Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

After some teasers and lots of speculation, the last Los Angeles Auto Show was selected to hold the presentation of the real deal. Even though Mercedes’ last attempt of reviving the Maybach brand was an expressive failure, during the last decade, it was impossible to ignore the fact that wealthier customers are always looking for something new on which to spend their money. The problem, then, was to figure a different way to work, in order not to set itself to the same result. However, after taking a few other variables into account, the best solution couldn’t have become easier to find.

One of the problems with the 57 and 62 duo was their very conception. Even though the technical part was entirely shared with S-Class, being an all-new project in everything else was enough to bring the problems which frequently appear in this kind of venture. Firstly, the increased production costs made it harder to perform any updates to them without significant financial losses. Secondly, despite all Mercedes’ efforts, this was still a new brand entering one of the most conservative car markets. The results were the automaker not being able to update them, and the buyers being skeptical to purchase them. When these two started to create a vicious circle, the Germans decided it would be impossible to keep working that way.

The new strategy, therefore, was designed so as to reduce the chances of failure to a minimum, and this is noticed at its very beginning: Maybach is now a version of a Mercedes-Benz car. Actually, more than just any car: S-Class is the most successful luxury car ever built. Under the Maybach point of view there couldn’t be a better starting point, but this is also great for the parent brand. One reason is that its production costs benefit from some scale effect. The other is that people like luxury cars for their exclusivity. Selling that much, therefore, could easily result counter-productive. This way, while the regular sedan stays able to handle its large public, its (even) wealthier buyers can enjoy a whole new option dedicated to keep satisfying their particular needs.

And what did Mercedes do to execute that? Since the regular S-Class showed a huge investment in technology, the Maybach sibling was freed to add a huge load of pure luxury. The entire interior is covered in leather, with several wooden inserts and chrome details. The rear seats have electric operation for any adjustment you can imagine, and include massaging function, footrest, and articulated tables. The Burmester 3-D audio system uses surround sound and chrome-plated speaker grilles. There are also full panoramic sunroof, privacy shields for the rear windows, an IWC clock, fiber-optic ambient lighting, and two Robbe & Berking silver-plated champagne flutes. However, you can also request any personalized items you wish.

Going to the outside, the extra chrome trim will only attract attention before you notice the Maybach logo, on the D-pillar. Yes, you’ve got it right: the once-again stretched wheelbase (3,365 mm) implied slight design updates. There is a little triangle behind the rear doors, which serves either to make those smaller (the regular set would look very bad if extended that much) and to allow occupants to hide behind the door opening – privacy, privacy and privacy. This car will only share the regular S600’s powertrain, which means a turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 good for 523 hp and 612 lb-ft (0-100 kph in five seconds) which will always use rear-wheel-drive. The only exception, as always, will be China: that country will receive S500 and even S400-based Maybachs.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Pullman (27/02/2014)

If you thought the previous car was just an even fancier trim level for S-Class, you were getting it wrong. That one comes from Mercedes-Benz. For the Germans, the vehicle sold under Mercedes-Maybach is totally different and, therefore, entitled to its own short and long-wheelbase variations. Following the company’s intention to get back at the ultra-luxury market with something more competitive than the 57 and 62 duo, Pullman is the most sophisticated car you can buy from it. The overall 6.5 meters also make it long enough to take four passengers at the back: the two new ones are rearward-facing and fold-down, in order to steal room from the wealthy owners only when needed. As you can imagine, the list of luxury-oriented items is gigantic.

Claiming this car offers the biggest room of its segment, the automaker includes an electrically-operated partition between the front and rear seats, whose glass can be clear or opaque. In front of it lies a 18.5” monitor that comes as standard. Other interesting equipments are a Burmester audio system, three instruments in the rear headliner, that pair of silver-plated champagne flutes, and window curtains. However, this sedan can be customized almost in any way you want, including materials, colors and the addition of other equipments. As far as powertrain is concerned, you’ll only find the twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V12 which comes in all S 600 models. This vehicle will have its first units delivered in early 2016, starting with countries such as China and Russia.