Mercedes has used China's Auto Ghangzhou show to revive the Maybach name on an ultra high-end S-Class. The Mercedes-Maybach S600 is a long-wheelbase, V12-powered flagship for the Mercedes range, and aims to offer a level of exclusivity beyond that offered by the standard S-Class range.
This is by no means the first time Daimler has used the Maybach name. The Maybach 57 and 62 were expensive attempts at reviving the glory of the 1920s and 30s, where the brand stood for luxury and exclusivity. While there's no doubt that the first Maybachs after the brand's Daimler revival were luxurious (and sometimes a little bit crazy) they also never really took hold, something Mercedes will be hoping to avoid with its latest Maybach creation.
The S600 is powered by a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo V12 engine making 390 kW (530 hp) and 830 Nm (612 lb.ft) of torque. Despite the big outputs, Mercedes has focused on cabin refinement with the S600. The German manufacturer claims its long wheelbase S-Class "boasts an exceptionally low level of wind noise," which helps to make the rear cabin the "quietest in the world" from a production limousine.
As well as being quiet, the S600's rear seat should be spacious. Mercedes has extended the S-Class' wheelbase by 20 cm (8 inches), and the "Executive" rear seats can be reclined thanks to the S600's standard Chauffeur Pack. You won't even need to shout instructions to your chauffeur, the S600 is fitted with a voice amplification system that means you'll never need to raise your voice from the back seat again.
China isn't the only place you can see Maybach's return. The S600 is also on display at the LA Auto Show, where Gizmag is on the ground covering all the action.
Source: Daimler