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2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

If you love the Mercedes-Benz S-class but find it isn't big enough or exclusive enough for your tastes, take a look at the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650. These large ultra-luxury sedans ride on longer wheelbases than the Benz S-class, and they come with the finest appointments money can buy.
The S560 and S650 are made for limousine living. Their palatial rear seats are available with all the comforts needed to make chauffeured journeys an unmitigated delight.
Although they cost thousands more than their Mercedes sibling, they're less expensive—and less ostentatious—than land barges such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Buyers who want ultra-luxury transportation that leans toward understatement may find S560 and S650 to be a perfect match.

What's New for 2020?

The Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650 carry over into 2020 with no major changes.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Pricing and Which One to Buy

S560: $173,995
S650: $203,545

The S560 and S650's key difference lies with the engine that lives under their imperious hoods. Of the two, the S560 has fewer horses, but there's more than enough power available, so this is the model we'd recommend for most buyers.

Twenty-inch multi-spoke wheels with silver accents connect the S560 to the pavement, and a huge panoramic sunroof extends over the front and rear seats. Adaptive projector-beam LED headlights brighten the path ahead.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The list of standard exterior features also includes rear fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power-folding side mirrors, and LED taillights. Within the cabin, you'll find heated and ventilated front seats with a massaging feature, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry and ignition, and a heated steering wheel.

If you're using the S560 as chauffeured transportation, the well-equipped rear seat will be a big draw. This car's second row is heated and ventilated, and it reclines for optimum comfort. It also comes standard with massaging lumbar support, power side-bolster support, and leg rests.

Additionally, all 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 sedans are equipped with a full complement of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2020 S560 is motivated by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. With the S650, a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 does the honors, and it provides 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This power-plant comes with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

An S560 tested at the track made it from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is an impressive performance for a car with such sizable dimensions. With both sedans, you get handling that's poised and gracious.

The steering is light at low speeds and gets weightier as the car's pace increases.

The suspension is magnificently calibrated, keeping road harshness at bay while avoiding excessive body roll through turns.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560, EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 16/25 mpg city/highway. The S650 is rated at 13/21 mpg. These cars are a lot less fuel efficient that the Benz S-class; that model achieves mileage of up to 19/28 mpg.

Still, the S560 and S650 get better fuel economy than the Rolls-Royce Phantom which comes in at 12/20 mpg. During our time with an S560, we observed overall mileage of 18 mpg.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With both the S560 and S650, you get a cabin that drips with opulence. Luscious leathers and gleaming woods are used throughout, and the interior design is sleek and stylish.

These cars have a longer wheelbase than the Benz S-class, and this translates to more legroom for rear-seat passengers. While the S-class provides 34.1 inches of legroom in the back, the S560 and S650 bump this up to a generous 40 inches.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The rear compartment comes standard with seats that can heat, ventilate, and massage. Adding the Executive Rear Seat Plus package brings in two folding tables for the rear seats, along with heated and cooled cupholders. This roomier, enhanced rear seat is the main feature justifying the S560 and S650's price premium versus the S-class.

Unless you're planning on letting a chauffeur take the wheel, we'd recommend sticking with the Mercedes S-class sedan. Somewhat surprisingly, the S560 and S650 are light on cargo space.

There's just 12.3 cubic feet of room in the trunk. With the Rolls-Royce Phantom, you get a trunk with 19 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mercedes-Maybach's pair of sedans come with a comprehensive array of tech features. The standard Burmester audio system provides 26 speakers for an immersive listening experience.

All models come with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and music streaming. You also get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, along with standard rear-seat DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650 haven't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

However, both these models come with a wide range of driver-assistance features that can help you (or your chauffeur) prevent accidents. Key safety features include: