The revised Maybach limos have been unveiled in
Beijing, giving Simon Cowell something to spend his latest Britain's Got Talent royalty cheque on.
These could be the last versions of the perennially opinion splitting barges too, because Daimler is yet to agree to making a new model. If so, they'll go out in a luxuriant fog of sweet smelling splendour, thanks to new features like Swarovski crystal seat piping, a 19-inch cinema screen and a perfume atomiser.
There are technically four versions of the Maybach: 57 and 62 models (the number denoting wheelbase differences) and more powerful S versions of both. Power for the former remains at 542bhp from the 5.5-litre V12, yet emissions and consumption drop. It now returns 18.8mpg combined (from 17.7) and 350g/km (from 383).
The S models now push out 621bhp (up by 18) yet emit less CO
2 and use less fuel, pegged at 358g/km and 17.9mpg respectively. See, Germany has talent too.
Facelift changes are the usual. You know, a front-back partition that can be emblazoned with the family crest; sterling silver badges on the crystal-lined seats; 19- or 20-inch chromed alloys; wireless internet; and a camera that allows enclosed rear compartment passengers to see the traffic ahead.
It was unveiled in Beijing and there's no word on UK prices yet. Expect it to land towards the end of the year, recognisable by its new grille, daytime LEDs and the stench of Ambi Pur pouring from the open back windows.
Mark Nichol - 26 Apr 2010