Mercedes revived the Maybach name just a few years ago and judging by the sales it was a very good decision. Since the market launch in 2015, around 60,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have been delivered worldwide. In 2019, with around 12,000 units, more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before. The growth rate in China was in double figures. Alongside China, the main sales markets in recent years have been Russia, South Korea, the USA and Germany.
The success story continues with the new generation Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.The 18 cm longer wheelbase compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear. Thanks to Executive Seats as standard and the Chauffeur package, the rear section becomes a comfortable working or resting area. They are complemented by exclusive details such as large areas of trim on the rear of the front seats and between the two rear passengers.
In a number of markets, sales of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will commence before the end of this year. Germany will follow in spring 2021. In the USA and China, the first customers will receive their vehicles in April 2021. The first examples will reach dealer showrooms in Europe in summer 2021.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (length/width/height: 5469/1921/1510 millimetres) is a classic three-box saloon. Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille. This is highly recognisable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips. The word mark MAYBACH is elegantly integrated into the chrome surround of the grille. The rear doors are wider than those of the brother models, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight. Exclusivity is emphasised by the Maybach brand logo on the C-pillar. On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be equipped with electrically operated comfort rear doors.
On request, the exclusive appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with dividing line. This is applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria. The revolutionary headlamp technology DIGITAL LIGHT is available on request. This allows new functions, e.g. the projection of guidelines or warning symbols onto the road ahead [not currently offered in the UK]. In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors.
The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the revolutionary interior design of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. In the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class too, digital and analogue luxury are in harmony. Up to five display screens are available. Included as standard is a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control centre. A 12.3-inch 3D driver display with three-dimensional representation of other road users and pronounced depth and shade effects is available on request.
The surrounds of the dial instruments are in the brand colour rosé gold.
This colour is also used for the active ambience lighting (optional equipment), i.e. the animated LED light band with intelligent comfort and safety functions. With rosé gold white and amethyst glow, the active ambience lighting now has two new colour themes. There is also an additional function in the form of the “Rear Welcome” lightshow in the interior. Adaptive rear lighting is celebrating its premiere in the Mercedes-Maybach. This follows the wishes of the occupants in several respects: as well as the brightness, the size and position of the light spot can be adjusted. There is also a wide adjustment range between precise working light and relaxing lounge light.
There is plenty of classic luxury on board, too: new features include the large areas of trim on the front seats. High-quality wood surrounds encase the rear of the front seat backrests. If the First-Class Rear is specified, a similarly striking area of trim is positioned between the two rear passengers.
A clear indication that the owner of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will typically be found seated in the rear are the standard-fit Executive seats on the left and right plus the Chauffeur package. The occupant is able to adjust the seat surface and backrest of the Executive seat independently. Using the footrest on the front seat and the electrically extending legrest creates a continuous, comfortable reclining surface for a pleasant sleeping position. The adjustment travel of the legrest has been extended by approx. 50 mm compared to the preceding series. The massage function of the calfrest as part of the Seating Comfort package Rear is another new feature. The neck/shoulder heating in the rear is another comfort feature.
The engines of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class come from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and are in part electrically assisted. Electrification is by an integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). This provides a boost of up to 15 kW, facilitates efficient “gliding” when driving at constant speed, makes the start/stop experience even more comfortable and makes the drive system more efficient overall.
The 9G-TRONIC transmission was developed further and adapted for the ISG. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. In conjunction with ISG it was possible to eliminate the entire two-piece belt drive, as an electric refrigerant compressor is used. This means that even when the engine is not running (start/stop and gliding phases), the interior can be efficiently and comfortably climatised. All-wheel drive is standard equipment.
The AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment. Using DYNAMIC SELECT, the driver is able to individually modify the characteristics of the powertrain, ESP , the suspension and the steering. The selection is made using a control at the lower end of the central display. DYNAMIC SELECT has a dedicated MAYBACH driving mode. This focuses entirely on ride comfort.
Optional rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability in urban areas. This reduces the turning circle by almost two metres. Customers have a choice between two variants: 4.5° and 10° rear-axle steering. Instead of 13.1 metres, the turning circle is then 12.2 or 11.2 metres.
