Even though the previous noble model with the double MM logo has been “downgraded” to a more sophisticated equipment version, the truth is that in the new Mercedes-Maybach Class S (W223) there continues to be limitless luxury and technology.
As if the long version of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class weren't exclusive enough, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is in a category of its own when it comes to dimensions. The wheelbase was extended by another 18 cm to 3.40 m, transforming the second row of seats into a kind of isolated and exclusive area with its own climate control and filigree covered with leather.
The air-conditioned, multi-adjustable leather seats at the back not only have a massage function, but can also be tilted up to 43.5 degrees for a (much more) relaxed posture. If you have to work in the rear rather than standing still, you can place the seat back almost vertical 19°. If you want to stretch your feet fully, you can let the passenger seat backrest move another 23°.
The entrances to the two luxury seats in the back are more like gates than doors and, if necessary, can also be opened and closed electrically, as we see in Rolls-Royce — even from the driver's seat. As with the predecessor, a third side window was added to the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which in addition to reaching 5.47 m in length, gained a substantially wider C-pillar.
Mercedes-Maybach, successful model
Although Maybach is no longer an independent brand, Mercedes appears to have found a real successful business model for the historic designation, re-emerging as the most luxurious interpretation of the S-Class (and, more recently, the GLS).
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This success is due, in particular, to demand in China, Mercedes-Maybachs have been sold globally at an average of 600-700 units per month, accumulating 60,000 vehicles since 2015. And success also because the Mercedes-Maybach Class S was available not only with a 12-cylinder, enhancing the model's luxury image, but also with significantly more affordable six- and eight-cylinder powertrains.
A strategy that will not change with the new generation now revealed. The first versions to arrive in Europe and Asia will be equipped with eight- and 12-cylinder engines producing, respectively, 500 hp (370 kW) in the S 580 and 612 hp (450 kW) in the S 680. and V12. Later on, an in-line block of six cylinders will appear, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant associated with that same six cylinders. With the exception of the future plug-in hybrid variant, all other engines are mild-hybrid (48 V).
For the first time, the new Mercedes-Maybach S 680 comes with four-wheel drive as standard. Its most direct competitor, the (also new) Rolls-Royce Ghost, did something similar three months ago, but the smallest Rolls-Royce, at 5.5 m long, manages to be longer than the new Mercedes- Maybach S-Class, which is the largest of the S-Class — and Ghost will see an extended wheelbase version added…
Luxury equipment in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class impresses
Ambient lighting offers 253 individual LEDs; the fridge between the rear seats can vary its temperature between 1°C and 7°C so that the champagne is at the perfect temperature; and it takes a good week for the optional two-tone hand-painted paint job to complete.
It goes without saying that the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be customized to the full. For the first time, we not only have heated pillows on the rear headrests, but there is also a supplementary massage function on the legrests, with separate heating for the neck and shoulders.
As with the S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet — which will have no successors in this generation — the rear seat belts are now electrically operated. The interior is even quieter due to the active steering noise canceling system. Similar to noise canceling headphones, the system reduces low frequency noise with the help of anti-phase sound waves emanating from the Burmester sound system.
The familiar systems of the new S-Class such as the steerable rear axle, which reduces the turning circle by almost two meters; or the LED headlamps, each with 1.3 million pixels and capable of projecting additional information about the road ahead, also ensure safety on board and a more suitable daily use.
In the event of a serious head-on collision, the rear airbag can significantly reduce the stress levels on the occupants' head and neck — there are now 18 airbags that the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is equipped with.
Also with regard to safety, and as we saw with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the chassis is capable of adapting to all conditions, even when the worst is unavoidable. For example, the air suspension can only lift one side of the car when in an imminent side collision, causing the point of impact to be lower in the body, where the structure is stronger, increasing the survival space inside.