When Maybach disappeared in late 2012, it left many unanswered questions about the luxury brand’s future. Now those queries can be laid to rest, because no less than two years after it left – Maybach’s back – and now it’s definitively an S-Class Mercedes. With more.
The new Mercedes-Maybach S600, revealed simultaneously at the LA Auto Show and in China, offers up more of everything. More length, more luxury, more headroom, more legroom, and one more hyphen. The only thing it might have less of are badges— and perhaps dollar signs.
In its transformation, Mercedes has stuck to its guns and kept its three-pointed star front and center. The double-M and ‘Maybach’ badges have been relegated to the C-pillar and rear trunk lid. Though everything else can be considered Maybach business as usual.
The S600 measures in at 8.1-inches longer than the standard S-Class Mercedes, with the extensions originating between the B and C-pillars. This means added room in the back for seating, which if you fit the Maybach mold, is where you’ll spend most of your time anyways. Given its 8-inch stretch, the hulking S600 extends even further than both the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Ghost.
While your everyday S-Class packs in lavish materials, by comparison, the Mercedes-Maybach features fine cuts of leather, wood and enough chrome trimming to make even the nicest S-Class look a bit dowdy. Oodles of extra features, including a hot-stone massage effect for the rear seats, perfume air-infusion system, and silver-plated champagne flutes add to its exclusive persona. Shortened doors and seats fitted behind the rear window (which recline up to 43.5 degrees) help keep occupants away from prying eyes.
The engine on offer for the S600 is Mercedes’ twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12, outputting 523-horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. And though it won’t be a track star, Mercedes states that the Maybach will shuttle from zero to 60mph in five seconds flat and onto a limited top speed of 155 mph (248 kmph).
The S600 comes to market in April. As of yet, no word on prices, though expectations hint at a rather affordable $200,000 (Rs. 1,20,00000) (compared to the previous $380,000 Maybach 57). But as usual, if you have to ask, you cannot afford. Oil tycoons, rap stars, dictators – your new car awaits.
The World Premiere of Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: