VS
At a Glance
Power
368kW@5000
370 kW
Torque
800Nm@1800
700 Nm
Fuel
-
11.0 l/100km
Towing
2035kg
—
0-100 km/h
-
4.8 s
Engine
5513cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers 368kW@5000 while the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class produces 370 kW. On fuel, the S-Class returns 0L/100km while the S-Class uses 11.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 800 000 for the S-Class and R4 199 994 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.
Specification
Mercedes-Benz S-Class600l B6/7 Guard Touchshift 2003 - From R3 800 000
Mercedes-Maybach S-ClassMaybach S580 2022 - From R4 199 994
Performance
Power Output
368kW@5000
370 kW
Torque
800Nm@1800
700 Nm
0-100 kph
-
4.8 s
Top Speed
-
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5513cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
V
Cylinders
12
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
5
9
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
11.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
15.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
88L
76 l
CO2 Emissions
-
251 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5163mm
5469 mm
Width
1855mm
1921-2109 mm
Height
1447mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
3085mm
3396 mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
—
Kerb Weight
2135kg
2275 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
—
505 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2035kg
—
Load Capacity
500kg
635 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
11
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
ALL
✓ 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
S
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
S-Class
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Lower starting price (R3 800 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (11.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S-Class or S-Class?
The S-Class uses 0L/100km and the S-Class uses 11.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S-Class or S-Class?
The S-Class produces 368kW@5000 and 800Nm@1800 of torque while the S-Class delivers 370 kW and 700 Nm of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the S-Class and S-Class?
The S-Class starts from R3 800 000 and the S-Class from R4 199 994. The S-Class is cheaper by R399 994 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 2035kg 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.
Also Consider