Since faltering sales doomed the Maybach line in 2012, Mercedes-Benz has been out of the running in the hyper-expensive, hyper-luxury sedan market. Similarly exclusive brands, especially Bentley, have made strides toward increasing their production and attainability in the meantime. However, using the platform of the recently-launched Mercedes-Benz S-class, they to produce two exclusive limousines set to compete with the Phantom and the Flying Spur.
Automotive News.com reports that Mercedes will launch a “Maybach edition” S-class that slots even above the nearly-$230,000 S600. Prices for the Maybach will probably enter Phantom territory, costing around $500,000. Special features will include a wheelbase stretched by 7.9 inches over the Mercedes-Benz S-class and some creature comforts from previous Maybachs, such as a partition, heated, cooled, and ventilated rear seats, and a built-in wine cooler.
It’s unclear which powertrain options may be available on the S-class Maybach, though a tuned version of the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 found in the S65 AMG may fill the need. A shiftable ZF 8-speed automatic will most likely route power, though it may be reinforced to handle the additional torque. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has hinted at the possibility of creating a modern-day Pullman limousine, the vehicle of choice for heads-of-state in the 1960s. The opulent Pullman would be even longer than the S-class Maybach and would cost around $1 million. What would that hefty price tag get you? A 21-ft. wheelbase, three-row seating, and fully armored construction, for starters.
These two super-Benzes come at an opportune time, as BMW is said to be readying a super 7-series to replace the Alpina B7. Watch for the S-class Maybach and the Pullman at the Guangzhou or LA Auto Shows later this year.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video of the S-class coupe’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show.
Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, Frank Kosarek lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and especially enjoys German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite.
