This is how zee Germans do luxury.
Back in December of 2012, the final Maybach model rolled off the assembly line and the brand ceased to exist. It was a bit unfortunate, but it only lasted just over a year before it was reborn again as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz. Just like the Mercedes-AMG sub-brand, Mercedes-Maybach joins as the epitome of luxury and exclusiveness from the German automaker, the first of which is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Available in S 600 and S 500 variants, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a redesigned exterior, 200 mm larger wheelbase and length, and ultra-opulent interior that insulates passengers from the outside world with its quiet cabin.
“Perfection down to the last detail and a new dimension in seating and resting comfort for the rear passengers are the hallmarks of the new Mercedes-Maybach”, says Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “Our exceptionally successful new S-Class already defines the pinnacle of automotive engineering in a host of technical disciplines such as safety, efficiency, climate control and noise characteristics. The Mercedes-Maybach now sets the benchmark in the luxury segment even higher.”
At first glance, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is bigger, smoother, and more affluent than your average S-Class. The longer wheelbase and length of the luxury sedan provides more interior space, especially for the rear-seat passengers. The same dome-shaped roofline is present as the standard S-Class, however the rear door has been shortened by 66 mm and seamlessly meshes into the C-pillars, both of which wear the double-M Maybach Manufaktur logo. This allows for privacy with the rear-seat passengers, who sit behind the pillar.
The front fascia of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class stares ahead with a powerful radiator trim featuring three chrome double-louvres and chrome vertical trim. A double-trim theme is used on the end pieces of the bumpers and left and right air intakes to emphasize prestige and craftsmanship. At the rear, horizontal lines were used to showcase the width of the vehicle. Two twin chromed tailpipes protrude from the bumper below chrome double louvres. The finishing touch is ‘Maybach’ lettering that has been positioned on the left in the direction of travel. Special 20-inch forged lightweight alloy wheels have a large, powerful design to complement the dominating luxury presence of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Part of the design and construction of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was focused on creating a cabin that was the quietest production sedan, ever. Even though the windows are larger, the vehicle still is quieter than any sedan on the road. Insulation has been used everywhere from the seats to the cushions. Special air ducting helps to redirect air while door seals have been engineered to optimize acoustics. Even the textile underbody and wheel arches help to cut down on the noise leaking into the cabin. The aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 helps to slip through the air and reduce noise, thanks to efficient front and rear aprons, spoilers, sealed headlight surrounds, and even spoiler lips on each taillight.
Propulsion will be provided by a choice of twin-turbocharged engines. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will be available as a range-topping S 600 with a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-12 or as the S 500 with its twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8. The former produces 530 horsepower and 612 lb-ft. of torque while achieving a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 5.0 seconds and 155 mph top speed. Power is sent through a latest-generation 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. In the S 500, the 455 horsepower, 516 lb-ft. output shoots through the incredibly efficient 9G-Tornic nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows for low engine speeds and reduction in fuel consumption.
Perhaps the most indulgent and exclusive part of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the interior, especially the rear cabin. The German automaker went to great lengths to create a vehicle that is designed to be a chauffeur’s car, where the rear seat passengers and their greater leg- and headroom have a class-leading comfort and technological environment.
Craftsmanship and quality ooze out of every surface and trim piece. Nappa leather and fine wood trims are handcrafted throughout the interior, much of which wear embossed Maybach crests. The rear seats indulge passengers with their adjustment kinematics system and even offers calf supports. Each of the individual rear seats can be upgraded with the optional Rear Seat Comfort package that include multi-contour seats with an Energizing hot stone massage function. Two tables can be easily extended and allow for work to be performed while riding in comfort.
Numerous innovative features set the high-end cabin apart from the competition. An Air-Balance package injects Agarwood perfume fragrances along with ionization and filtration for a rich experience. Optional handcrafted silver-plated champagne flutes from Robbe & Berking are available for long journeys. A panoramic sliding roof can provide endless amounts of light while roller sun blinds can keep the sun’s rays out of the cabin. As an option, customers can get design roof liner in nappa leather for that extra touch of comfort. A special voice amplification system allows for rear passengers to communicate better with the chauffeur thanks to integrated speakers and microphones in the front and rear speakers that adjust volume depending on a number of different factors. The system comes standard in the Burmester surround sound system and the optional Burmester 3D surround sound system. The latter of which features 24 high-performance speakers with 24 separate channel amplifiers with a total output of 1,540 watts.
The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class models will be available in February of 2015. The all-wheel drive S 500 4Matic will be available in June 2015. Pricing has not been released.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Gallery
Source: Mercedes-Benz
Is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class the ultimate luxury sedan?
