Just like BMW has Alpina and M, Mercedes also has separate divisions for luxury and speed. The latter is handled by AMG. And for the former, there’s Maybach. Rather like Alpina, it used to be its own brand; it was even founded by former Mercedes engineers. Now, it symbolizes the most exclusive and expensive models Mercedes-Benz offers.

But after enough time, even ultra-luxury cars like Bentleys and Rolls-Royces just become used ones. Specifically, used cars that cost significantly less than when they were new. However, cars can change quite a bit in just a few years. So how does the Maybach of the mid-2000s compare to a brand-new one that costs 2.5 times as much? YouTube team ThrottleHouse decided to find out.

How do a 2007 Maybach 57s’ luxury features compare those in a 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560?

The specific models in ThrottleHouse’s comparison are a 2007 Maybach 57s and a 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560. As of this writing, the former is listed on Autotrader.ca for the equivalent of $83,790. The latter starts at $173,000. However, the example the hosts drive is optioned-up to $204,790.  

In 2007, the Maybach 57s was the shorter of the marque’s 2 models, Autotrader reports and based on the S-Class’ platform. The name comes from its 5.7-meter length, as well as the fact that it’s the ‘special’ version. I’m not making this up: the ‘s’ literally stands for ‘Spezial,’ which is German for ‘special,’ Car and Driver reports.

In terms of features, the Maybach 57s is special indeed. In addition to the high-quality leather upholstery, the luxury sedan has numerous storage spaces, carbon-fiber trim, massaging heated and cooled seats, and a refrigerator. Other options include DVD players, a 57-speaker Bose audio system, and armor plating, Classic Driver, and Motor Trend report. The rear passengers even have dedicated gauges showing the speed and the outside temperature.

But the latest 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560, which is also based on the S-Class, doesn’t lack for luxuries, either. Its seats are heated, cooled, and come with built-in massaging functions, Car and Driver reports. The sedan can be optioned with an extended console with fold-out trays and dual chairs with power-extending foot-rests. And it has an Alcantara headliner and a Burmester audio system.

Other options include a dimmable and color-changing glass sunroof, cooled champagne flute holders, as well as upgraded leather, Jalopnik reports. This on top of standard night vision, a heads-up display, and modern ADAS features. It’s possible to add more than $79,000 worth of options to the Mercedes-Maybach S560, Motor1 reports.

Does a used Maybach sedan still drive like an ultra-luxury car?

The Maybach 57s is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12, rated at 603 hp and 738 lb-ft, Automobile reports. That’s 60 hp and 74 lb-ft more than the ‘regular’ Maybach 57. It’s also enough to let it go 0-60 in 5 seconds. The 57s also rides 0.6” lower than the ‘base’ model, and has stiffer anti-roll bars and air suspension, and larger wheels.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, rated at 463 hp and 516 lb-ft. But, unlike the 57s, it’s an all-wheel-drive sedan, not a RWD one. And Car and Driver reports it’s slightly faster, hitting 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

But outside of features lists and raw numbers, what does a 13-year-old Maybach feel like compared to a brand-new one? The answer: not very different at all. ThrottleHouse reports both Maybachs ride extremely smoothly, with the new one only slightly ahead of the old one. They’re also very fast for their multi-ton curb weights.

It’s in the minutiae where the Maybach 57s differs from the Mercedes-Maybach S560. The S560 has more modern infotainment and gauges, as well as comfier seats. However, the old one’s interior materials feel more solid. And the interior itself is, for lack of a better term, more special.

So, does that make the 2007 57s an incredible bargain? Well, yes and no.

Is it worth getting the older model?

It’s possible to find used Maybach 57 and 57s models for even less than the one ThrottleHouse featured. However, although luxury cars—especially high-end ones—depreciate quickly, their maintenance requirements don’t, The Drive explains. ThrottleHouse points out that the 57s has 3 separate brake-fluid reservoirs. And a new alternator costs about $15,000—before any labor fees. They’re simply not cheap to keep running.

However, here the Maybach 57s may have a slight advantage. It’s not built on the contemporary W221 S-Class platform, or even the W220-gen which ceased production in 2006. While it uses W220 technology, interior design, and part of its suspension, it’s actually built on the W140 S-Class chassis. Doug Demuro and Autotrader describe it as the last S-Class built to a “price is no object” mentality. So, while some of the 57s’ gadgets can fail, its bones are fairly solid.

Of course, it’s also entirely possible that you’ll spend the equivalent of a new Maybach in trying to revive a used one. Then again, you could buy 2 used ones for the price of a new one. That would pay for a decent amount of parts and maintenance.

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