VS
At a Glance
Power
380kW@5000
450 kW
Torque
830Nm@1800
900 Nm
Fuel
14.2
14.0 l/100km
Towing
2035
—
0-100 km/h
—
4.5 s
Engine
5513
5980 cc
Choosing between the MERCEDES S-CLASS and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MERCEDES S-CLASS delivers 380kW@5000 while the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class produces 450 kW. On fuel, the S-CLASS returns 14.2 while the S-Class uses 14.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R6 869 173 for the S-CLASS and R5 208 169 for the S-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
380kW@5000
450 kW
Torque
830Nm@1800
900 Nm
0-100 kph
—
4.5 s
Top Speed
210
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5513
5980 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
V
Cylinders
12
12
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.2
14.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
21.7
20.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.9
10.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90
76 l
CO2 Emissions
332
321 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5226
5469 mm
Width
1871-2120
1921-2109 mm
Height
1479
1510 mm
Wheelbase
3165
3396 mm
Ground Clearance
150
—
Kerb Weight
3680
2330 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
—
470 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2035
—
Load Capacity
550
560 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
11
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
SPEEDTRONIC
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
S-Class
Practicality
S-CLASS
Pros & Cons
MERCEDES S-CLASS
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (14.2)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Better fuel economy (14.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R5 208 169)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S-CLASS or S-Class?
The S-CLASS uses 14.2 and the S-Class uses 14.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S-CLASS or S-Class?
The S-CLASS produces 380kW@5000 and 830Nm@1800 of torque while the S-Class delivers 450 kW and 900 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the S-CLASS and S-Class?
The S-CLASS starts from R6 869 173 and the S-Class from R5 208 169. The S-Class is cheaper by R1 661 004 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S-CLASS or S-Class?
The S-CLASS has a braked towing capacity of 2035 and the S-Class can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S-CLASS or the S-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.