Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Experience

Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Experience

Words such as "sumptuous" and "lavish" don't properly illustrate how luxurious the palatial Mercedes-Maybach S-class truly is. Prices start at a tad less than $172,000 for the S560 and more than $200,000 for the S650.

Engines, Ride, and Handling
The S560's 463-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and the S650's 621-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 both provide effortless motivation. In our testing, the S560 managed a smooth and fleet-footed trip to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The S650 might not be much quicker (we haven't tested one) but in our experience its V-12 has proven to be even silkier in its operation than the V-8 in other Mercedes vehicles. All Maybach models come with a nine-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is standard on the S560 but the S650 is only available with rear-wheel drive.

Interior and Technology
The Maybach S-class cars are best enjoyed from the rear seat, where passengers can stretch out and relax on hot-stone-style massaging leather recliners and enjoy the Burmester audio system while an atomizer fills the cabin with one of Maybach's five signature fragrances. The Maybach models ride on a wheelbase that's 7.9 inches longer than the Benz-branded S-class cars and nearly all of that extra length is dedicated to the rear seat to create an extra-spacious environment. That's not to say that the front seat isn't luxurious. The driver and front-seat passenger are treated to most of the same luxuries—including the massaging seats—and the dashboard's dual 12.3-inch digital displays provide access to the car's infotainment system. A host of driver-assistance features are available including an adaptive-cruise-control system that uses navigational data to slow the car down in preparation for corners and an automatic lane-change feature that watches for gaps in traffic and merges the S-class when it's safe to do so.