The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is currently the top gun in the German automaker’s luxury line-up and they have thrown everything at it, from freezers to multiple screens and the two-tone paint scheme which takes a week to finish.
The epitome of luxury in the automotive industry is divided into a small number of companies and perhaps the newest amongst them the Maybach is now making serious inroads, with just five years since it made its debut as the top Merc the sales numbers are growing each year and for this year Mercedes-Benz is looking to up the game even further. The car is 18 centimeters longer than the longest S-Class and has business class like seats which might just be the most comfortable and refined car seats one has ever encountered. Subtle visual cues on the Maybach distinguish it from the standard S-class if the Maybach logo on the pillar ain’t enough.
The original Maybach is going to be a hundred years old soon and Mercedes-Benz have had the insight to make this car one of the most exclusive and special vehicles that can be associated with either of the brands. The signature Maybach grille adorns the front of the car, and the very noticeable rear doors are longer, much longer because the 18 centimeters of extra length has all been poured into the rear legroom, thus the massive doors which can also be electrically operated as option. The famous Maybach logo on the C-Pillar looks as timeless as the car, it is subtle in doing what it does, announcing that this is no mere S-Class.
The cabin of the Maybach is the thing that interests most people, also the reason it is the costliest S-Class out there. The designers have gone ahead and given the insides a complete makeover, and it now comes with five screens, the 12.3in OLED infotainment screen, the 12.3in instrument screen and three other screens for passengers. Heading to the passenger seats, the seats are executive style-extremely plush and comfortable. Each seat can be adjusted individually, there’s a extending leg rest too and massage function along with neck and shoulder heating, features one would not encounter in any other vehicle out there. This car is the roomiest Maybach yet, with 18cm extra legroom in the back compared to the standard S-Class, totally a place for the world’s billionaires to travel in.
There is a MBUX detachable tablet in the rear to control the climate control for both the rear seats and a refrigerator with Maybach Silver Champagne glasses.the cabin is also remarkably quiet because of the suspension and the addition of absorbent foam in the wheel arches. The MBUX in this Maybach is the most intuitive and advanced version ever with eye-detect, hand gesture and body language recognition and is able to automate several functions in the car based on behavioral patterns. Wrapped in the choicest of leather and wood panelling the cabin is spacious and boasts of the best comforts that the automotive world has to offer, one could not be more comfortable in their home.
Moving on to the engine- the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that develops 496hp and 700Nm is now part hybrid, with the addition of the Integrated second-gen Starter-generator that can provide about 15kW of power when needed, and steps in situations like cruising to improve efficiency. The 9G-Tronic transmission transfers the power to all the four wheels and has been integrated with the electric motor. The Maybach quite literally glides on roads, even the potholed ones thanks to the Airmatic air suspension with adjustable damping. There’s also the optional rear wheel steering which given the sheer length of the Maybach is a handy addition if one expects to be around crowded areas.
As is customary, the Maybach comes with its own host of safety features especially for the rear occupants. Driver assistance systems like the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Changing Assist ,Active Blind Spot Assist and exit warning function and Evasive Steering Assist are always active. The rear passengers also get a special airbag, belt bags, side bags and window bags keep the passengers completely safe and cocooned in times of collision. An active 360-degree scanning system called the Pre-Safe scans and can deploy security measures just seconds before impact. There is also level-3 autonomous driving which uses LiDAR and other driving sensors to operate.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is without a doubt the Definition of Luxury as the German maker states it to be, and that comes with a hefty price tag. The present S650 Maybach costs INR 2.8 crore in India and the new one will be priced similarly if not beyond when it launches next year.
Favourie Car: Nissan GT-R R35
Quote: What you do in life echoes in eternity- Russell Crowe, Maximus, Gladiator
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