Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 2021 first drive

Like the Benz S580, it also adopts the latest incarnation of Mercedes’ Airmatic air suspension, and the result is extraordinary body control and outstanding ride quality. The level of comfort is clearly above that of the already highly accomplished Benz S-Class; you occasionally sense a mild shimmy over higher-frequency bumps but, despite the underlying softness, there’s excellent vertical control.

It feels wonderfully tied down and remarkably well composed. Still not enough? If not, you can also specify a number of advanced chassis features, including E-Active Body Control, which constantly levels the car through electronically controlling the spring and damper forces individually at each wheel; Road Surface Scan, which uses cameras to evaluate the road ahead and then primes the springs and dampers; and Curve, which tilts the body into turns, with the height of the inner wheels slightly reduced to preempt any body roll. So configured, the S680 glides from corner to corner, providing the sort of otherworldly handling found on higher-specified examples of the Benz S-Class.

Plungers within the air springs automatically raise one side of the car and lower the other, so lateral forces acting on occupants are lessened, enhancing the feeling of wellbeing. For all of its undoubted appeal, though, the S680 can’t replicate the uniqueness of the Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur. Granted, Stuttgart’s design team has done more this time around to differentiate Maybach models, but there’s still no denying that it shares much of its exterior with a Benz.

Beyond an optional two-tone paint scheme, there’s a prominent new grille within a uniquely styled front bumper, an altered bonnet with a chrome central rib, Maybach emblems on the C-pillars and a reworked rear bumper with differently shaped tailpipes.

It’s a similar story in the cabin. It’s sumptuous and roomy of very high perceived quality, but once again it draws heavily on that of the Benz. There’s a new-look dashboard with rectangular air vents in the upper portion, a multifunction steering wheel with touch-sensitive ‘buttons’, a 12.3in digital instrument display featuring Maybach-themed graphics and a 11.9in portrait touchscreen dominating the centre console.

It all looks very tidy. There are far fewer analogue controls than before; even those for the air conditioning are now grouped in a digital menu. Along with touch commands, you can also access most of the functions using voice commands and gestures. A new head-up display featuring augmented reality is an option, as is a new 30-speaker, 1750W Burmester 4D sound system with subwoofers located in the backs of the front seats.

It’s in the rear, though, where much of the styling efforts are focused. You get a three-seat bench as standard, although most customers are likely to opt for the two individual Executive seats, which are each faced by an 11.3in touchscreen, in combination with a control tablet that can be used both inside and outside the car.

Soft nappa leather adorns most surfaces in the second seat row, and there’s an extra 85mm of leg room over the Benz S-Class, which now comes exclusively in long-wheelbase guise, giving the Maybach truly limousine-like accommodation.

Buyers can also add silver-plated champagne flutes and a refrigerated bottle holder in the middle of the rear bulkhead, perhaps for congratulatory toasts after clinching business deals.