Mercedes-Benz vs. Mercedes-AMG® vs. Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes-Benz starts at $42,750 MSRP, Mercedes-AMG® at $56,600 and Mercedes-Maybach at $180,000 in 2026; Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ sells all three. Mercedes-Benz is the core luxury brand, Mercedes-AMG® is its performance division and Mercedes-Maybach is its ultra-luxury line; every price on this page is the manufacturer’s starting MSRP, before the destination charge, options, our $699 documentation fee, tax, title and registration.
All Mercedes-Benz models › Mercedes-Benz vs. Mercedes-AMG® vs. Mercedes-Maybach
- Mercedes-Benz from$42,7502026 CLA 250 Coupe, starting MSRP
- Mercedes-AMG® from$56,6002026 Mercedes-AMG® CLA 35 Coupe, 302 hp
- Mercedes-Maybach from$180,0002026 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV
- Most powerful831 hpMercedes-AMG® GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe
Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG® and Mercedes-Maybach at a glance
All three are Mercedes-Benz: one company, one factory warranty and one dealer network, with three badges for three kinds of buyer. Mercedes-Benz is the core lineup, 14 model lines from the CLA to the G-Class. Mercedes-AMG®, founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher and now based in Affalterbach, Germany, is the performance division: it builds faster versions of most Mercedes-Benz models, from 302 hp to 831 hp, plus the AMG®-only GT and SL. Mercedes-Maybach, named after engineer Wilhelm Maybach, is the ultra-luxury line: five models built on the S-Class, GLS, SL and EQS SUV, from $180,000 MSRP, with more rear-seat room and hand-finished detail. Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert is an AMG Performance Center and sells all three, so you can drive them back to back in one visit.
Mercedes-Benz vs. Mercedes-AMG® vs. Mercedes-Maybach side by side
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG® | Mercedes-Maybach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | The core luxury brand: sedans, SUVs, coupes, convertibles and electric models | The performance division, based in Affalterbach, Germany | The ultra-luxury line, built on the S-Class, GLS, SL and EQS SUV |
| Starting MSRP | $42,750 (2026 CLA 250 Coupe) to $163,750 (2027 G 580 Electric SUV) | $56,600 (2026 AMG® CLA 35 Coupe) to $205,000 (2027 AMG® GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe and AMG® GT 63 PRO Coupe) | $180,000 (2026 Maybach EQS 680 SUV) to $247,450 (2027 Maybach S 680) |
| Power | 221 hp (CLA 250, GLA 250, GLB 250) to 579 hp (G 580 Electric) | 302 hp (AMG® CLA 35, AMG® GLB 35) to 831 hp (AMG® GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe) | 530 hp (Maybach S 580) to 649 hp (Maybach EQS 680 SUV); the S 680 has a 621-hp V12 |
| Lineup | CLA, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLE, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, G-Class, EQB, EQE and EQS | AMG® versions of most model lines, plus the AMG®-only GT, GT 4-Door Coupe and SL | S 580, S 680, GLS 680, SL 680 Monogram Series and EQS 680 SUV |
| Built for | Comfort, technology and everyday value | Speed, handling, braking and sound | Rear-seat comfort, hand-finished detail and exclusivity |
| What you get | Mercedes-Benz engines from a 221-hp four-cylinder to a 530-hp V8, plus all-electric EQ models; 4MATIC® all-wheel drive on most | AMG®-tuned engines, suspension, steering and brakes; top V8 engines hand-assembled by one technician (“One Man, One Engine”) | Longer bodies and more rear legroom (the Maybach S-Class wheelbase is 7.1 in longer than the S-Class), reclining rear seats, Maybach trim and two-tone paint options |
| Service A / B at Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert | $395 / $995 | $445 / $1,045 | Ask our service team: (480) 407-5800 |
Starting MSRP and power from mbusa.com as of October 29, 2026. Ranges cover the 2026 and 2027 models Mercedes-Benz USA lists today. Service prices are Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert’s. MSRP excludes the destination charge, options, the $699 documentation fee, tax, title and registration.
Same model, three badges: how price and power step up
The clearest way to see the difference is one model line at a time. An AMG® version adds power, a sport suspension and bigger brakes: the Mercedes-AMG® C 43 has 161 hp more than the C 300 for $14,500 more. A Mercedes-Maybach adds rear-seat space and finish rather than speed: the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 has the same 530-hp V8 as the S 580 and costs $75,600 more, and most of that goes to a 7.1-inch longer wheelbase and the rear cabin.
| Model | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG® | Mercedes-Maybach |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-Class | C 300: 255 hp, $49,650 | AMG® C 43: 416 hp, $64,150 AMG® C 63 S E PERFORMANCE: 671 hp, $88,000 |
Not offered |
| GLC | GLC 300: 255 hp, $52,400 | AMG® GLC 53: 443 hp, $69,900 | Not offered |
| GLS | GLS 580: 530 hp, $120,950 | AMG® GLS 63: 603 hp, [[confirm price]] | Maybach GLS 680: 603 hp, $185,000 |
| S-Class | S 580: 530 hp, $134,600 | No AMG® S-Class sedan listed on mbusa.com | Maybach S 580: 530 hp, $210,200 Maybach S 680: 621 hp, $247,450 |
| SL | Not offered (the SL is AMG®-only) | AMG® SL 63: 577 hp, $190,500 | Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: 577 hp, $225,900 |
| G-Class | G 550: 443 hp, $153,900 | AMG® G 63: 577 hp, $198,750 | Not offered |
Starting MSRP and power from mbusa.com as of October 29, 2026. “Combined” power on hybrids is the gasoline engine plus the electric motor.
Mercedes-Benz: the core lineup
Choose a Mercedes-Benz for comfort, technology and value. The lineup runs from the CLA at $42,750 MSRP to the G-Class at $153,900, with engines from 221 hp to 530 hp, all-electric EQ models and plug-in hybrids, and 4MATIC® all-wheel drive on most models. For most East Valley drivers, a GLC, E-Class or GLE does everything an AMG® does at freeway speed on the Loop 202, for less money and with a softer ride.
| Model line | Body styles | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| CLA | Sedan, Coupe; hybrid and electric | $42,750 (2026 CLA 250 Coupe); 2027 CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan $43,900 |
| GLA | Compact SUV | [[confirm: mbusa.com hasn’t priced the 2027 GLA 250 yet]] |
| GLB | Compact SUV | $43,800 (2026 GLB 250) |
| C-Class | Sedan | $49,650 (2026 C 300) |
| GLC | SUV, Coupe, plug-in hybrid, electric | $52,400 (2027 GLC 300) |
| EQB | Electric compact SUV | $53,050 (2025 EQB 250+) |
| CLE | Coupe, Cabriolet | $60,900 (2027 CLE 300 4MATIC® Coupe) |
| EQE | Electric sedan and SUV | $64,950 (EQE 320+ Sedan and SUV) |
| E-Class | Sedan, All-Terrain wagon | $65,200 (2027 E 350) |
| GLE | SUV, Coupe, optional third row | $68,400 (2027 GLE 350) |
| EQS | Electric sedan and SUV | $89,950 (2027 EQS 400 SUV); Sedan $101,450 |
| GLS | Full-size three-row SUV | $93,950 (2027 GLS 450) |
| S-Class | Flagship sedan | $112,550 (2027 S 500) |
| G-Class | Off-road SUV, gasoline or electric | $153,900 (2026 G 550); 2027 G 580 Electric $163,750 |
Starting MSRP from mbusa.com as of October 29, 2026, for the lowest-priced version of each line.
Mercedes-AMG®: the performance division
Choose a Mercedes-AMG® if you want speed, sharper handling and sound. AMG® models come in two levels: the 35, 43 and 53 models add AMG®-tuned engines, suspension and brakes to a Mercedes-Benz, and the 45 S and 63 models are full AMG® builds with the most power, including V8 engines hand-assembled by a single technician in Affalterbach under AMG®’s “One Man, One Engine” approach. Mercedes-AMG® starts at $56,600 MSRP for the 2026 AMG® CLA 35 Coupe and reaches 831 hp in the AMG® GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe. Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert is an AMG® Performance Center, with AMG®-trained sales and service staff.
| Mercedes-AMG® model | Power | Starting MSRP | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG® CLA 35 / CLA 45 S Coupe (2026) | 302 hp / 416 hp | $56,600 / $67,550 | CLA guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® GLB 35 SUV (2026) | 302 hp | $60,600 | GLB guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® C 43 / C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan (2026) | 416 hp / 671 hp | $64,150 / $88,000 | C-Class guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® GLC 53 SUV / Coupe (2027) | 443 hp | $69,900 / $75,900 | GLC guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® CLE 53 Coupe / Cabriolet (2027) | 443 hp | $77,400 / $85,700 | CLE guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® E 53 HYBRID Sedan / Wagon (2027) | 577 hp combined | $91,100 / $95,200 | E-Class guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® GLE 53 HYBRID SUV / Coupe (2027) | 577 hp combined | $97,000 / $98,000 | GLE guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® GT 4-Door Coupe (2026: GT 43 to GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE) | 362 hp to 831 hp | $102,100 to $200,500 | AMG GT guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® GT Coupe (2027: GT 43 to GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE) | 416 hp to 805 hp | $108,850 to $205,000 | AMG GT guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® SL Roadster (2027: SL 43, SL 55, SL 63) | 416 hp / 469 hp / 577 hp | $114,900 / $147,750 / $190,500 | SL guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® G 63 SUV (2027) | 577 hp | $198,750 | G-Class guide |
| Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 SUV (2027) | 603 hp | [[confirm: not yet priced on mbusa.com]] | GLS guide |
Starting MSRP and power from mbusa.com as of October 29, 2026. Mercedes-Benz USA hadn’t priced the 2027 AMG® GLA 35, AMG® GLE 63 S or AMG® GLS 63 on that date. Shop Mercedes-AMG® inventory, or read AMG GT vs. SL.
Mercedes-Maybach: the ultra-luxury line
Choose a Mercedes-Maybach if the back seat, the finish and the exclusivity matter most. Mercedes-Benz USA lists five Mercedes-Maybach models, from the electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV at $180,000 MSRP to the V12 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 at $247,450. The Maybach S-Class is 7.1 inches longer between the wheels than the S-Class, and the Maybach GLS drops the third row for four or five seats with more legroom. Ask our sales team about Mercedes-Maybach availability and ordering, or see the Maybach sections of the S-Class guide and the GLS guide.
| Mercedes-Maybach model | Engine and power | Starting MSRP | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV (2026) | Electric, 649 hp | $180,000 | EQS SUV inventory |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 4MATIC® SUV (2027) | 4.0L V8 biturbo, 603 hp | $185,000 | GLS guide |
| Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC® (2027) | 4.0L V8 biturbo, 530 hp | $210,200 | S-Class guide |
| Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series (2027) | 4.0L V8 biturbo, 577 hp | $225,900 | SL guide |
| Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC® (2027) | 6.0L V12, 621 hp | $247,450 | S-Class guide |
Starting MSRP and power from mbusa.com as of October 29, 2026. Mercedes-Maybach models are built on the S-Class, GLS, SL and EQS SUV.
Which one is right for you?
Choose Mercedes-Benz if you want the most car for the money
A Mercedes-Benz gives you the brand’s comfort, safety and technology from $42,750 MSRP, with the widest choice of body styles and the lowest running costs: Service A is $395 at Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert. If you like the look of an AMG® but not the price, ask about the AMG® Line package; read AMG Line vs. AMG® to see what it does and doesn’t include.
Choose Mercedes-AMG® if you enjoy driving
An AMG® makes sense if you’ll use the extra power and grip: the AMG® C 43 runs 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds against 6.0 for the C 300, according to Mercedes-Benz USA. Expect a firmer ride, higher fuel use and pricier tires and brakes, and a $50 premium on each Service A or Service B at Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert.
Choose Mercedes-Maybach if you’ll ride in the back
A Mercedes-Maybach is for owners who are driven, or who want the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz. For someone who drives themselves, a Mercedes-Benz S 580 at $134,600 has the same 530-hp V8 as the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 for $75,600 less.
Buying, leasing or financing in Gilbert
Every new Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG® and Mercedes-Maybach in our inventory shows its own MSRP, our $699 documentation fee, and the sale price. Tap “Show payment options” on any car to see lease and finance payments, value your trade online, or start with financing. For current offers, see our monthly specials. Buying for your business? Read which Mercedes-Benz models qualify for Section 179 and check with your tax advisor. Buying from out of state? We deliver nationwide; see how buying a Mercedes-Benz from Arizona works.
Mercedes-Benz vs. Mercedes-AMG® vs. Mercedes-Maybach FAQ
What is the difference between Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG® and Mercedes-Maybach?
Mercedes-Benz is the core luxury brand, Mercedes-AMG® is its performance division and Mercedes-Maybach is its ultra-luxury line. For 2026 and 2027 models, Mercedes-Benz starts at $42,750 MSRP, Mercedes-AMG® at $56,600 and Mercedes-Maybach at $180,000, according to Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ sells all three.
Is Mercedes-AMG® a separate company from Mercedes-Benz?
No. Mercedes-AMG® was founded in 1967 as an independent tuning company by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and today it is the in-house performance division of Mercedes-Benz, based in Affalterbach, Germany. Mercedes-AMG® cars carry the full Mercedes-Benz factory warranty and are sold and serviced by Mercedes-Benz dealers such as Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert, an AMG® Performance Center in Gilbert, AZ.
Is Maybach owned by Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. Mercedes-Maybach is the ultra-luxury line of Mercedes-Benz, named after engineer Wilhelm Maybach, and every Mercedes-Maybach is built on a Mercedes-Benz model: the S-Class, GLS, SL and EQS SUV. Mercedes-Maybach models are sold and serviced by Mercedes-Benz dealers, including Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ.
How much does a Mercedes-Maybach cost?
A new Mercedes-Maybach starts at $180,000 MSRP for the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV and goes up to $247,450 for the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 with its 621-hp V12, according to Mercedes-Benz USA. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 starts at $185,000 and the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 at $210,200. Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ can help you order one.
What is the least expensive Mercedes-AMG®?
The least expensive new Mercedes-AMG® is the 2026 Mercedes-AMG® CLA 35 Coupe, which starts at $56,600 MSRP with 302 hp, according to Mercedes-Benz USA. The 2026 Mercedes-AMG® GLB 35 SUV, also 302 hp, starts at $60,600, and the Mercedes-AMG® C 43 Sedan at $64,150. Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ sells all three.
Is an AMG® Line package the same as a Mercedes-AMG®?
No. AMG® Line is an appearance package for regular Mercedes-Benz models, with sportier bumpers, wheels and interior trim, but it keeps the standard engine: a C 300 with AMG® Line still has 255 hp. A true Mercedes-AMG®, such as the Mercedes-AMG® C 43 with 416 hp, has an AMG® engine, suspension and brakes. Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ can show you both side by side.
Does a Mercedes-AMG® cost more to maintain?
Slightly. At Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert, Service A costs $395 on a Mercedes-Benz and $445 on a Mercedes-AMG®, and Service B costs $995 on a Mercedes-Benz and $1,045 on a Mercedes-AMG®. AMG® performance tires and larger brakes also cost more to replace. Call our service team in Gilbert, AZ at (480) 407-5800 for a quote on your car.
Where can I test drive a Mercedes-AMG® or Mercedes-Maybach near Phoenix?
Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert, at 3455 S Gilbert Rd in Gilbert, AZ 85297, is an AMG® Performance Center and sells Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG® and Mercedes-Maybach models. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale and close to Chandler, Mesa and Queen Creek. Book a test drive online or call (480) 407-5800.
More reading
- All Mercedes-Benz models, with starting prices
- AMG Line vs. Mercedes-AMG®: what’s the difference?
- Inside the AMG® Performance Center at Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert
- AMG GT vs. SL: which AMG® is right for you?
- The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
- The bespoke Mercedes-Maybach S 680
- Mercedes-Benz model names explained
- Service A vs. Service B
Shop Mercedes-AMG® inventory
Schedule a test drive
Call (480) 407-5800
Text (480) 712-2829
Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert · 3455 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297 · (480) 407-5800. Last updated October 29, 2026. Reviewed October 29, 2026 by [[name, title]], Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert. MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price from Mercedes-Benz USA and excludes the destination charge, options, tax, title, registration and the $699 documentation fee. Horsepower figures are from Mercedes-Benz USA; hybrid figures are combined system output. Options, availability and actual dealer price may vary.