- Ultra posh conveyance
- Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Edition 100
- Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
In the realm of ultra luxury vehicles there are few names that elicit a response like that of Maybach. Mercedes-Benz South Africa has just unveiled the new versions that may soon be conveying the elitist of the elite and at the same time gave us the opportunity to drive the S-Class 350d and 500 models.
Ultra posh conveyance
In a world that very few get to sample, a vehicle says more about you than you can possibly imagine. Names such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley are spoken in hushed tones from high-backed leather armchairs in gentleman’s clubs, but there is one name that is even more exclusive, that of Mercedes-Maybach. These ultra-luxurious hand-built machines are aimed at the very top of the automotive market and are only meant for the most discerning of buyers.
Where a top-spec S-Class is the entry point to this segment you must know that things have gotten serious, and when an automaker only makes 100 of a model for the entire global market you are playing in an ultra-elite circle. Mercedes-Benz South Africa has lifted the covers of their new range of Maybach vehicles that will soon be available to the most sophisticated of buyers here in SA. We had the opportunity to sample these fantastic motor vehicles and drive the brand new S-Class derivatives that are on sale now.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Edition 100
In terms of rarity, it doesn’t get any more exclusive than the Edition 100. To celebrate 100 years of Maybach, Mercedes has made only 100 of these ultra-rare and luxurious Maybachs and South Africa was extremely privileged to be granted just 1 vehicle. This allocation will be auctioned to the highest bidder and any monies captured over and above the purchase price will be donated to charity.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Visually there is no denying the air of luxury that exudes from the Maybach S-Class. Resplendent in its executive color pallette and dripping in chrome trim, the Maybachs signature grille, and wheel design leave no doubt as to what you will encounter inside. The interior is of course where the experience continues. Lavish trim, supple leather, and high-end tech assault the senses for a passenger experience bar none.
Active noise-canceling keeps the hustle and buzz of the outside world at bay, while the ear-shattering Burmeister 4D sound system will drown out even the most persistent of annoyances with its concert-level audio staging. As a driver of this vehicle, you will commune with the vehicle’s systems through a massive centrally mounted OLED touchscreen which controls everything from the mood lighting and massaging seats to the opening and closing of doors, shades, and windows.
As a passenger you will melt into the exquisite seating with access to heated massage functions, legroom that stretches forever, touchscreens for entertainment, and airbag incorporated seatbelts.
The Maybach derivatives stand head and shoulders above the highest grade of the standard S-Class, offering two engines, a V8 and V12. The V8 S580 delivers 370kW and 700Nm with the added boost from the 48V mild hybrid system. The monstrous V12 dumps 450kW and 900Nm without the added 48V system. The wondrous element here is that you wouldn’t know that you were doing low altitude flying at highly illegal speeds due to the aforementioned noise-canceling and ultra-soft air suspension that quite literally irons out the undulations in any road surface.
Fans of the G series SUVs can rejoice as there is indeed a Maybach derivative GLS SUV available. A drive in a Maybach is nothing short of a sensory overload, with every tactile sense catered to and then some.
| Mercedes-Maybach S580 4Matic. | R 3 507 000 |
| Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic. | R 4 454 000 |
* Includes service and maintenance contract
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Late last year Mercedes announced that they would be discontinuing the S400 series and replacing it with the “entry-level” S350d. The pandemic had ravaged global supplies, so it has taken that long for the stock to reach dealers and the new S350 and S00 models are now available at dealers. Compared to the Maybachs, the standard S vehicles seem rather dour by comparison but that says more about the Maybach model than what it does about the S-Class. The standard fare S limousines are still ultra opulent and luxurious with fitment befitting any head of state or bitcoin millionaire.
The S350d is propelled by a 3.0l in line 6 cylinder bi-turbo engine that moves the sleek body along with 210kW and 600Nm while the S500 gets a 3.0l in line 6 that delivers 320kW and 520Nm that benefits from the 48V electrical boost increasing figures by 16kW and 250Nm. The S350 makes do without the 4Matic drive system while the 500 retains this functionality.
These were the models that we were allowed to test drive and the experience was pure bliss. Whether piloting these luxury liners or being driven in one as a passenger the never-ending list of luxury fitment and convenience elevates travel to another level.
The lower level S-Class models benefit from many of the features that you will find in a Maybach but the ultra refinement is amiss, this is not necessarily a bad thing as it clearly delineates these specification levels.
A notable mention here is the optional new lighting system that you will find, Mercedes-Benz’s new Digital Light system is the epitome of headlight technology and compliments the vehicle completely. Another notable feature is the flush-mounted door handles emblazoned with the Mercedes logo that can be called into action by simply swiping ones hand over the area and they pop out for use.
The 31 speaker Burmeister audio system is integrated into the new MBUX infotainment system controlled through the 12.5 inch OLED central display, the driver’s binnacle now houses a 3-dimensional display that is fully customizable to the driver’s tastes and is so realistic it can bring on feelings of motion sickness similar to that felt by patrons of 3D movie theatres
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350d | R 2 330 000 |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4Matic | R 2 492 000 |
* includes service and maintenance contract
Verdict
Getting to drive an S-Class is an experience in of itself, being driven in a Maybach derivative is even better, being given the slightest taste of what can be felt with these vehicles leaves one wondering how on earth you are going to become the next tech billionaire so that you can get back into one of these spectacular machines. We will hopefully be able to get one of the S-Class 350 or 500 on a proper road test sometime. The Maybachs are made to order machines that are tailored to the individual tastes of their owners, so a road test is unlikely. I guess we’d settle for some rear seat time in a “normal” one, and you’ll be the first to read about our experiences. Until then, we shall return to our theater of the mind and relive our experience ad nauseum.
Keyword: Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (2022) First drive