New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Since its market launch in 2015, around 60,000 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vehicles have been delivered worldwide, and in 2019 the model found a record number of buyers - about 12,000. At that time, it recorded double-digit sales growth in China. In addition to China, the main markets for limousines in recent years have been Russia, South Korea, the United States and Germany.

Mercedes-Maybach S-class

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class continues this success by combining the sophistication and cutting-edge features of the recently introduced Mercedes-Benz flagship model with the exclusivity and tradition of the Maybach brand. The wheelbase is 18 cm longer than the long version of the S-Class, completely divided between the rear passengers. Standard executive seats and a driver's package make the rear a comfortable place to work or relax. There are also exclusive details such as rich wood trim on the back of the front seat backs and between the rear seats. Sales of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will begin before the end of this year in some markets. In Germany, the model will go on sale in the spring of 2021. In the US and China, the first customers will receive the ordered units in April 2021. In Europe, the first cars will arrive in showrooms in the summer of 2021.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is a classic three-body sedan. Distinguished, among other things, are the characteristic engine cover with chrome-plated “fin” and the radiator grille typical of Mercedes-Maybach with vertical three-dimensional decorative stripes. The word "MAYBACH" is elegantly integrated into the chrome air intake. The rear doors are wider than in the S-Class, and the C-pillars have small, non-opening windows and Maybach badges to highlight the brand's exclusivity. On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be equipped with an electrically operated comfort tailgate. The list of options for the new sedan also includes a two-tone paintwork with a dividing line, applied by hand to the highest quality criteria, and the revolutionary DIGITAL LIGHT headlights, which offer unprecedented features such as projecting directions or warning symbols onto the road ahead. Each DIGITAL LIGHT spotlight contains a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs that emit light that is refracted and directed through 1.3 million micromirrors.

Interior: Plenty of space and impressive rear comfort

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the revolutionary interior design of the new S-Class. The architecture of the dashboard, center console and armrests seems to float in space. Digital luxury is harmoniously combined with analog. The cabin can have up to five screens. Standard equipment includes a 12.8-inch central OLED display that serves as a state-of-the-art control center. A 12.3-inch 3D driver display is available on request, with a 3D display and depth effect. The special status of the Mercedes-Maybach limousine is underlined by the characteristic appearance of the driver's display in the Exclusive version: the front instrument panels are framed in the “signature” rose gold color. The same shade is used for active decorative lighting (optional) with intelligent information about the operation of comfort and safety functions. In total, 253 LEDs are used in the interior lighting. In Maybach, he has two new color themes: shades of rose gold and white, and amethyst. There was also an added feature in the form of a welcome light show in the cabin for those riding in the back. In addition, adaptive rear lighting is celebrating its premiere at Mercedes-Maybach, which in a number of ways corresponds to the preferences of passengers: in addition to brightness, the size and direction of the light beam can be adjusted. The user also has a wide range of settings at their disposal, from finely focused lighting for work to ambient lighting suitable for relaxing.

There is no shortage of "classic" luxury on board: the rear sides of the front seat backrests are adorned with lavish high-quality wood trim. In the First Class Rear Seat Package, similar features are located between the rear seats.

The wheelbase is 18 cm longer than the long version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (3396 vs. 3216 mm), which fully rewards passengers in the rear.

The chauffeur-driven profile of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is clearly marked by the standard executive class rear seats on the left and right, as well as the chauffeur package. The passenger can independently adjust the seat and backrest. Folding the footrest integrated into the front seat and the electrically extendable footrest creates a continuous, comfortable surface for lying or sleeping. Compared to the previous generation, the adjustment range of the footrest has been increased by approximately 50mm. Other new features include calf massage and neck and shoulder warmers for rear passengers.

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system is even more personalized and intuitive to use. The second generation MBUX debuted in the new S-Class. Its unique feature is communication with a wide range of systems and vehicle sensor data. High-quality displays, partly based on OLED technology, make it even easier to control the vehicle's functions.

Upon request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be equipped with MBUX Interior Assistant for rear passengers. It "guesses" many travelers' intentions - recognizes the direction of gaze and monitors hand gestures and body language depending on the situation, helping to automate the work of car functions. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is able to recognize the movements and gestures of rear seat passengers using 3D laser cameras in the ceiling. The MBUX interior assistant automatically "hands in" the seat belt when it detects an intent to reach for it based on the passenger's hand movements. The departure warning function has also been expanded, which can now also register when the car is about to leave the rear passenger.

Advanced motors provide efficient power delivery

The power units of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are taken from the Mercedes-Benz model range and have a partially electric drive. Electrification is carried out using a starter integrated in the 2nd generation alternator (ISG). Provides an extra power boost (so-called Boost function, up to 15kW/20hp), promotes efficient “floating” when driving at a constant speed, makes the start/stop system even smoother and improves overall transmission efficiency.

The operation of the improved 9G-TRONIC transmission has been adapted to the ISG. The electric motor, power electronics and gearbox cooler have now been moved to the gearbox. Thanks to ISG, the entire two-section belt drive was eliminated - an electric air conditioning compressor was used. This means that even when the engine is switched off (start/stop and coasting), the interior can be air-conditioned efficiently. All-wheel drive is included as standard.

Suspension: comfort meets amazing agility

AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS+ continuous damping is standard. Using the driving modes available in the DYNAMIC SELECT system, the driver can individually change the performance of the transmission, ESP®, suspension and steering. DYNAMIC SELECT offers a special MAYBACH driving mode that is entirely focused on comfort.

The optional steered rear axle improves maneuverability in built-up areas by reducing the turning radius by almost 2 meters. Customers can choose from two steerable rear axle options: the rear wheels can be turned to a maximum angle of 4.5° or 10°. Instead of 13.1 m, the turning circle is 12.2 or 11.2 m respectively.

The optional 48V E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL fully active suspension uses a stereo camera to "scan" the road in front of the car and compensate for any bumps before the car reaches them. It also provides additional protection in the event of a side impact.

Acoustic comfort: extremely effective noise and vibration isolation

The new luxury limousine has an even higher level of unwanted noise, vibration and vibration (NVH) reduction than the latest generation of the S-Class. additional absorbent foam. Because the C-pillar windows are close to the passengers' heads, they are made from thicker laminated glass. As an option for the Mercedes-Maybach, noise-optimized tires and foam shock absorbers are available.

In the new model, the manufacturer for the first time applied active noise compensation (AFGK). This system reduces unwanted low frequency noise by emitting sounds that are out of phase. For this, the woofers of the high-quality Burmester® 4D surround sound system are used.

Safety: the best protection against and in the event of an accident

When designing the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, special attention was paid to the safety of passengers in the rear. This is evidenced by the innovative rear airbag (optional) which significantly reduces the stress on the head and neck of belted passengers traveling in the outer rear seats in severe frontal collisions. In the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, for the first time, rear passengers can use the automatic seat belt extender, which indirectly encourages and facilitates fastening the seat belt. The seatbelt extension is integrated into the adjustable backrest of the Executive seat, so it is always in the correct position.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz