) and potentially better fuel efficiency on long hauls.
Q5: Can I get a Maybach 57S with a manual transmission?
No, absolutely not. Both the Maybach 57S and the Mercedes-Maybach S560 are equipped with automatic transmissions, fitting their character as effortless luxury cruisers.
Q6: Which Maybach offers more rear-seat legroom?
Both offer incredibly generous rear-seat legroom, but the Mercedes-Maybach S560, being based on the latest S-Class platform with dedicated Maybach enhancements, offers a slightly more spacious and technologically advanced rear-seat experience.
Q7: Are parts for the Maybach 57S easy to find and affordable?
No, parts for the Maybach 57S are exceptionally difficult to find and very expensive due to its limited production and bespoke nature. Specialized servicing is also required, often incurring significant costs.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Luxury, Redefined
Comparing the Maybach 57S and the Mercedes-Maybach S560 is like looking at two magnificent sculptures from different eras. The Maybach 57S represents a passionate, almost defiant, return to the golden age of ultra-luxury, focusing on unparalleled craftsmanship, bespoke customization, and the sheer, unadulterated might of a V12 engine. It is a car for the connoisseur who appreciates tradition and the ultimate expression of personal automotive luxury from its time.
The Mercedes-Maybach S560, on the other hand, is the evolution of that vision in the 21st century. It masterfully blends the heritage of Maybach with the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering, technology, and safety. It offers a sanctuary of modern comfort, intelligent features, and refined performance, delivering an ultra-luxury experience that is both deeply opulent and remarkably contemporary.
For those seeking the ultimate in handcrafted, classic automotive grandeur, the Maybach 57S holds a unique allure, a statement of ultimate exclusivity. For those who desire the same level of prestige but with the advantages of modern connectivity, advanced safety, and a more integrated technological experience, the Mercedes-Maybach S560 stands as the current epitome. Both are exceptional vehicles that define what it means to travel in unparalleled style and comfort, each in their own distinguished way.