Mercedes launches new Maybach S-Class limousine in Malaysia

The ultimate luxury limousine in the Mercedes stable gets updated styling details including new Panamerica grille

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limousine is the epitome of Mercedes individualised luxury. Touted as the Automobile for the Elite, the Maybach is 5462mm long, an additional 20mm on the already-extended wheelbase S-Class. With the increased rear passenger comfort comes a higher level of customisation than is offered on the S-Class saloons.

The Maybach is about “more”, whether it’s refinement, craftsmanship, technological advancements or power. There are two engine options available on the Maybach, either a V8 S560 or a V12 S650. The S560 at the launch has a 4.0-litre V8, bi-turbocharged engine that produces 469bhp and 700Nm of torque. It takes 4.9 seconds to hit 100km/h with a top speed of 250km/h.

The most visible differentiating feature of the Maybach is the new front grille with vertical slats, the Panamerica grille which first appeared on the AMG GT R. Other distinctive Maybach markers on the exterior are the Maybach logo between the louvres of the radiator grille on the driver’s side and the double Ms on the C-pillar. An option is two-tone exterior paintwork of which nine colour combinations will be available on request. Three 20-inch rim designs, exclusive to the Maybach range, are offered.

For the interior, the standard configuration for the Maybach are four “Executive” seats which can be upholstered in one of two colour combinations exclusive to the Maybach range, armagnac brown/black or savanna beige/black with the option of contrast topstitching on the black sections in copper, gold or platinum.  Each seat can be specced with up to 12 motors capable of multiple adjustments to tailor comfort to any body size.

Ride, safety and comfort in the Maybach comes from features like active suspension with continuously adjustable dampers and a road surface scanner which scans the road ahead and preps the dampers individually to smooth out impending bumps and reduce body roll.

For improved driving safety at night, the Maybach has Night View Assist Plus which uses infrared and thermal imaging to anticipate hazards like pedestrians and large animals, and warn both the driver and the live hazards in advance with a series of flashes from a built-in spotlight.

Comfort on the road is in the environment of the Maybach cabin – a top-notch Burmester 3D surround sound system, a panoramic sliding sunroof, putting the front passenger seat into the “chauffeur position” to create more legroom and a host of creature comforts Mercedes calls “Energising Comfort Control”: various in-vehicle comfort systems to enhance alertness and well-being especially during a long distance journey like massage function, heated and ventilated seats, mood enhancing fragrances, ioniser.

The individually controllable two-part sunroof has particles in the glass structure which when electrical voltage is applied to energise the particles, altering the amount of light which can pass through. When parked, the roof darkens to control visibility into the car and reduce heat build-up.

The list of personalisation options for a Maybach is extensive. The Maybach S560 starts from RM1.4 million without insurance.