What's all this about?
We have full details on the Mercedes that will once again wear the Maybach nameplate. It's going to be called the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Mercedes-Maybach? S-Class? Is it a new car, or not?
It is new. Unlike the preceding model, Maybach is no longer a standalone car but a sub-brand of the Benz empire, like the recently created Mercedes-AMG. So although this is, in essence, an even more stretched S-Class long-wheelbase with added opulence, Merc claims it is not just a trim line and indeed a separate entity.
What marks it out from the S-Class?
If you're going by the pictures, mostly quilted leather. There are acres of the stuff within, although given that Mercedes says any number of luxury trim finishes are on offer to Maybach customers, it's not a given you'll find it inside.
Is that it?
No, it's 200mm longer than a long wheelbase S-Class at 5,453mm, with all of that extra in the Maybach's 3,365mm wheelbase. And all of that benefit goes to the rear-seat passengers, as it is expected most owners will be chauffeured. So it has big, executive seats, extra legroom and various toys exclusive to the Maybach - including a voice amplification system to allow easy conversation with your driver up front. Also, the M-M is said to be the 'world's quietest production saloon car' if you're in the rear seats. Which is nice.
How many models are there?
Two, at the moment, both biturbo petrols with healthy power outputs. The 4.7-litre V8 M-M S 500 has 455hp and 700Nm, the 6.0-litre V12 S 600 possesses 530hp and 830Nm. Both cars do 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds and are limited to 155mph, while the S 500 gets a nine-speed auto and the S 600 has seven ratios. Emissions and economy are better on the V8, of course, at 31.7mpg combined and 207g/km CO2 versus 24.1mpg and 274g/km.
Can I easily spot a Maybach over a mere S-Class?
Yes, with boot badging, the Maybach Manufaktur double-M logo on the C-pillar, an extra side strake in the doors and slightly revised rear doors; they're actually shorter items than on the S-Class, with the triangular rear quarter light window transposed to the C-pillar. This allows rear-seat passengers to sit behind the door apertures, meaning extra privacy within.
When does it launch?
No word as yet, although the M-M sub-brand will debut at motor shows in China and the USA this week, two key markets for the car. See it at Guangzhou or Los Angeles, if you just so happen to be going to either event...
Matt Robinson - 19 Nov 2014
