The Maybach nameplate has been resurrected by Mercedes-Benz, and the first year’s allocation is apparently already pre-sold.
However, rather than a stand-alone brand, the Maybach (pronounced Myback by the way) will be a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Maybach S600 will headline the Mercedes-Benz range.
Mercedes dropped Maybach as a separate brand in 2011 and the resurrected nameplate now tops the S-Class range as a sub-brand for bespoke luxury, in much the same way as AMG is the performance offshoot.
M-B won’t confirm future Maybach models but a coupe and SUV are both likely additions to the line-up.
Mercedes says the new car “melds the perfection of the S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach” and is “aimed at customers for whom status is important.”
Power comes from a twin-turbo V12 and the S600 is 200 mm longer than a regular long-wheelbase S-Class.
Consequently there’s voice amplification so that the chauffeur can converse with the rear occupants, even though Mercedes touts the Maybach as having the world’s quietest rear compartment.
Other standard items include reclining rear seats with heating, cooling and massage functions, Burmester audio, adaptive cruise control and the Magic Body Control suspension that scans the road surface and pre-loads the dampers to keep the cabin level when it detects a bump.
A refrigerator and silver-trimmed champagne flutes mean beverages can be had in style. Occupants can breathe ionized, filtered air – scented optionally with agarwood essence.