Mercedes-Maybach S-Class facelift bound for Australia

MERCEDES-MAYBACH has revealed a comprehensively updated S-Class flagship, introducing a broader range of bespoke options, enhanced digital technology, and revised powertrains ahead of its Australian arrival, likely in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Building on the recently refreshed Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the latest Maybach flagship receives a more distinctive exterior highlighted by a larger radiator grille, redesigned bumpers, and new lighting signatures incorporating star-pattern graphics at both the front and rear.

The grille itself is now 20 per cent larger and, depending on market specification, can be illuminated along with the Mercedes-Benz bonnet star, grille surround and Maybach C-pillar emblems. New forged alloy wheels feature a floating Mercedes-Benz centre cap mounted on a ball-bearing mechanism that keeps the three-pointed star upright while the vehicle is in motion.

Additional exterior changes include new paint finishes, among them Black Sparkling with a glass-flake clear coat and Verde Silver Magno, plus new 20- and 21-inch wheel designs.

Inside, Mercedes-Maybach has focused on elevating comfort while introducing the latest generation of its digital architecture. The facelifted S-Class becomes the first Maybach model to adopt the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), bringing fourth-generation MBUX infotainment, generative AI-powered voice assistance, and over-the-air software updates.

A redesigned dashboard integrates the MBUX Superscreen with Maybach-specific graphics, while rear-seat occupants benefit from updated 13.1-inch entertainment displays controlled by newly designed remote units.

For the first time, buyers can specify a leather-free interior finished in Mercedes-Benz's new Mirville textile material, while an expanded Manufaktur personalisation program now offers more than 150 exterior paint colours, over 400 interior colour combinations, and extensive bespoke trim options.

Rear passenger comfort remains the priority, with available Executive seating, refrigerated storage, silver-plated Robbe & Berking champagne flutes, ambient lighting with 199 LEDs, and enhanced acoustic insulation creating an even quieter cabin.

Mercedes-Maybach has also introduced a revised Airmatic suspension featuring predictive damping technology that uses cloud-based road information shared between Mercedes-Benz vehicles to proactively adjust suspension settings before encountering road imperfections.

Powertrain offerings vary by market.

In Europe, the range is headlined by an updated twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 450kW/850Nm in the S 680, supported by a 48-volt integrated starter generator providing an additional 17kW/205Nm. The S 580 uses the same engine in a lower state of tune, delivering 395kW/750Nm plus mild-hybrid assistance.

Selected markets, including the United States, will continue to receive the hand-built twin- turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 in the S 680, producing 450kW/900Nm.

A revised S 580e plug-in hybrid also joins the global line-up, pairing an updated turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for approximately 100km of electric driving range, depending on market.

All variants continue to use a nine-speed automatic transmission.

In concert with the upgraded S-Class’ driver assistance technology is a new water-cooled computing platform capable of supporting future autonomous driving functions.

Depending on market, MB.Drive Assist Pro enables hands-free operation on selected highways and urban roads, while enhanced automated parking functions now include diagonal parking assistance.

The refreshed Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will enter production at Mercedes-Benz’s Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany, before Australian deliveries commence later this year 2026.

Local pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch.