Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4Matic: With the high-end Benz into the fourth (sound) dimension

What can crown the only remaining Mercedes twelve-cylinder? That’s right, his music system: standard 3D sound with Dolby Atmos standard and 4D sound for a surcharge. Somehow fits the passionate engine sound. Bohemian villages? ntv.de explains the background.

You don’t necessarily have to climb into the only remaining Mercedes twelve-cylinder to enjoy a 4D Dolby Atmos sound system. But the Swabians didn’t have it any smaller, because the less powerful and less luxuriously equipped 223 specimens (S-Class) in the test car fleet currently have to do without this goodie, which costs up to 8098 euros. The “high-end sound”, as promised by the Mercedes price list, is hidden under the somewhat unwieldy name “Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System” (code 811).

In order to underline the exclusivity of this special equipment, Mercedes stipulates that without electrically adjustable rear seats, a panoramic roof and sun protection package, i.e. electrically operated sun blinds for the side windows, the exquisite sound will not work. These gimmicks must be ordered. Another few thousand away, that’s clear.

The fact that Mercedes has currently only equipped the particularly luxurious 680 with it is not so bad, because the sound is generally a good argument for treating yourself to the 12-cylinder again. Because no engine from the Daimler empire masters the fine sound culture better than the M 279 built by AMG in Mannheim.

It begins with the unusual starter noise, which can be heard as a characteristic hum. Since a twelve-cylinder always loads the starter evenly due to the small ignition interval (there are always several pistons in the compression phase), the typical “organing” noise does not occur, i.e. the alternating lighter and darker sounding starting noise of a conventional petrol engine.

After the six-liter has started work, it runs silky smooth and without vibrations. Cheering at idle elicits a clearly audible sputtering. A gently thundering “Bupbupbupbup” then escapes from the exhaust system and is reminiscent of the Gran Turismo genes of this versatile AMG unit. When starting under load, however, the S 680 shares a hoarse growl and no less passionately.

Inside you hear little of the double turbo, but in combination with the nine-speed automatic converter, the drive train has something smooth, exudes noblesse that a purely electric drive could not offer. Last but not least, the M 279 remains so gentle because it doesn’t care about a possibly more efficient direct injection and injects its fuel-air mixture into the intake manifold in the classic way.

This engine is only available in conjunction with the extra-long S-Class of the Maybach Line, the Z223 with an impressive wheelbase of 3.40 meters and a no less impressive 5.47 meter exterior length. A chauffeur-driven limousine of the purest kind is here, but sometimes you still want to have fun at the wheel.

Because it is always fascinating to experience how relentlessly the 900 Nm and 612 hp heart brings the 2.4 ton vehicle up to speed. How it sweeps through the engine speed range gear by gear and slams the passengers back into the cuddly leather armchairs on the torque plateau even at 200 km/h.

But at the latest with the possibility of the so-called 4D sound, a different perspective has to be brought into focus. Namely on one of the two rear individual seats. In order to enjoy the full benefits of the Dolby Atmos system, you should treat yourself to a little rest. Namely the calm to immerse into the tonal unrest. Mercedes itself speaks of an “immersive” sound experience, aha.

First of all, the top sound, which is considered the gold standard, is only possible in connection with certain pieces of music – and only with certain streaming services such as Amazon Music or Apple Music. As a subscriber, you should find out more about this beforehand. Mercedes’ marketing strategists speak of clarity and depth, of a three-dimensionality in which music creators could place audio elements. In other words, the artist who mixes the song can decide which sound element should sound when and from which box. Exciting, I think, and listen to it.

As a precaution, the Swabians have put a few tracks with Dolby Atmos capability in a separate playlist of the in-house Apple Music account in the test car to ensure that even clumsy users can find the right music. When working through the menus, I find the “VIP seat” function, which I can set one of the seats to, in order to put it in the focus of the concentrated 4D sound – the result is supposed to be an even more intensive sound experience. But you can also select all the seats – it’s not quite as bundled then. Can you really hear the difference? That would be the decisive question. Sequentially.

I find the whole side banter before the music rehearsal totally fascinating. You also have to order the electric blinds and electrically adjustable rear seats plus panoramic glass roof. Or everything in one package for a mere 24,168.90 euros extra. It’s cool to simply slide the chair into your favorite position at the push of a button and to create a club atmosphere by closing the blinds.

The classiest S-Class can already do 3D free of charge, but it gets really cool with 4D and a so-called “Exciter” in the seat, which gives you a “sound massage” (Mercedes marketing speak). You can really feel vibrations in the backrests in rhythm with the music. Instead, there would also be a brand new compact car on top.

Instead you look at mechanically animated loudspeaker boxes in polished metal. Relaxation sounds can also be played instead of pop music. For example, forest acoustics with noise and birdsong, to which the scenting system also exudes a fresh note – no kidding! It’s great if you can treat yourself to that. The system has a total of 31 loudspeakers and 1350 watts of power. Crazy.

I parked the particular S-class as a precaution to reduce the background noise as much as possible – honestly, works better than while driving. Then it’s the playlist’s turn, but I’ll see for myself what I like. Must of course be able to Dolby Atmos. It’s getting damn loud now, it just has to be.

And Sam Smith’s beats are already pounding, the warm drum sounds of gentleman’s “Blue Hour” are pulsing through the classy interior. And you can literally feel the bass of Elton John’s song “Hold Me Closer” in your back, transmitted by the “exciters” in the seats. Oh, and the surround speakers are still in the high-tech armchairs – responsible for the spatial sound. In fact, I feel like I’m in the middle of an intense concert, close my eyes and dream of Dolby Atmos. It’s nice to be able to dive into this world for a moment.

But with the end of the last song on the playlist, realism returns to life and says: 230,556 plus 24,169 euros are dimensions that normal mortals associate – if at all – with a beautiful property and not with a car. Would you like a little consolation? The 3D sound (after all, also with Dolby Atmos) is available for the 107,814 euro basic diesel model of the S-Class at an extra rate of 1630 euros.

Sorry for the ironic tenor, but anyone who can afford the top-of-the-line Mercedes model, and there are supposed to be people like that, should pull together and simply order the 3D sound. It could be worth it, at least for audiophile customers.