The all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been spied testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its anticipated launch next year.

Covered from head to toe in a camouflage wrap, the profile of the test mule doesn’t appear to be dramatically different from that of the outgoing car. At the front, it appears as though the headlights and air intakes have been tweaked to give the car a fresh face, while at the rear the twin-tailpipes have adopted a slightly different design.

Elsewhere, pop-out door handles – like the kind you’d find on a Tesla Model 3 – replace the conventional handles of the current car. Various black panels around the base of the exterior could incorporate driver-assistance sensors, suggesting the new Maybach S-Class may arrive with improved autonomous driving abilities.

Local laws could mean that such technology can only be offered in certain markets, however.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: engines and performance

The current Maybach S-Class uses a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 621bhp, which translates into a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds en-route to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Power is sent through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

V12 engines are broadly being phased out, however, and it's possible that the updated Maybach could turn to a smaller unit instead. From the conventional S-Class line-up, the 604bhp V8 found in the S 63 L could deliver the performance demanded by Maybach buyers.

A plug-in hybrid version would significantly lower the official CO2 emissions of 328g/km emitted by the outgoing model, however it might not be deemed worthwhile on a low-volume seller.

Price & on-sale date

Prices for the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have yet to be confirmed, although they’ll almost certainly rise beyond the current car’s starting figure of £183,285. With the new, standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class due later this year, it’s likely that the Maybach limo will follow in 2021.

Check out the latest on the Mercedes S-Class' upcoming rival, the new Maserati Quattroporte...