2027 Mercedes-Maybach S580 Drive: More, More, MoreMercedes-MaybachMaybach is in a unique position in the ultra-luxury space. Whereas its primary competitors, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, are full-on standalone marques that—whether intentionally or otherwise—hide their German-parent-company roots, Maybach remains an inexorable part of the greater Mercedes lineup, adding a layer of luxury on top of Merc's already-fancy foundations. The S-class just received a mid-cycle refresh, and now, those changes (and a couple of others) have made their way to the gilded pinnacle of the lineup.What's New?Before we proceed, we have good news and bad news. The good news is that Maybach's twin-turbo V-12 will continue to be sold in the U.S. in the Mercedes-Maybach S680, producing 621 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The bad news is that we haven't driven that model yet, so that's all you're going to hear about it—for now, until one swings through our office in Ann Arbor. Europe doesn't get a V-12 at all; instead, they get a second, beefier eight-cylinder powertrain.We spent our entire time battling the French heat wave inside the Mercedes-Maybach S580, which relies on a twin-turbocharged, flat-plane-crankshaft 4.0-liter V-8 that makes 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet. A 48-volt starter-generator can provide up to 23 horses and 151 pound-feet on its own, but that assistance is variable and thus doesn't count in the car's official output figures. The V-12 might be beefier, but Mercedes says that the S580 is the quicker of the two, at 3.9 seconds to 60 mph versus the S680's 4.3 seconds, though those estimates are likely a tad conservative. Both are limited to a top speed of 130 mph, and both wield nine-speed automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Maybach picked up some new looks as part of the greater S-class refresh. The headlights now have three-pointed-star elements inside of them, as well as Maybach-specific rose-gold elements, and they drag your eyes toward a shiny grille that's 20 percent larger than before. You can also opt for a light-up hood ornament, should you desire some extra nighttime flash. Otherwise, look to the selection of two-tone paints, as well as the Maybach badge on the C-pillar, to help differentiate this car from its lesser S-class brethren.Mercedes-MaybachInside, the Maybach carries the same general S-class vibe, though personalization options abound. The refresh's most notable change is the dashboard, where the old S-class layout has been ditched in favor of a Superscreen, which tucks a pair of displays—one 14.4-inch central touchscreen and one 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen—under a single piece of glass. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster retains its semi-floating position ahead of the driver. The rear seats get a bit more attention, and considering this car is for the driven as much as it is for the drivers, that seems fitting. A pair of 13.1-inch rear displays is now standard, there's a new set of cupholders built specifically for the optional champagne flutes, and each outboard rear seat gets its own little remote to control things like climate or massage functionality. As one may expect, there is no bad touch point anywhere in this car; the materials are top-notch, and the execution is damn near flawless.Mercedes-MaybachHow the S580 DrivesIt shouldn't come as a surprise that the Mercedes-Maybach S580 drives excellently; we've said as much about every recent Maybach model we've encountered, from the SL680 convertible to the leviathan-like GLS600. The S580 continues that trend, thanks in large part to an expertly tuned standard air-spring suspension that soaked up every French pothole we tried to throw at it. Whether you leave the car in its default Comfort mode or engage the decadent Maybach setting, the ride is buttery smooth.Maybach is the mode we preferred to stay in during our brief drive. It smooths out launches by starting in second gear, offering an even cushier way to leave a stoplight. In either mode, the powertrain proved unobtrusive, barely letting its flat-plane song into the cabin, and the only untoward experience we had was one tiny clunk that we felt when lifting off the accelerator hurriedly. Otherwise, the car is unflappable. Motive force is more than ample; this isn't a car for rocketing between switchbacks, although you can accomplish this task with relative competence in Sport mode, not that anyone will. Hell, this is a car where you'll never be left wanting for anything, really.AdvertisementAdvertisementOf course, the driver's seat tells only part of the story, as many Maybach owners will be chauffeured around in the back. We were able to spend a good bit of time in the back seat, and once again, it's the top of the pops. There's plenty of legroom, even with the luxo-loungers fully extended. Everything we saw or touched felt appropriately premium. Between the supple leather, the neck pillows, and the massage functionality, you might need to be pried out of the rear seats with a crowbar.We know this might sound like an insane thing to say, but in the context of its segment, the Maybach S-class is something of a bargain. With an expected starting price around $220,000, the 2027 Maybach S-class should ring in below the Bentley Flying Spur and more than 100 grand below the Rolls-Royce Ghost—and those aren't even the top models in their respective lineups! Use the money you save to buy your au pair an E450 or blow it on any number of high-end Manufaktur customizations (neon-blue monoblock wheels, anyone?). Either way, you'll end up with a true luxury sedan that provides a slice of the good life.Mercedes-Maybach➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029