Maybach Returns in the Guise of a Mercedes S-Class

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2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

This April, Maybach makes its return…as a Mercedes.

Maybach is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz brand, a Daimler marque founded in 1909. The brand disappeared for five decades following the cessation of World War II, then enjoyed a 15-year revival as a collection of luxuriant models were presented. In 2012, Daimler canceled the brand, citing declining sales.

Well, Maybach’s demise has now led to its resurrection. Indeed, come the 2016 model year, the pinnacle of Daimler brands will reappear, even if that restoration comes in the guise of a sub-brand to Mercedes-Benz.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600

Last week, Daimler announced pricing for what will officially be known as the Mercedes-Maybach S600, with the Benz name nowhere to be found. The new model will occupy the top of the S600 range, carry a sticker price of $189,350, and go on sale in April.

The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 made its world premiere at auto shows in Guangzhou and Los Angeles, a fitting joint introduction as the sedan should find a sufficient source of customers in China as well as in the United States.

Spacious, Sumptuous and Chic

Exclusivity is the operative word for the Mercedes-Maybach, what will blend the excellence of the S-Class with the singularity of the Maybach. The differences between models may seem subtle at first, but is best evidenced by looking at its profile. There, the rear doors have been shortened by 2.6 inches, to give it the appearance of a seamless fusion into the sedan’s overall architecture.

Those doors are absent the triangular window found in other models. Instead, it has been relocated to the rear pillar. Mercedes says that the modification was accomplished with an eye toward increasing privacy as well as exclusivity. Further, the stylized Maybach Manufaktur logo – representing a double M inside of an arched triangle – bedecks the rear pillars on both sides.

In the cabin, the Maybach edition provides passengers with what is described as “lounge-style, modern luxury.” The designers outfitted this sedan with a purpose, bringing in a host of refined materials and stylish controls, advancing an atmosphere that is at once sensual as it is opulent.

To bolster the sedan’s exclusivity, the front center armrests are covered with choice Nappa leather or an available semi-aniline upholstery feature embossed with Maybach crests. On the dashboard sits an analog clock with an IWC design.

Additional embellishments include hand-stitched door trim, wood/chrome and leather trim, ambient lighting on the side of the armrest, and additional rear space — gained by extending the sedan’s wheelbase by 7.9 inches. For the customer’s maximum acoustic pleasure, a Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system is included.

Biturbo Power Extraordinaire

Under the hood, the Maybach is powered by a 6-liter, V-12 Biturbo gasoline engine making 523 horsepower at 4,900 to 5,300 rpm and 612 foot-pounds of torque at 1,900 to 4,000 rpm. That beefy engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The sedan has an estimated 0 to 60 mph time of exactly five seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The Maybach edition will have all the features of the S-Class and then some. A standard air-balance package provides fragrancing, ionization and improved filtration. This model also comes equipped with a pair of prime, silver-plated champagne flutes made for the onboard bar by Robbe & Berking, silversmiths in Flensburg, Germany.

Other standard equipment will include: a panoramic sliding sunroof, small roller sun blinds for the triangular windows, electric roller sun blinds in the rear door, a business console and leather options. A range of proprietary finishes will also be offered.

S-Class, Halo Edition

Few of us can afford the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the top-of-the-range Maybach, what will raise the model line’s exclusivity further. Therefore, annual sales will probably number in the low hundreds, effectively maintaining this halo model’s scarcity.

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Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

Matthew Keegan
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