#NYIAS: Getting More Intimate With The REFRESHED Mercedes-Maybach S650 — Does This Two-Tone V12 Have The Panache You'd Want?

One of my favorite vehicles on the market is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It's just brilliant at, well, everything. Of course it doesn't come cheap but things done right typically do cost you a pretty penny.

But how does one improve upon an already great product? The three-pointed star figured it out with the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand.

New York Auto Show

READ the 2019 Mercedes-Maybach press release HERE!

10 inches longer over the standard S-Class, it provides a limo experience. Equipped with more features and some super geeky engineering — take, for example, the modified rear doors that have a better seal than the standard car — it's just another level up from an already impressive S.

Refreshed for the 2019 model year, now with vertical running lamellas and an optional two-tone paint job, the sub-brand is attempting to give the vehicle more flair. Personally, I prefer the more subdued, discreet take.

Having said that, we're curious about your thoughts, Spies! Do you dig the monotone version or this more flashy example of the Maybach?

As we have at least one frequenter at AutoSpies with an S650 on order, we know our users actually make moves on cars like this. Nothing aspirational here, folks.


New York Auto Show

TheSteve - 3/28/2018 11:38:28 PM

+7 Boost

Mattress top quilting needs to go away from cars. The headlight and tail lights don't say "luxury" in any way.

Agent00R - 3/28/2018 11:45:41 PM

-2 Boost

Disagree. The "mattress top" seating was much appreciated when I had my go in a Maybach.

Probably some of the best chairs in the business.

Not quite sure how or why headlights/taillights are supposed to convey luxury...

valhallakey - 3/28/2018 11:56:52 PM

+5 Boost

Well come on 00R, if you are paying a gazillion dinero for a car, every friggin inch of it should shout luxury including the tail lights and head lights.

TomM - 3/29/2018 6:51:03 AM

-2 Boost

Sorry - But I like the Mattress top - and those seats are just plain HEAVEN.
I am not into two color paint - but I suspect this is to compete with the Rolls - many of which are sold that way. However - for Half the price of the Rolls (Or so) I am getting what I consider to be a better car - still with the Panache of a Rolls or Bentley - with all the bells and whistles. I have stated before -there is something about the Turbine like smoothness of a V-12 that no other engine can match - and that is why I eliminated the Mulsanne.

AS you know I had the chance to buy my bosses last generation Phantom instead - (with only 4,000 miles) - but decided the Mercedes was a better choice. It thought it would be my last big sedan so I wanted a car that was more up to date. Since I ordered mine with what I wanted - it won't be here till about July-August - I hope I live to see it.

Runamukk - 3/29/2018 12:28:43 AM

+1 Boost

Until you've experienced one in person I would recommend you reserve judgement. In person there is nothing more luxurious anywhere near this price point and arguably at double this price point. I think the two tone exterior is a welcome option that differentiates it further from a standard S Class. For roughly the same price as an S65 it's an absolute bargain. As for the headlights that supposedly dont convey luxury...there is nothing more advanced on earth. They are the only lights that can project relevant driver images on the ground. My 2 cents...feel free to disagree.

https://www.motor1.com/news/235044/mercedes-maybach-headlights-project-symbols/

Dexter1 - 3/29/2018 6:25:21 AM

+2 Boost

Looks like a stretched C-Class with a bad paint job.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 3/29/2018 8:42:38 AM

+3 Boost

I personally miss the old Benz models of the mid 90's that were humorless and square like the W140 S-Class. No fluff or quilting here.

MDarringer - 3/29/2018 12:44:42 PM

+1 Boost

Have you ever experienced a 450SEL 6.9? I guarantee the oldster feels more special than the Maybach whore mobile.

TomM - 3/30/2018 9:02:03 AM

+1 Boost

I owned a 450 SEL 6.9 - and to be sure - it was a revelation for its time - however - if you attempt to compare it to a current car - the overall lack of refinement in it is glaring. Yes - it could go fast - and that HydroPneumatic suspension was an eye opener - it was head and shoulders above any Premium PERFORMANCE luxury car of its time. However- most of the current crop of V-8 S class can now outrun it - the interiors of the current car make the Old one look like an Econo-car. THe "auto temp control" heating system was a constant nightmare - and I had to replace the standard seats - which were actually surprisingly "springy" - with Aftermarket.

While in its time - I agree it was something special - if you were to do that comparison today - the 6.9 would end up off the bottom of the list.

MDarringer - 3/29/2018 9:22:47 AM

+1 Boost

This will be perfect for ballers, rappers, pimps, and successful drug traffickers, but anyone with taste will shy away from mess.

TauronB2G - 3/29/2018 12:56:26 PM

+2 Boost

Such a douchebag statement!

MDarringer - 3/29/2018 1:28:32 PM

-2 Boost

^^^^tokenism

mre30 - 3/29/2018 9:36:15 AM

+2 Boost

Two-tone paint is a challenge to pull off..especially so with swoopy-bodied vehicles like this one. For a vehicle to appropriately carry the two-tone look (Bentley Mulsanne is one of them that looks spectacular in two-tone) the correct lines need to be designed in from the start. This looks like an afterthought.

I understand why it is an option but there are so many unresolved two-tone lines, especially in the rear, around the trunk, that its kind of a mess!

Maybach S650/S560 is a beautiful vehicle, just stick with single tone paint.

mre30 - 3/29/2018 9:38:03 AM

+4 Boost

By the way, Mercedes parts depatments should stock replacement Maybach "MMM" hood ornaments for these Maybachs - then the baller/pimp/dealer look would be complete.

The dealer could stock them and put them on if requested by customers.

stiffy - 3/29/2018 12:33:36 PM

+2 Boost

Looks very comfortable! For those moaning about the mattress textures and paint job; just remember, these cars are highly customisable... You obviously don't have to go with any of the configuration as shown! Different strokes for different folks.

For me, this car is still not bespoke enough to carry the Maybach 'badge'. Mercedes employes enough humans and robots to produce something far better than this!

#justsaying

scenicbyway12 - 3/29/2018 2:18:35 PM

0 Boost

For what is not a bad value (less deprecation). Still doesn't play at the RR and Bentley level like the want you to think it does.