Core Announcement: New Maybach S-Class Launched in China
On September 25, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class officially launched in China, marking a significant breakthrough in both pricing strategy and technological advancement. Four variants are offered, with prices ranging from 1.398 million to 3.353 million CNY.
Key specifications:
- Launch date: September 25, 2026
- Platform: First Maybach model built on Mercedes-Benz MB.OS architecture
- Pricing: S 480 at 1.398 million CNY; S 580 at 2.527 million CNY; S 580 Night Edition at 2.699 million CNY; S 680 at 3.353 million CNY
- Tech highlights: End-side multimodal VLM large model, high-level intelligent driving system, Momenta R7 world model
- OTA update support: Future features via remote over-the-air upgrades
Intelligent Cockpit & Driving Assistance: A New Benchmark for ICE Vehicles
The new model debuts Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS architecture alongside an advanced human-machine interaction system. Notably, it integrates an end-side multimodal vision-language model (VLM) capable of local image-text joint processing, reducing latency and enhancing data privacy.
The surprising twist: This luxury ICE sedan becomes the first vehicle to equip Momenta R7, a large-model autonomous driving system previously associated mainly with new-energy vehicles. This collaboration challenges the assumption that “internal combustion equals outdated intelligence.”
For driving assistance, the car features new urban and highway navigation pilot systems, delivering point-to-point auxiliary driving and intelligent parking across full commuting scenarios. Despite its fuel-powered platform, the architecture offers sufficient redundancy for ongoing software upgrades.
Embrace-Style Cockpit Design: Luxury Through Detailed Engineering
The cabin adopts an upgraded embrace-style layout, with a unified glass-panel dashboard integrating the 14.4-inch center display and 12.3-inch front passenger screen. Rear passengers enjoy dual 13.1-inch HD entertainment displays, maintaining Maybach’s rear-seat prioritization tradition.
Design highlights:
- Light-up elements: Grille outline, “MAYBACH” lettering, and star logo on the hood now illuminate
- Customization options: Two new “MANUFAKTUR craftsmanship” paint colors and four exclusive interior color schemes
Powertrain: V12 Retained, V8 Upgraded
The Chinese market continues offering the V12-powered S 680 for elite status appeal, alongside an upgraded M177 Evo V8 engine. Performance figures reach 450 kW + 17 kW (467 kW total) maximum power and 850 N·m + 205 N·m (1,055 N·m total) peak torque—comparable to some supercars.
| Variant | Price (CNY 10k) | Powertrain | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| S 480 | 139.8 | New inline-6 | Entry luxury, full智能化capability |
| S 580 | 252.7 | M177 Evo V8 | Mainstream premium |
| S 580 Night Edition | 269.9 | M177 Evo V8 + unique styling | Private customization |
| S 680 | 335.3 | V12 engine | Flagship luxury |
Buyer Recommendations
Those with limited budgets but seeking 智能化 experience alongside brand prestige should consider the S 480—its 1.398 million CNY price represents a significant drop from the previous generation while retaining full MB.OS and high-level driving features. The S 580 series suits users prioritizing power performance, with the Night Edition offering distinctive styling.
If budget allows and engine sound quality + ceremonial ambiance matters most, the S 680 remains the sole V12 flagship in its segment—though fuel efficiency and future emission policy risks warrant careful review. Prospective buyers are advised to test drive and experience the new cockpit interface and auxiliary driving response firsthand.
Final Thought
By enhancing technological capabilities on ICE platforms, Maybach executes a pragmatic strategy for the hybrid transition period—extending product lifecycles and redefining value expectations before full electrification arrives. This approach reflects Mercedes-Benz’s balancing act between tradition and innovation.