A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: the short answer
Black Badge Wraith and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Maximum Power
Black Badge Wraith465 kW @ 5600 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class370 kW
Maximum Torque
Black Badge Wraith870 Nm @ 1700-4500 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class700 Nm
Engine Size
Black Badge Wraith6592 cc
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Black Badge Wraith6.85 km/l
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class10.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
Black Badge Wraith149 mm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class130 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith
Wraith Black Badge
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Black Badge Wraith
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Black Badge Wraith
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Model Introduced Year
2017
2026
Generation
Wraith Black Badge launch configuration; the World technical sheet was created in May 2016 and the derivative was launched in South Africa in early 2017.
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach S-Class generation represented by derivative S 580
Facelift History
Black Badge was a distinct Wraith derivative, not a Wraith facelift; this profile keeps its launch specification separate from later revised figures.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2017
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
2023
Current
Body Style
Coupe
Sedan
Model Year
2017
2026
Production Status
discontinued
Current South African retail range
Segment
Ultra-luxury performance grand tourer
Premium sedan
Vehicle Type
Passenger car
Sedan
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Length
5285 mm
5469 mm
Width
1947 mm
1921 mm
Height
1507 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
3112 mm
3396 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
149 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
82 l
76 l
Boot/Cargo Space
470 l
505 l
Kerb Weight
2440 kg
2360 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2810 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
370 kg
530 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.35 m
6.45 m
Front Headroom
1002 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
941 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1054 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
937 mm
900 mm
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Engine
6.592-litre twin-turbo V12
3982/V8
Engine Code
N74B66A
M177
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
6592 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
12
8
Cylinder Layout
V
V
Valves
48
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
8.6:1
Bore
89 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
88.3 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
465 kW @ 5600 rpm
370 kW
Maximum Torque
870 Nm @ 1700-4500 rpm
700 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
370 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
700 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
RWD
RWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.5 sec
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Low
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
6000 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
190.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
356.6 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Gearbox
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
RWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
2.813
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
8
9
Transmission Type
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Torque converter
Gear Shift Type
Electronically controlled automatic; no shift paddles
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
Two axles
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Transmission Speeds
8
9
LSD Available
Not confirmed
No
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Claimed Mileage
6.85 km/l
10.0 km/l
City Mileage
4.50 km/l
10.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
9.90 km/l
10.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
82 l
66 l
Emission Standard
EU5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
No automatic engine stop/start
Yes
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
82
66
Combined Driving Range
561.64 km (calculated theoretical)
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Real-world Mileage
6.85 km/l
10.0 km/l
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
0 km
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control (ESP)
Yes
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat preparation
Yes
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seat-belt warning sensor
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Front Park Distance Control
Front and rear
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Head-protection airbags
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard; electric parking brake with automatic hold
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seat-belt warning sensor
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Front-seat side airbags
Yes
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control (ESP)
Yes
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not confirmed
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard; electric parking brake with automatic hold
Yes
AEB
Not confirmed
Ventilated disc brakes
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Ventilated disc brakes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear Park Distance Control
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Rear-view camera
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Available front, side, rear and top-view camera system
Yes
Auto Highbeam
High-beam assistance
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Park Distance Control
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Rear-view camera
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Yes
Park Assist
Front and rear parking sensors
Yes
Around View Monitor
Available front, side, rear and top-view camera system
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not confirmed
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Seat Material
Leather
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Heated front seats
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Black Starlight Headliner
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric front seat with memory and massage
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric front seat with memory and massage
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Black Badge contrast leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Two one-touch power windows
Yes
Keyless Entry
Comfort Entry keyless access
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Push-button start
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Power opening and closing luggage-compartment lid
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Wireless Charging
Not confirmed
Yes
Sunroof
Not confirmed
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Infotainment System
Navigation and media interface with Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller and touchpad
MBUX multimedia system
Bluetooth Connectivity
Hands-free calling and audio streaming
Yes
Number of Speakers
16
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
No – analogue dials with Power Reserve gauge
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB audio connections in the centre console and glovebox
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch high-definition display
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
10.25-inch high-definition display
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not confirmed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not confirmed
Wireless Android Auto
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
LED Headlamps
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
No
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke exterior colour commissioning; not restricted to black
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Optional fixed glass roof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Fog Lamps
Not confirmed
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not confirmed
No
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Tyre Size
Front 255/40 R21 102Y; rear 285/35 R21 105Y
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
No spare wheel; run-flat tyres
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
Front 8.5 x 21; rear 9.5 x 21
21
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on the rear wheels
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Front Suspension
Black Badge-tuned double-wishbone pneumatic suspension with self-levelling air springs and continuous electronic damping
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Black Badge-tuned multi-link pneumatic suspension with self-levelling air springs and continuous electronic damping
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
CO2 Emissions
333 g/km
251 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Designed for 95 RON; minimum 91 RON
-
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Service Plan
4 years, unlimited kilometres
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Ownership Role
Historical South African Black Badge derivative revealed locally in early 2017 and supported by a 2018 Provenance record; the March 2022 global Wraith order-book closure is an outer bound, not proof of the exact South African withdrawal year, while production ended in 2023.
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Pricing Role
Historical price on application
Current South African retail price
Price Zar
Not confirmed
4173802 ZAR
Starting Price
Not confirmed
5000000
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
5000000
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Warranty
4 years, unlimited kilometres
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Black Badge Wraith and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Black Badge Wraith 97 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 97.
Efficiency index: Black Badge Wraith 31 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 45.
Safety-equipment index: Black Badge Wraith 88 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 95.
Practicality index: Black Badge Wraith 57 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 63.
Ownership-cover index: Black Badge Wraith not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Black Badge Wraith and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class leads by 6 points
Black Badge Wraith and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
63/100
Black Badge Wraith
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
57/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 71 pts for Black Badge Wraith
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class leads. However, Black Badge Wraith may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
Black Badge Wraith vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class questions
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.