The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is here. The top of the top at Mercedes is ready to pamper its occupants again.
In the previous generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-class, the Maybach name was attached to the top model for the first time. In contrast to the Maybach 57 and 62 of the beginning of this century – which, despite the similarities with the S-class, were more independent – it was now an ultra-luxurious S-class. That is also the case now. There are therefore no really big surprises when we look at the appearance. The car mainly differs from the regular S-class because of its enormous length. The wheelbase of the Mercedes-Maybach S-class is no less than 18 centimeters longer than the S-class Long. With its wheelbase of almost 3.4 meters, it is even 29 centimeters longer than the standard S-class. The top version measures almost 5.47 meters over its entire length. It is also slightly higher: 7 millimeters.
Yet its size is not the only thing that you recognize the Mercedes-Maybach. As before, the car is available in two-tone color combinations. From front to back, just below the window jambs, a hand-applied line separates the two colors. The special grille and wheels and Maybach logos, among other things on the C-pillar, further remind you that someone is driving here for whom an ordinary S-class was too small.
Interior
If you have the pleasure of getting into a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, you won’t be disappointed. Here it is really noticeably more luxurious than in the normal S-class. Not that you have much to complain about, by the way. The Mercedes-Maybach should excel in the comfort of those in the back and does that with the two spacious seats. No sofa, of course, each neatly has its own separate seat. If you want to take a nap in the back, both seats can be extensively adjusted electrically and even lie stretched out. Neck and shoulder heating and massage functions in the seats further provide the necessary extra comfort. Wooden trim on the back of the front seats and optionally also between the two rear seats give the leather-laden rear part of the interior even more allure. In addition to the climate control, the lighting in the rear can also be adjusted as desired. The brightness and direction of the spots can be adjusted.
The Mercedes-Maybach naturally gets the cream of the S-class when it comes to infotainment. The updated MBUX system is centrally controlled by the driver on the 12.8-inch screen and up to four additional screens are available in total. On the extra screens, passengers in the rear can adjust and display matters that are relevant to them, such as multimedia, ride information and climate control. The system also recognizes the gestures of the occupants and can adjust things accordingly. Whoever sits in the back and reaches for the seat belt, for example, will receive it automatically.
Technology and safety
Which power sources will soon be available in the Mercedes-Maybach S-class remains unmentioned, but it is clear that they will be engines with electric (mild-hybrid) support that are currently also available in other models. This may mean that the 6.0 V12 has indeed had to leave the field, although Daimler CEO Ola Källenius denied that earlier this year. According to him, the V12 – previously good for 630 hp – just returns and that is why we assume that it will eventually be in the Mercedes-Maybach S-class. The subtopper is then again the Mercedes-Maybach with the 4.0-liter V8. Then we are probably talking about the 557 hp and 730 Nm strong version that is also in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. A 435 hp variant of that engine (known from the S500) is also an option. In terms of power, it is close to the previous subtopper of the Mercedes-Maybach, the S560. Both V8s deliver an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm with EQ boost.
As with the regular S-class, comfort in the Mercedes-Maybach S-class is increased as much as possible by the active suspension and air suspension. The car scans the road ahead and prepares the suspension for upcoming bumps. This should ensure that the luxury top limousine floats over the road like a flying carpet. Another handy technical extra is rear wheel steering. According to Mercedes-Maybach, the S-class can thus achieve a turning circle of up to almost 2 meters. That depends on whether you opt for 4.5 degrees or 10 degrees rear wheel steering. That saves a meter of turning circle.
Just like the regular S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has many gadgets in the field of safety and autonomous driving on board. For example, the car adjusts the speed itself as desired, regulates the distance to the vehicle in front and can change lanes itself. These are of course things that we have known for some time, but in the second half of 2021 Mercedes expects to go a step further. Then they expect to use Drive Pilot in practice. This means that the Mercedes-Maybach (and other Mercedes with this system) must be able to drive all by itself on the motorway and in heavy traffic. There is now one more catch; Initially, this is not yet allowed at speeds above 60 km / h.
Just a little more patience
Mercedes-Maybach does not waste any time and will deliver the first S-classes in some markets this year. The top luxury version of the S-class will be launched in Germany, the US and China in the spring. However, it will not be available all over Europe until the summer of the new year. There is no price yet, but count on roughly two tons for the mildest Mercedes-Maybach and possibly beyond three tons for the top version.