Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 2026: Japan prices, engines and specifications

© media.mercedes-benz.jp

Mercedes-Benz began sales of the updated Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 2026 in Japan on September 15. This is the biggest overhaul in the model's history: more than 50% of the car, around 2700 parts, was newly developed or redesigned. The two versions follow different technical paths: the S 580 gets a new V8, while the flagship S 680 retains a 6.0-litre V12.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 580 uses a 4.0-litre M177 Evo V8 rated at 395 kW, or about 537 metric hp, with a 48-volt ISG. The S 680 uses the familiar 5980 cc M279: 612 metric hp and 900 Nm, a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. There is an important nuance here: the short Japanese release describes both the V8 and V12 as new, but global Mercedes materials explicitly state that the S 680 continues with the M279 V12 in selected markets, while the V8 is the engine that was substantially reworked.

Japanese prices are 34.15 million yen for the S 580 and 39.34 million yen for the S 680.

The changes go well beyond the engines. The grille is around 20% larger and gains an illuminated Maybach badge, while the car also receives next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology, the MBUX Superscreen with a 14.4-inch central display and a 12.3-inch passenger display, fourth-generation MBUX on MB.OS and heated front seat belts. The rear displays have grown to 13.1 inches.

The digital package continues Mercedes' market-specific approach. In China, the regular S-Class has received a multimodal VLM tailored to local requirements, while the new Maybach has also moved to MB.OS. In Europe, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 now uses the M177 Evo V8, whereas the M279 V12 remains in the range in selected other markets.

The S-Class update is part of Mercedes' largest product wave of 2026. The Japanese launch now confirms that the V12 is not merely part of future plans: the engine officially remains available in the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 in selected markets.