Mercedes-Maybach S-Class update revealed ahead of Geneva

This isn’t just any Mercedes S-Class. This is a super-exclusive, extra-long-wheelbase, Nappa leather-lined Mercedes Maybach S-Class. It is the German carmaker’s finest expression of first class luxury and, ahead of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, has undergone a few detail changes that aim to justify the elevated price tag and raise the quality bar even higher. 
Ever since Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH presented its first vehicle in 1921, the company has been striving to define motoring luxury for the world’s most discerning customers. While it may have some competition from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, there’s no denying that tradition is alive and kicking today with this car. The Mercedes Maybach S-Class measures 5462mm in length and boasts a wheelbase of 3365mm, making this brazen Benz nearly 10cm roomier than a Bentley Mulsanne.

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In order to compete on presence, the limousine now features a bold new chrome grille with vertical louvres, as seen on the Mercedes Maybach 6 Cabriolet, and is said to be inspired by a pinstripe suit. There are three new 20-inch alloy wheel designs, plus the option of nine two-tone paint combinations, where the second layer of lacquer is applied by expert hands. Clearly, installing Swarovski crystals into the multi-beam headlights wasn’t lavish enough…

The interior continues to immerse the well-heeled with six-way massaging seats with memory function, headrests, steering column and door mirrors, although the finest black nappa leather can now be married with copper, gold or platinum-coloured contrast stitching. There are also two further, exclusive colour combinations of armagnac brown and black, or savanna beige and black.

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UK buyers will only be offered the Mercedes Maybach S-Class with a turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, which develops 612bhp and a prodigious 737lb ft of torque. Badged the S650, it accelerates from rest to 62mph in 4.7seconds. Bigger markets including China, which faces more aggressive legislation on emissions, will also be offered a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 458bhp. Badged the S560, it will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.9seconds while emitting 198g/km of CO2 - 92g/km less than the V12.

The quest for super-luxury is clearly growing at an aggressive rate. Despite manufacturing just 1,800 vehicles in its first 20 years of business, the Maybach badge now adorns one in every 10 S-Class models sold today. Expect UK prices for the Mercedes Maybach S650 to start from around £175,000.

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