VS
At a Glance
Power
375 kW
370 kW
Torque
750 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.
11.0 l/100km
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
4.8 s
Engine
2999 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers 375 kW while the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class produces 370 kW. On fuel, the S-Class returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.0 when discharged l/100km while the S-Class uses 11.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 224 101 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.
Performance
Power Output
375 kW
370 kW
Torque
750 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.
11.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
15.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
16-23 when hybrid battery charged / 181-
251 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5289 mm
5469 mm
Width
1954-2109 mm
1921-2109 mm
Height
1503 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
3216 mm
3396 mm
Kerb Weight
2375 DIN / 2450 EU Kg
2275 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5 (opt 4)
4
Load Volume
350 l
505 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
620 l
635 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9 / opt 11)
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 20000)
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
4 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
S-Class
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
More powerful engine (375 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.0 when discharged l/100km)
Lower starting price (R3 224 101)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.0 l/100km)
Less power than rival (370 kW vs 375 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S-Class or S-Class?
The S-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.0 when discharged l/100km and the S-Class uses 11.0 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 375 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 370 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The S-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S-Class and S-Class?
The S-Class starts from R3 224 101 and the S-Class from R4 199 994. The S-Class is cheaper by R975 893 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
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.