The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been unveiled as the pinnacle of the new luxury saloon range, offering more space and premium features for rear-seat occupants.
Set to reach showrooms next summer, the Bentley Flying Spur rival aims to capitalise on growing demand for ultra-luxury flagship variants from markets such as China, Korea and Russia. It joins the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, the sub-brand’s first SUV, which was revealed last year.
At 5469mm long, the Maybach S-Class is a full 18cm longer than even the long-wheelbase version of the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The firm claims this increase “entirely benefits the rear”, making it ideal for high-end chauffeurs.
The upgrade isn’t limited to more space, however, with the twin Executive seats fitted as standard allowing independent adjustment of the squabs and backrests.
Mercedes also claims that the footrest attached to the front seat and the electrically extending legrest (itself 50mm longer than that in the old Maybach S-Class) allows for a “continuous, comfortable reclining surface for a pleasant sleeping position”.
Further new features include an optional massaging function for the legrest and heating for the rear passengers’ necks and shoulders. Also added for the rear passengers are ‘belt butlers’ - automatic seatbelt extenders that are usually found in Mercedes’ coupé and convertible models.
There are also electrically assisted rear doors that can be operated by the driver, plus adaptive lighting for the rear occupants with a wide range of adjustment.
Utilising the same MBUX interface for the available five part-OLED screens as the regular S-Class, the Maybach offers a vast array of control over vehicle systems and features and can recognise movements and gestures from rear passengers via 3D laser cameras in the roof lining.
Externally, the Maybach is differentiated from the standard S-Class with a new bonnet design that features a chromed fin, Maybach’s signature vertically slatted grille and wider rear doors. There’s also a new C-pillar quarterlight, while bespoke badging is applied throughout.
Optionally available is a two-tone paint finish (as pictured). The Maybach S-Class will be offered with two engines in the UK at launch: the 496bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 from the S580 and a 603bhp 6.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V12, set to be badged as the S650. Other markets will receive a plug-in hybrid using a 3.0-litre six-pot turbo petrol engine and a gearbox-mounted electric motor for a combined 503bhp. Air suspension is standard, along with Mercedes’ road surface-scanning E-Active body control tech. Rear-wheel steering is optionally available.
Pricing is also yet to be detailed but, based on the price of the previous-generation V12 Maybach S-Class, it’s likely that the base V8 model will comfortably exceed £150,000.
READ MORE
Mercedes CEO: Maybach S-Class to take brand to "the next level"
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 arrives to rival Bentley Bentayga
Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury electric SUV concept revealed
Join the debate
Add your comment
So here we have the pinacle of Mercedes take on Luxury Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !! was their paint shop out of operation when this barge went through and they had to take it to some back street rude boy car paint specialist its utterly dredful. Do German top of industry CEO,s really like fairground naffness. That interior the designers have thrown so much really awful design themes its crazy .At least Rolls Royce drivers can pull up next to this mess and look down and think Oh dear why did you spend your Euros on that Glitzo Wagon . Bentley drives will do the same. Mercedes why ?? Whats ith all those interior strip lights Arr of course when in the local red light district you will really at home
Well, if anyone was wondering if money can buy taste, here is your answer.
Yep, this and the GLS Maybach.....now a byword for awful jukeboxes, aimed at the nouveau riche!
Oh Yeah, your time has passed
Wow
In one word, ugly. In two words, really ugly. I thought that only BMW fed its stylists ugly pills.