SW20S

The point doesn't make sense. To the target buyer, they buy this because its expensive...they have no problem paying $3,000 for champagne flutes...look at what Rolls Royce charges for them...

W205C43PFL

Wow that looks very classy.

Quadrobenz

I just took a look at the W223 forum and noticed this thread. So, MB decided to make a Maybach with a sticker price of $330K that has no carbon ceramic brakes and a detuned V12. Not to mention it has none of the suspension and steering components that make the AMG V12 so special.
This is the only MB V12 made with the 9G transmission rather than the 7speed/ torque converter setup. The reason is apparent from the rated torque of 664lb-ft, down from the 738 (1,000 N-M) of the AMG's. That is because the 9G cannot handle 1,000N-M of torque. I am also shocked that MB used Airmatic rather that the previous MBC on this car. Airmatic is not even close to the ride quality of MBC.
I currently own three AMG V12's, an S65 4 door, an S65 Cabriolet and an SL65, all are fantastic cars. Were I replacing my S65 sedan right now I would likely choose a Bentley Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 over the Maybach if those were the only two choices. The Bentley base sticker price is $309k plus a lot of possible options. I did custom configure one a couple of months ago, it was a little over $330K, although it is possible to get that car close to $400K.
One more point, for about the same money the Bentley 12 is AWD, the Maybach is RWD.

Streamliner

I keep asking myself the same question. By now, the folks at MB should realize what a loser they have with E-ABC and should, at the very least, offer the S680 in a RWD model, on which their old, “Gold Standard” Magic Body Control could be standard equipment. As I understand it, MBC will not work with AWD, but I can’t believe this marvelous suspension could not be reengineered to handle AWD vehicles.

Quadrobenz

From what I understand, combining a V12, AWD and MBC in an S class is a packaging issue. Some key items would need to be redesigned/reconfigured and the volume would have been too small to justify the time and costs involved. So let them ride on air (sort of.) The only AWD V12 MB made was the G65, that used steel springs with gas charged shocks. Ride quality was not a key selling point of the G65.

MBS63AMG

Saw four Maybach's at my local dealership about 2 weeks ago. Not this particular model, just regular Maybach

MBS63AMG

My 2007 S600 was the best car I ever owned amongst the 60 + different vehicles I've been in possession of for over 45 years. The V12 is an unforgettable experience and I kept it for 60,000 miles with no problems at all. I put the Renntech module in it and it ended up at 720 lb/ft of torque. Insanely smooth, quiet, and fast! Pictures of it are on this forum back in 2008 or so under username Trumpet 1.

Rlikis

My 2023 Maybach S690 is drop dead gorgeous. But the Low Battery warning (since I bought it June 24 in Beverly Hills with 2801 miles) is driving me crazy. I live in Pensacola but was in Tampa for Hydrocephalus convention and the Tampa dealer reprogrammed 11 modules stating the battery (replaced in Beverly Hills June 18) was good. Still having issues. Need help!

Streamliner

That’s really a shame. Just yesterday, I saw a W223 Maybach sedan on the road and I wondered if MB gives these very expensive vehicles any “special” prep or treatment, over and above what your everyday, run of the mill S Class or GLS receives. Evidently not. The dealers will probably jump through a few more hoops to try & please the obviously well heeled Maybach owners, but most if not all of the same issues that plague the lesser badged models seem to also infect those with the hallowed Maybach moniker.

These “Low Battery” issues were present at least in the 2021, 2022 & 2023 models. For MB to allow this & other issues to continue from one model year to the next, to my way of thinking, is unforgivable. By the 2022 model release, all issues noted in the 2021’s should have been CURED. How about by 2023? Do I hear 2024???

chassis

Good comparison. Said differently, VAG knows what they are doing. MB doesn't.

Wolfman

Sure. This is why Maybach is more successful than Bentley (volume and revenue).
Until 2018, Bentley lost their shirt on every car produced and they have been able to standup very successful successors to their Continental lineup.

I really like those coupes but will bet that you will see many more issues coming up with their new hybrid models.

Is there one brand where the 48 Volt implementation/hybrids have been trouble-free?

Lou B

Hey, guys - (and dolls)...

Where does all this get anybody? What award does the loudest shouter win?
Sales, schmales.
We vote for what we like when we buy the car we decide to buy.
The rest is, at best, persiflage; at worst, diatribe.

I'm off to my supper of a warmed up lamb chop, corn pudding, broccoli casserole, and tomato aspic with cottage cheese.
Eat your heart out!

Rlikis

The Flutes are but one outstanding luxury item the S680 provides. To drive one (drove mine cross country on an 11-Day road trip with friends) and ride in it is a thing of beauty. As is the Silver over Black $14,500 paint job. I waited two years on JLR to produce their highly touted 2025 GT EV but not one word to date. I shifted to Maybach and am delighted that I located one in Beverly Hills that fit my exact specs... saved about $60k giving up 2,802 miles. All great is all I can say.