As if the existing S-Class weren’t expensive enough, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limousine costs £ 162,390. And if you have the cash, you can place an order for your premium wafty sedan right now, although you’ll have to wait until this fall to pick it up.
Based on the updated S-Class, the Maybach is distinguished by a longer wheelbase than the longer version of the Mercedes, as well as “extended” rear passenger space modifications. There are a few more luxurious features, including a new massage function for the rear seats.
Customers have a choice of two engines, both gasoline powered. The “base” car, the S580 4Matic is a 496 hp 4-liter V8 with mild hybrid technology, a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. This is capable of taking the enormous S-Class from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 155 mph. Drive slower and it will come back to between 24.1 and 25.5 mpg.
Alternatively, you can have the top-of-the-line S680 4Matic (pictured), which comes with a 6.0-liter V12 engine developing 604 hp. Like the S580, it gets a nine-speed, four-wheel-drive automatic transmission, but it has a lot more performance. The 0-62mph time is reduced to 4.5 seconds and the economy drops to 19.8mpg.
In exchange for your £ 162,390, however, you’ll be looking at the S580 in a ‘standard’ guise. You thus benefit from the latest generation infotainment system with a “high-end” rear entertainment system comprising a rear shelf and a digital TV tuner. You also get a Burmester audio system, 20-inch alloy rims and chic nappa leather, not to mention the high-pile floor mats, microfiber roof liner and rear comfort package with massage functions. .
If you want, you can upgrade to the First Class model, which starts at £ 177,025 and comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, wireless headsets and folding tables on the back. The microfiber roof liner is replaced with leather, champagne flutes are thrown in, and you get a 10-liter refrigerator in the back, along with open-pore walnut wood trim.
If you choose the S680, you get the First Class version as standard, which means the asking price is £ 204,375. Do that and you get the Air Body Control suspension, which replaces the E-Active Body Control on the S580 models. This system uses the 48-volt electrical system to power five computer processors, more than 20 sensors, and a camera to react to conditions it “sees” in front of the car.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is available to order now, with prices starting at £ 162,390. The first customer deliveries are expected later this year.
