Maybach vs. Mercedes: Models Compared

In a world of luxury cars, the Maybach vs. Mercedes debate won't go cold anytime soon. Both names have rich histories dating back a century, but the luxury that Maybach is known for wasn't apparent until the early 2000s. After a solid run from '02 to '12 with two ultra-luxury sedans, the Maybach brand was retired for a few years before returning as a trim level for the best-equipped versions of the S-Class. Buyers today have the choice between the brand's already luxurious S-Class models and the Maybach trims that can nearly double the cost and add more than enough features to be driven around on a cloud, surrounded by pillows and chilled champagne.

This article expands on the differences between Mercedes-Benz's luxurious S-Class models and the brand's even more luxurious Maybach variants.

Mercedes vs. Maybach Differences Overview

Luxury And Resplendence

The most immediately noticeable difference between Maybach and Mercedes is their price points, which come with different levels of opulence. Most people are aware of how luxurious and prestigious the S-Class name is. They typically mark the top of the top in terms of Mercedes-Benz models, but the brand goes a step further with the Maybach trims. To start, it's important to know that the Maybach we know today is not a separate brand - it's a more luxurious trim level of current S-Class models.

When these models get the Maybach treatment, they have much closer attention to detail, and buyers have more options for customization in the ordering process. While typical S-Class models aim their sights at the likes of BMW, Land Rover, and some other high-end European brands, the Maybach trims set an even higher bar. The interior details, features, and other specs are set to rival brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Maybach vs. Mercedes: Origins

Technically Speaking, Maybach Was Founded First

As surprising as it might sound, Maybach was founded before Mercedes-Benz. The Maybach brand was founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl. Prior to founding the Maybach brand, Wilhelm served as the technical director of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Having stepped down from his position in 1909, he took time to develop diesel airplane engines before crafting the first Maybach in 1919 - the W1. When Wilhelm passed away in 1929, his son Karl continued to invent and produce new vehicles until his death in 1960, when the brand was acquired by Mercedes-Benz.

While one of the first patented motor vehicles was produced by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in 1886, the brand "Mercedes-Benz" (then Daimler-Benz) was not founded until 1926. These two men worked with others, including Wilhelm Maybach, to create some of the first production cars before Wilhelm split off to create his own company. Therefore, the Maybach brand itself was created before the Mercedes-Benz name, despite the founders of Mercedes-Benz working together to build cars before Maybach.

The Maybach brand may have been bought by Mercedes-Benz in 1960, but remained under its own name until recently. The brand had a second wind from 2002 to 2012 with the production of the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62, which were both named according to the cars' lengths. Both models were examples of premium luxury with features not available in standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class models. They were available in two-toned paint, could have reclining rear seats, curtains on the rear windows, and far more features. The Maybach brand name fell off towards the end of its lifespan before being discontinued in 2012 due to poor sales figures.

Maybach vs. Mercedes Models As Examples

Maybach, as we know it today, was brought back a short few years after its demise. Starting in the 2015 model year, Mercedes-Benz began offering Maybach versions of its current lineup. Although Maybach was not its own brand anymore, buyers still had the opportunity to customize their own ultra-high-end Mercedes-Benz models. This brings us up to speed today. Currently, you can buy Mercedes-Maybach versions of the brand's S-Class sedan, SUV, and its fully-electric EQS.

Maybach GLS SUV vs. Mercedes GLS SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLS represents the best luxury the brand has to offer in an SUV. There are currently two standard versions - the GLS 450 and GLS 580 - both of which offer exceptional quality and plenty of features. We would hope so, since even the more basic of the two costs just below $90k. The higher-end 580 is a great luxury SUV with tons of standard features like heated and ventilated front seats and multicontour front seats with a massage function. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, on the other hand, offers much of the same plus more. It's equipped with the same 4.0-liter V8 as the 580, but gets a tune for slightly more power that compensates for the added weight of leather covering nearly every surface, and optional features like a champagne cooler in the back.

Maybach GLS features not available in the Mercedes GLS

• "Executive Climate System" multi-zone climate controls
• Refrigerator box for rear cabin (optional)
• Hand-crafted silver champagne flute holders (optional)
• Nappa leather ceiling, door sill, and console trim

Maybach S-Class Sedan vs. Mercedes S-class Sedan

Anyone who's ever considered a luxury sedan has looked into the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It has been a staple of status and prestige for decades - now the Maybach trim level steps it up a notch. The original Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 models were built on the S-Class chassis at the time, and offered more than that S-Class ever did. Today, the S 580 offers standard and hybrid trims, which both start around the same price, but there's a third option, the Maybach S 580, which starts at about $75,000 higher. The best version, though, is the S 680, which comes with an impressive V12 engine and nearly everything you could ever ask for.

Maybach S-Class features not available in the Mercedes S-Class

• Manufaktur leather package
• Maybach champagne flutes (optional)
• Air-Balance air purification system
• Heated and cooled rear cupholders

Maybach EQS SUVS vs. Mercedes EQS SUV

The most recently-added Maybach trim is for the electric SUV; the EQS offers most of the same features as the GLS, but in a sleeker, quieter, and equally impressive package. The standard EQS 580 is an incredibly well-equipped car - more so than the GLS. In fact, this model has many available features (which come standard in the Maybach 680) that the standard GLS doesn't have access to. With that being said, the Maybach EQS 680 is the best-equipped luxury SUV that Mercedes has to offer. Among plenty of other features, you can't go wrong with the optional refrigerator and champagne flute holders.

Maybach EQS SUV features not available in the Mercedes EQS SUV

• Nappa leather cabin and ceiling trim
• Refrigerator for rear cabin (optional)
• Hand-crafted silver champagne flute holders (optional)
• Multicontour rear seats with massage function

Maybach vs. Mercedes: Pricing

Is It Worth The Higher Cost?

At the end of the day, anyone who can comfortably afford a Maybach probably doesn't care if it's actually worth it or not. Most of the features found in Maybach trims are frivolous, though pretty nice to have. Since this goes beyond what the typical driver expects, determining whether a Maybach is worth the price or not really just depends on the individual. If you happen to have over $200k to spend on a car, your choice might not be between Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, but between Maybach and other ultra-luxury models like those from Bentley, for example. With that being said, the best-equipped S-Class models are chock-full of features, premium materials, and strong powertrains already, so the extra step to a Maybach could be considered unnecessary.

FAQs:

Is Maybach the same as Mercedes?

While Maybach was its own brand name at one time, it's currently a designation for the highest, most expensive trims of Mercedes-Benz S-Class models.

Why is Maybach more expensive than Mercedes?

Maybach is more expensive than Mercedes because it focuses on more features, bigger powertrains, and in-depth customization.

What are the disadvantages of the Maybach?

The main disadvantages of Maybach come down to their initial costs and the price of repairs down the road. They're still German luxury cars that will run up the bill for servicing and general maintenance.

Which one is better, Maybach or AMG?

We wouldn't pit the Maybach vs AMG models against each other, since one focuses on extreme luxury while the other focuses more on performance - so one isn't necessarily better than the other.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach