VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
450 kW
Torque
650 Nm
900 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
14.0 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
4.5 s
Engine
2989 cc
5980 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 230 kW while the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class produces 450 kW. On fuel, the S-Class returns 6.3 l/100km while the S-Class uses 14.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 662 146 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
230 kW
450 kW
Torque
650 Nm
900 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
4.5 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2989 cc
5980 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
12
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
14.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 (opt 76) l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
169 g/km
321 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
2110 Kg
2330 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5 (opt 4)
4
Load Volume
540 l
470 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
—
Load Capacity
655 l
560 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
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
S-Class
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 662 146)
Less power than rival (230 kW vs 450 kW)
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
More powerful engine (450 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (14.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S-Class or S-Class?
The S-Class uses 6.3 l/100km 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 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 450 kW and 900 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 R2 662 146 and the S-Class from R5 208 169. The S-Class is cheaper by R2 546 023 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 2100 Kg 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.