From the stables of the pioneering German carmakers, comes a beauty that redefines luxury , Mercedes Maybach S600
Coalesce of present world monarchs and multibillionaires have been the target of all luxury and ultra premium marques. Each of the esteemed brands are looking forward to make their patrons feel unique and special. As the Swiss is known for their exquisite watches, French for their mind-blowing perfumes, British is the only phrase that come to our mind when we think about bespoke ultra premium luxury cars. But a German luxury car maker from Stuttgart, is trying to transform the scenario by introducing a new sub brand that will be the pinnacle of luxury, technology, safety, comfort and something which will be extraneous for the coalesce that is “value for money”. To achieve the set target Mercedes- Benz got inspired by their own heritage that was “three point star” on hood cars which is bravely competing with the British luxury marques like Rolls Royce and Bentley in this market segment. This inspiration gave them the certitude to take their flagship model S class, acclaimed as “the best car in the world” to a next level by bringing out a sole variant under a new moniker ‘Mercedes- Maybach’. The name Maybach is the face of German bespoke brand, which has a long-term relation with the carmaker who has brought a separate brand in early 2000 and had to be axed in 2013. Anyway the top guys in the board of management of Mercedes chose the same brand to reestablish their tailor made product and S class is the first to get honored with a bold step.
As usual with the new S-class, Mercedes-Benz has set a new benchmark in all areas above mentioned for the entire car industry to follow. Hence it was a herculean task for the engineers to recreate something above the top line, but I’ve to admit that they have done a effulgent job and were successful in bringing a car which is par or a little above the double priced rivals. Being a car to be chauffeured more than being driven, the major emphasis is given on the rear compartment of the Maybach, which has been extended by 20cm compared to the long wheelbase S-class. This portion of a 1 BHK size interior is the quietest rear compartment in any of the production car sold in the entire globe. To furnish more to the luxury is the first class aircraft-inspired multiway adjustable reclining seats, which can help to stretch yourself after a tiring board meeting or a long day at shoot. Magic Body Control, the unique air suspension system monitors the road ahead and pre-adjusts suspension to tackle the potholes and humps with the help of stereo camera fitted on front windscreen.
Adding on to the comfort of this seat, there is an electrically adjustable cushioned calf support and footrest along with plushy soft pillows on the headrest. Finally if you want to get home refreshed
If you are in a romantic mood to drive your spouse for a dinner or a long night drive, the driver’s seat is equally welcoming as the lux-rear seats. Once you are in charge of this 5.5 meter limo, there is a chance that you would build a slight envy for your chauffeur, but the effortless drive will leave no chance for you to think of the past as get you closely involved with your companion on wheels. The smooth 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo mill which produces 530 hp power and 830 NM torque; and transfer the entire power to the rear wheels via a smooth 7 speed auto transmission can bring out the petrol-head in you. This 2.4-ton beauty can propel from 0-100km in just 5.7 seconds and you can see the odo-needle touching the electronically limited 250km/h mark at ease.
Apart from a comfortable and enjoyable drive, Mercedes-Maybach builds a sense of safety with all its active and passive safety systems. With the Mercedes’ accident predicting Pre-Safe system, the car can easily position the passengers in a safe position in the event of a mishap. If not satisfied, Mercedes-Maybach also comes fitted with 12 airbags including first in the industry belt bags for rear passengers. The Intelligent LED headlights leaves you spellbound by spreading light according to the opposite traffic and twist & turns of the road ahead. While developing the new S class, Mercedes has given lot of emphasis on the exterior design and have created a very distinctive style for the car. It’s one the best proportioned car and when decided to extend the wheelbase for Maybach variant the designers sketched a new rear door and redesigned the C pillar with an attractive quarter glass.
Apart from those major make over the changes were minimal, but for Maybach version they have given some versatile trim, which make it stand apart from the crowd as well as to distinct it from
regular S-class. Instead of regular four slacks, Maybach got three double slack radiator grilles. In addition the fascia has more embellished features like the double bar chrome stripes on bumpers and air-vents. Other than the extension and an additional window, the greenhouse is fully chromed. Maybach’s ‘double-M’ logo is placed in C pillar as well as a Maybach moniker takes its place on boot lid. Double bar chrome stripes have been repeated on the rear bumper, a power filled four quad exhaust pipe also adds to the list of different trim. Maybach S600 is fitted with a special 19-inch multi-spoke, elegantly designed, V12 special alloy wheels.
As you may be thinking, does all this come for a price? Yes, of course, Mercedes-Maybach S600 is priced just over 2.50crores [ex-showroom Kerala]. As mentioned earlier, this ultra luxury sedan also gets a tick in the value for money. Mercedes have never claimed that Maybach is directly rivaling the upper segment Bentleys or Rolls, but I can profess that the Germans have been successful in raising the bars of flagship with half of the price compared to their British rivals.
Text & Test Driven by Hani Musthafa Photos: Nithin Nambiar Vehicle Provided by Mercedes Benz India