But can it do so without extra performance?
Mercedes-Maybach has introduced a new design package called the Night Series, which is akin to Rolls-Royce Black Badge models… if those models traded in their performance enhancements for a bucketful of gaudy visual enhancements. The Night Series package will be available on the entire Maybach lineup, which currently comprises the Maybach GLS SUV, the S-Class sedan, and the recently-revealed Maybach EQS 680.
So what is the Night Series? It's a comprehensive design package comprising exterior and interior 'enhancements' to make the Maybach models stand out. Mercedes specifically uses phrases like “Night Series defies convention” and describes its style as “a playful sense of rebellion,” but it's really just quite over-the-top.
For starters, the exterior is characterized by dark chrome trim for the grille, window surrounds, and even the three-pointed star hood ornament. These dark accents are contrasted by rose gold details in the headlight clusters. But the dominating design element is the Night Series-exclusive wheel, a seven-spoke design with the negative space between the spokes populated by a Maybach logo pattern – like the Louis Vuitton pattern, just trashier.
The interiors of these models also get unique elements, like herringbone interior accents, several Maybach logos, and a piano black trim element with the same Maybach design pattern as the wheels.
Even the MBUX infotainment system has been fettled, with an exclusive start-up animation and special ambient lighting configurations to complement the Night Series color palette.
Beyond this, specific design elements exist for each of the Maybach EQS, GLS, and S.
Maybach EQS-Specific Styling
The Maybach EQS, for example, gets a Maybach emblem on rose gold detailing in the headlights, while the front grille panel gets darkened Maybach pinstripes in the absence of traditional chrome slats. But its most heinous design crime is the lower air intakes featuring a dark chrome-plated mesh with the same Maybach pattern as the wheels.
The standard paint package comprises two-tone Obsidian Black/Mojave Silver, but you can also opt for plain Obsidian Black or Manufaktur Diamond White.
Inside, there's eco-friendly Econyl carpet, and the Nappa leather in Manufaktur Crystal White/Black Pearl is vegetable tanned. You can opt for a single-color Black Pearl leather with contrast stitching, too, but whatever you choose, the trim inlays are Natural Grain Herringbone wood with aluminum accents.
Maybach S And GLS Designs
While the standard two-tone paint is the same for the Maybach S, buyers also have several grey, black, and white hues to choose from. Thankfully, the sedan misses out on the gaudy air intake mesh, but the GLS isn't so lucky. On both combustion-powered models, the exhausts are finished in dark chrome.
The Maybach GLS wears its special wheels in 23-inch size, while its power-extendable running boards are dark anodized. This model shares its color palette with the EQS.
According to Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of the Mercedes-Benz Group, “Night Series is the most progressive Maybach design package – it's our already well-known supreme aesthetics, heightened with exquisite, darkened motifs. Our goal was to create an exciting new style, offering a playful sense of rebellion that is unexpected to what you usually see in a Mercedes-Maybach.”
The Maybach Night Series design package will be available on 2024 model-year vehicles, with buyers able to order matching apparel, including bags, eyewear, and sneakers.
Keyword: New Mercedes-Maybach Night Series Wants To Rival Rolls-Royce Black Badge