Mercedes reveals new-gen Maybach S-Class

MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed the luxury flagship for its new-generation S-Class family, in the form of the opulent Maybach variant which is due to glide into Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of next year. 

Unveiled two months after the regular new-generation S-Class range, the Maybach S-Class takes an already-luxurious model and adds even more lavish appointments to satisfy even the most demanding buyer.

From the outside, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is differentiated by a number of factors, starting with its extended wheelbase, measuring 180mm longer (3396mm) than the LWB S-Class, allowing for a palatial amount of legroom for rear-seat passengers.

Another primary identifying factor is its optional two-tone, hand-applied paintwork, while the front radiator grille has been adapted with its signature vertical chrome trim strips, with the word Maybach etched into the upper grille surround.

Chrome has also been applied to the lower bumper, while a range of alloy wheels measuring 19 to 21 inches in diameter are available.

A Maybach badge is included on the C-pillar, while the special model scores its own variant-specific rear bumper and exhaust tailpipe design.

Moving inside the cabin, Mercedes has made the Maybach S-Class a technological tour-de-force, with up to five display screens included starting with a 12.8-inch OLED tablet-style central display, featuring self-illuminating pixel technology.

The 12.8-inch unit is paired with a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster display, with the infotainment system scoring Maybach-specific start-up animations and the screens surrounded by rose-gold-coloured bezels.

High-quality wood trim is used on the dashboard and front seat backrests, while the seats, doors and steering wheel are upholstered in exclusive Maybach Nappa leather with a designo crystal white finish. The headliner is finished in Dinamica microfibre.

Designed with chauffeur use in mind, the rear of the Mercedes-Maybach sports 1200mm of effective legroom – 85mm more than a LWB S-Class – while kneeroom ranges from 318-326mm, compared to the 197-218mm on the regular Merc.

A pair of comfort-oriented Executive seats as well as the Chauffeur package are included as standard, which allows for individual rear-seat adjustment as well as the ability for the driver and rear passenger to move the front passenger seat forward to create more legroom.

The Executive seats car reline up to 43.5 degrees, while the legrests, lumbar and backrest can be adjusted, while massage heat/neck heating is included. 

Buyers can option the First-Class Rear package which includes a second 12.8-inch display between the rear seats, under which hide heated and cooled cupholders with a hidden storage tray with wireless charging capability. 

First-Class Rear comprises part of the High-End Interior package which also includes a Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system, ambient lighting, adaptive rear lighting, rear folding tables, seat climatisation, belt extenders, augmented reality head-up display and Air-Balance package.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels were a point of focus for the Mercedes-Maybach, with extensive acoustic insulation, noise-optimised tyres and for the first time, active road noise compensation which reduces unwanted low-frequency noises.

Airmatic air suspension is included as standard, with particularly sensitive characteristics that focus on consistent vehicle levelling and optimal ride comfort. Rear-axle steering helps to mitigate some of the extra wheelbase length by reducing the turning circle.

Interestingly, Mercedes has not confirmed which powertrain will underpin the Maybach S-Class, with previous versions underpinned by the outgoing 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, which in previous-gen guise produced 390kW/830Nm.

However given emissions regulations, the Maybach will likely score the same engine as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 SUV revealed late last year – a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid technology, developing 410kW from 6000-6500rpm and 730Nm from 2500-5000rpm.

More details on the S-Class luxury flagship, including its engine and local pricing, will be revealed closer to the model’s arrival in the last quarter of next year, however buyers can expect a similar pricetag to the performance flagship of the S-Class range, the S63 AMG.

To the end of October, Mercedes has sold 144 examples of the S-Class, down 15.3 per cent year-on-year but still enough to lead the premium upper-large segment with a 30.7 per cent share.