Maybach
Press Release
At the world première in Guangzhou and the presentation in Los Angeles, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is being unveiled almost simultaneously in its two key markets of the USA and China. The vehicle makes its début at Auto Guangzhou and the Los Angeles Auto Show just hours apart. At 5453 mm long and with a wheelbase of 3365 mm, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz model range is 20 cm larger in both dimensions than the S-Class Saloon with long wheelbase. Rear passengers benefit from this increased size as well as from standard equipment that includes executive seats on both left and right and other exclusive details such as innovative voice amplification. In the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also the world's quietest production saloon car.
"The history of prestige vehicles made by Daimler extends back to the earliest days of the motor car. We have now commenced a new chapter with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class," points out Ola Källenius, member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for sales. "As an addition to the portfolio of S-Class saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sets new standards in the luxury segment. The vehicle satisfies the very highest requirements in terms of exclusivity appointments and comfort."
"Perfection down to the last detail and a new dimension in seating and resting comfort for the rear passengers are the hallmarks of the new Mercedes-Maybach," says Professor Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Our exceptionally successful new S-Class already defines the pinnacle of automotive engineering in a host of technical disciplines such as safety, efficiency, climate control and noise characteristics. The Mercedes-Maybach now sets the benchmark in the luxury segment even higher."
Mercedes-Maybach: a new sub-brand offering peerless exclusivity
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class melds the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach. Mercedes-Maybach motor cars epitomise peerless exclusivity. Some of the features that distinguish these vehicles from production models include extra spaciousness with lavishly designed, prestigious interiors offering extensive scope for individualisation. As a result, the cars fulfil the requirements of even the most discerning customers worldwide.
Mercedes-Maybach is not an equipment line – it is a sub-brand that in future will provide Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form. Alongside Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach is thus the second sub-brand in the Mercedes-Benz brand world. Providing both prestige and exclusivity, it is aimed at customers for whom status is important.
The market launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is scheduled for February 2015. The top-of-the-range model is the Mercedes-Maybach S 600. Its V12 biturbo engine has an output of 530 hp. With a displacement of 5980 cc, the maximum torque of 830 Nm is available from 1900 rpm. The V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-Maybach S 500 generates an output of 455 hp from a displacement of 4663 cc. Its peak torque is 700 Nm. NEDC combined fuel consumption for the saloon is 31.7 mpg (premium petrol). CO2 emissions are 207 g/km.
Inside the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the level of wind noise is impressively low and in the rear, despite the large windows, betters even the quietest car in the world – the S-Class Coupé. For passengers in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world's quietest production saloon car.
In its exterior design, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity. The vehicle makes modern luxury come alive in an exceptional way. Along with the extended wheelbase, emphatic lines suggest power and dynamism. Due to the sidewall's special design, characteristic design elements for the S-Class are retained such as the sweeping, dome-shaped roofline.
The key distinguishing feature is the new side line: by comparison with the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, the striking rear door has been shortened by 66 mm and therefore appears to meld seamlessly into the overall composition. The door has no triangular window because this has been relocated into the C-pillar. As a result, the rear seats are situated beyond the door cutout, which creates a feeling of exceptional privacy and exclusivity. The elegant Maybach Manufaktur logo – a double M inside an arched triangle – adorns the C-pillars on both sides.
In the interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, passengers are enveloped in lounge-style, modern luxury. With its clear architecture, refined materials and stylish controls, the vehicle embodies a sensuous elegance. For an exclusive look, the front centre armrests with nappa leather or exclusive nappa leather upholstery feature embossed Maybach crests. Another special feature in the dashboard is the analogue clock with an IWC design.
The high quality standards of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are impressively evident from the doors, which even have handstitched door trim as part of the standard equipment. This extravagance is part of the interior's luxurious, hand-finished "Manufaktur" character. Exclusive features used in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are trim parts in wood/chrome and leather at shoulder height in the door panels, chrome-plated tweeter grilles and fibre-optic cables for the ambience lighting to the side on the armrest. Together they create a unique atmosphere conveying a sense of capacious style.
As the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz model range, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class satisfies the very highest requirements in terms of luxury appointments and comfort. In addition to all the amenities of the conventional S-Class, a number of exclusive interior touches underscore the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class's ambition to lead. These include the exclusive Maybach perfume AGARWOOD for fragrancing as part of the AIR-BALANCE package and two silver-plated, handcrafted champagne flutes (both optional extras). Voice amplification is a novel function emphasising the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class's positioning as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, which makes it much easier for occupants in the front to communicate with the rear passengers. The Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system offers a unique optical and acoustic experience. As a visual highlight, the tweeters in the rear doors of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are particularly sophisticated and can also be moved towards the passengers in a spiral motion.
A sense of spaciousness: setting new benchmarks for sleeping and resting comfort in the rear
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is specifically designed to be chauffeur-driven. For the driver and any front passenger, there have been no compromises compared with a "normal" S-Class. Here, however, the real sense of spaciousness is to be found in the rear. The benefits of extending the wheelbase by 200 mm are felt entirely in the back of the vehicle where the specification has been refined even more. Due to the roofline, it was also possible to further raise the head clearance.
Here is a comparison of two important dimensions relating to comfort:
V 222 X 222
Effective headroom in rear* (mm) 951 963
Kneeroom in rear* (mm) 166 325
* With executive seat and sliding sunroof
A clear indication that the owner of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will typically be found in the second row are the standard-fit executive seats on the left and right. These rear seats offer a unique level of comfort thanks to a special adjustment kinematics system. In contrast to the norm, the backrest is adjusted separately while the footwell and seat reference point remain unchanged. The cushion can be adjusted separately, with inclination and horizontal adjustment combined.
For the executive seats, the maximum backrest angle is 43.5 degrees. The most upright backrest position of 19 degrees allows relaxed working in the rear. The reclining seats feature a calf support, which is freely adjustable for length and angle. As standard, the luxury head restraints come with an extra cushion.
The Chauffeur package is also part of the standard equipment. A "chauffeur position" for the front passenger seat is one of the key components: due to changes to the kinematics system, the rear seat occupant on the front-passenger side has 77 mm more footroom compared with a normal front passenger seat in the furthest forward seat position. In addition to this "chauffeur position", the front passenger seat can be folded forward and the rear seat placed in an extended recline position for breaks. EASY ADJUST luxury head restraints come as standard for the driver and passenger, and the one on the front-passenger side is folding. For the rear passenger, the Chauffeur package also includes a heel support, which extends from under the front passenger seat. This allows a reclined position that sets new standards in the automotive sector with respect to sleeping and resting comfort.
Individual seat functions in the rear, and those of the chauffeur seat, are of course electrically operated via the typical Mercedes control panels in the rear doors. The rear armrest has a double cup holder, stowage space and wood trim.
As an option, it is possible to boost comfort for rear passengers even further. The Rear Seat Comfort package includes individually adjustable multicontour seats, for example, and an ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle.
The First-Class rear suite (centre console in the rear) is a visual continuation of the front console on the centre tunnel. It is equipped with innovative thermo cup holders, which use Peltier technology to cool or warm drinks over a longer period of time.
Like an aircraft seat, the centre console is available with two tables which can be easily folded in or out using one hand. Two articulated joints on the stem and underside of the table enable it to be adjusted to almost any position. The table supports and surface are made of a light alloy, combining great stability with a high-quality look. The table surfaces have leather inserts to provide a comfortable writing surface.
To deliver maximum climatic control in the rear compartment, there is a second, standard-fitted THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system in the rear with two additional climate zones for the rear seats. A control panel on the back of the centre console allows the temperature and air distribution to be set individually for the left and right sides. For targeted climate control, there are two nozzles in the centre console and also on the B-pillars and in the rear footwell. Using COMAND Online, the driver can conveniently adjust the automatic climate control system for the back of the vehicle too.
As exclusive optional equipment (standard in the Mercedes-Maybach S 600), there is the AIR-BALANCE package including ionisation, enhanced air filtration and fragrancing with AGARWOOD, the exclusive Maybach perfume (see section on appointments).
Aeroacoustics: in the back of the world's quietest production saloon
Inside the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the level of wind noise is impressively low and, despite the large windows, betters even the quietest car in the world – the S-Class Coupé. For passengers in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world's quietest production saloon car. Extensive measurements were also taken in experimental vehicles considering the fully reclined position in the rear. That is because positioning the passenger away from the side windows and towards the rear window and triangular windows creates a new acoustic situation.
Special seals optimise the noise insulation, thereby ensuring excellent aeroacoustic performance in the rear. These include seals over the C joints in the rear doors, which have a hose profile rather than the usual lip seal, as well as bonded triangular windows with a special seal.
Other measures in the rear compartment are a generous area of insulation around the single seats extending from the seat cushion over the rear panel to the parcel shelf. Intelligent air ducting around the parcel shelf reduces the intrusion of noise, and sealed inertia reels on the seat belts prevent possible disturbing sounds. The textile underbody and wheel arch lining have an insulating and absorptive effect, which reduces high-frequency tyre noise in the interior.
A new aeroacoustic wind tunnel at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen became operational in September 2013 and played a crucial part in achieving excellent, quiet running. For example, the conveyor belt/balance system there is integrated into a turntable with a diameter of twelve metres. This means that test vehicles can also to be subjected to an angled flow of air in order to simulate crosswinds.
As a result, experts in aeroacoustics were able to study the perfect design for the door structure of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class under wind load. The door seal must fit closely even when subjected to a constant or gusty sidewind such as would be encountered when passing a truck, on bridges, in wooded areas or when driving on a coastal road. Despite negative pressure on the side away from wind, the door must never be pulled more than a few millimetres away from the seal. Large doors are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon because strength is a product of (negative) pressure and area.
Aerodynamics: many details with optimum flow
With a Cd value of 0.26, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class maintains the brand's leading position in the area of aerodynamics.
A whole raft of aerodynamic optimisations have been implemented:
Wheel spoilers with aerodynamically optimised contour ahead of the front wheels
Large area of cladding on the rear axle
Aerodynamically efficient design of the front and rear aprons and the rear spoiler
Optimised exterior mirror design with mirror base
Sealed headlamp surrounds
Improved sealing of the radiator section and flow properties to make efficient use of the available cooling air
Streamlined water drainage channels
Speed-dependent lowering of the vehicle by up to 20 mm
Spoiler lip on each tail light
Aerodynamically optimised underbody with extensive engine compartment and underbody panelling
Exterior design: elegant and exclusive
In its exterior design, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity. The vehicle makes modern luxury (in the truest sense of the word) come alive in an exceptional way. Along with the extended wheelbase, emphatic lines suggest power and dynamism. Due to the sidewall's special design, characteristic design elements for the S-Class are retained such as the sweeping, dome-shaped roofline.
The key distinguishing feature is the new side line: by comparison with the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, the striking rear door has been shortened by 66 mm and therefore appears to seamlessly meld into the overall composition. The door has no triangular window. This has been relocated into the C-pillar. As a result, the rear seats are situated beyond the door cutout, which creates a feeling of exceptional privacy and exclusivity. The triangular windows and other glass areas alike have chrome surrounds. The B-pillar is also covered in chrome. The elegant Maybach Manufaktur logo – a double M inside an arched triangle – adorns the C-pillars on both sides. What is more, exclusive 20-inch (50.8 cm) forged, light-alloy wheels are available for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Instead of delicate spokes, their design features large surfaces to underline the flagship model's high-quality look.
Overall the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is 207 mm longer than the S-Class with long wheelbase. 200 mm of this is the result of the extension between the B and C-pillar. All this additional space is used to boost comfort for rear passengers.
Subtle yet noticeable changes in both the front and rear area differentiate the longest S-Class from its smaller siblings. Three double louvres in chrome within the radiator trim have a formative influence on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class's elegant look. Additional vertical chrome trim discreetly but deeply underlines the special appeal of this extraordinary vehicle. This theme is taken up once again in the design at the tail end.
The key features of the front end design:
Dominant radiator trim with large radiator opening and three double louvres in chrome
Subtle vertical chrome trim
Double trim in the air intakes on the right and left
Double trim in the bottom end piece of the bumpers
The emphatic design for the sides draws to an effective conclusion at the rear. The chrome double louvres deployed at the front are continued in the rear area, emphasising high quality and elegance.
Key features of the rear end design:
Horizontal lines emphasise the vehicle's width
Two tailpipe trim elements in chrome integrated into the bumper with vertical partition
Chrome double louvres in the bottom section of the bumper covering add the perfect finishing touch to the vehicle
Maybach lettering on the boot lid (mounted on the left in direction of travel)
Interior design: the essence of modern luxury
"To create only the very best from the very best – a car that fulfils every last wish and stands out for its supremely refined elegance and power" is the aim according to a Maybach brochure dating from 1930. This continues to be the case today. In the interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, passengers are enveloped in lounge-style, modern luxury. With its clear architecture, refined materials and stylish controls, the vehicle embodies a sensuous elegance.
The Exclusive trim package, which is fitted as standard, increases the sense of perceived value still further, particularly in the rear of the vehicle. Sensuously curved, fine-wood trim with a handcrafted feel surrounds the entire rear seating system. The seat-back lining, doors and nozzle coverings are resplendent in fine wood.
For an exclusive look, the front centre armrests with nappa leather or exclusive nappa leather upholstery feature embossed Maybach crests (and also the armrests in the rear in conjunction with the First-Class rear suite). Another special feature in the dashboard is the analogue clock with an IWC design. The numbers are individually milled and applied, underlining the analogue clock's exclusive design. Both the numbers and indicators are made of fine metal.
The high quality standards of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are evident from the doors, which even have handstitched door trim as part of the standard equipment (in nappa leather with exclusive leather as an optional extra). This extravagance is part of the interior's luxurious, hand-finished "Manufaktur" character. Exclusive features used in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are trim parts in wood/chrome and leather at shoulder height in the door panels, chrome-plated tweeter grilles and fibre-optic cables for the ambience lighting to the side on the armrest. Together they create a unique atmosphere conveying a sense of capacious style.
The models: with V12 and V8 engines plus 4MATIC
The top-of-the-range model is the Mercedes-Maybach S 600. Its V12 biturbo engine has an output of 530 hp. With a displacement of 5980 cc, the maximum torque of 830 Nm is available from 1900 rpm. The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 completes the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, while the top speed is 155 mph (electronically limited). The most important features of the V12 engine are the all-aluminium crankcase, one-piece chain drive, forged crankshaft in high-grade quenched and tempered steel, forged pistons, dedicated ignition coil with multispark ignition, hollow-stem outlet valves filled with sodium and a low-temperature coolant circuit with separate expansion reservoir.
The V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-Maybach S 500 generates an output of 455 hp from a displacement of 4663 cc. Its peak torque is 700 Nm. NEDC combined fuel consumption for the saloon is just 31.7 mpg (premium petrol). CO2 emissions are 207 g/km. Permanent all-wheel drive improves traction and driving stability, particularly when road conditions are difficult in winter, for example. The Mercedes-Maybach S 500 is equipped as standard with new 9G-TRONIC, the world's first nine-speed automatic transmission in the premium segment. Its broad ratio spread (9.15) for gears one to nine allows an overall reduction in engine speed a key factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. Shortened shift and reaction times ensure optimum spontaneity combined with outstanding ease of shifting. The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 comes with the latest evolution of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
All models at a glance:
Number of cylinders/arrangement 8/V 12/V
Displacement (cc) 4663 5980
Rated output (hp at rpm) 455 at 5250-5500 530 at 4900-5300
Rated torque (Nm at rpm) 700 at
1800-3500 830 at
1900-4000
Combined fuel consumption from
(mpg) 31.7 24.1
Combined CO2 emissions from
(g/km) 207 274
Efficiency class C F
Acceleration
0-62 mph (s) 5.0 5.0
Top speed (mph) 155 155
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