Mercedes continues the simultaneous development of the Maybach S-Class alongside the regular S-Class and the all-electric EQS, and the first one was spotted near the Arctic Circle during some cold-weather testing.
The long-wheelbase, even more plush variant of the Mercedes flagship is set to offer the absolute best in terms of luxury and technology Mercedes has to give, and it should, given the competition from rivals like Bentley and Rolls Royce.
Related: Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Prototype Takes To The Alps
The next-gen Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will offer a much longer body that the S-Class saloon, something that’s quite obvious from the spy shots; no amount of camo tape can hide its huge length here.
Apart from the differences in dimensions, the Maybach variant will employ a number of styling tweaks to set itself apart from its lower siblings, including a model-specific front grille with vertical slits only –similar to that of the Maybach GLS-, special two-tone paint options and extra doses of chrome all around. Model-specific wheel designs should complete the exterior revisions.
While we can’t tell for sure what the next S-Class will look like, it’s easy to spot that the new model will retain the elegance of the outgoing model, alongside new features that include pop-out door handles -at least on some models- and lighting units that employ the latest technologies.
According to a recent report, Mercedes is going to keep the V12 engine alive for the new S-Class as well; while we can’t tell if it’s going to be offered in the regular S-Class range, it’s almost near certain that we will get it in the range-topping Maybach. The engine will most likely be an evolved version of the current V12 and could even feature some light electrification.
The interior of the Maybach S-Class is traditionally expected to be choke-full of tech and some of the finest materials available; that will include the softest hand-stitched hides, metal and wood trims, displays for every passenger and of course the usual power-adjusted chairs with massage function, cushions and a mini-bar. The regular S-Class is also expected to become the first Mercedes with Level 3 automated driving tech too, you know, to make your chauffeur’s life a little easier.
![](https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/themes/carscoops/assets/images/icons/arrow.png"){kind=icon}