Beijing show: Maybach makes a splash

AS WELL as providing the perfect forum for new eco initiatives, China’s significance as the world’s biggest auto market has prompted global car-makers to use the 2010 Beijing motor show as the stage for new top-end models – and few get more luxurious than Maybach.

Although Daimler is still to confirm whether its million-dollar limousine will enter a new generation, the German manufacturer this week unveiled a facelifted model range that modernises the exterior, adds even more polish and panache to its cabin and increases power for the driver-oriented S versions of the 57 and long-wheelbase 62.

With the S twins, the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine now has a maximum output of 463kW (up 13kW) – torque remains at 1000Nm – while fuel consumption on the EU combined average falls from 16.4L/100km to 15.8L/100km.

CO2 emissions also take a tumble on the S, from 390g/km to 368g/km.

The power upgrade does not take the S to the level seen in last year’s limited-edition Maybach Zeppelin, which produced 471kW, but the engine now meets the Euro 5 emissions standard.

So, too, does the standard 405kW version of the 6.0 bi-turbo V12, which remains unchanged in output terms but has had its economy improved from 15.9L/100km to 15 litres even.

The facelift is immediately evident with the large arrow-shaped chrome grille turned out in two different variants according to the model – that is, with 20 fine longitudinal bars on the standard 57 and 62, and with 12 solid double louvers and a “shadow strut” on the sportier S.

The exterior also carries a more elevated and contoured-edge bonnet, a more horizontal front bumper designed to give the limo a broader look, LED daytime driving lights (bordered with a chrome insert integrated into the outer air intakes), revised tail-lights, a new exterior colour (Bahamas Blue) and newly designed wheels: 21-spoke 19-inch rims in titanium silver on the standard models, and 12-spoke 20-inch rims in “noble sterling silver” on the S.

There are also redesigned exterior mirrors that have been reshaped for less wind noise and, with a larger surface, improved vision.

Long-wheelbase 62 models also pick up an electro-transparent panoramic glass sunroof, which has a liquid crystal membrane that enables the glass to be changed between transparent and opaque at the touch of a button.

Inside, the reclining rear seat previously the exclusive domain of the LWB 62 is also now available in the 57, while other cabin options include seat piping (hand-braided or crystal-encrusted), a perfume atomiser (previously reserved for the Zeppelin) and a WLAN router for wireless internet access.

A 19-inch cinema screen for rear passengers can also now be installed in the rear of S models, as can an “overview” camera which enables rear occupants to see the traffic ahead without being seen themselves.

Finally, there are three new interior trim combinations, with different leather, carpet and headlining colours.

Other limousines unveiled at the Beijing show include the long-wheelbase Audi A8L and the Rolls-Royce-inspired Geely GE, while BMW unveiled a LWB version of its 5 Series luxury sedan.

Over the past week, Citroen has also issued images of an impressive ultra-luxury Metropolis limousine, which was designed for China and is set to make its world premiere at next month’s Shanghai Expo 2010.

As GoAuto has reported, the big-ticket item for Mercedes-Benz at Beijing was the Shooting Break concept, which previews a future CLS station wagon.