Mercedes-Maybach Edition 100 models revealed

Mercedes-Maybach has unveiled a pair of lavish ‘Edition 100’ models to chalk up the 100th anniversary of the storied nameplate, which was renowned for carting around kings and wealthy industrialists in the period after World War I.

The first of the Edition 100 models is based on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limousine, while the second uses the Maybach GLS SUV as its starting point.

Deliveries of both models will begin in early 2022 – some markets will receive cars earlier than others – with order books set to open in October.

What separates the Edition 100 versions from the ‘regular’ Maybach models is their bespoke two-tone paintwork – comprising high-tech silver and nautical blue – and custom leather interior in ‘designo’ crystal white/silver grey pearl.

The Maybach brand logo including the inscription ‘Edition 100’ also adorns the C-pillar (S-Class) or D-pillar (GLS), various stowage compartments and the illuminated panels in the interior.

You’ll also find ‘Edition 100’ lettering on the wheel centre caps, while the rims themselves are coated in a new ultra-glossy grey finish.

A car cover with the double-M logo as well as a fine handmade case made of soft crystal white or black leather in file size – made to store keys and papers – are part of the deal as an additional value-add for the Edition 100.

Specifically for the anniversary editions, Mercedes-Maybach’s long-standing partners are also designing limited special series accessories.

Licensing partner Maybach Icons of Luxury, for example, is offering a diamond-studded fountain pen from the ‘Maybach the Peak’ collection.

The fountain pen has an 18-carat gold nib and serial numbering in a stylish wooden gift box. The clip of the pen is set with 100 diamonds, in a choice of either black or white, the cap tip is made of mother-of-pearl and the body is lacquered in the blue metallic shade of the ‘Edition 100’ vehicles.

The Edition 100 version of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedan features the same 450kW twin-turbo V12 engine as the donor car, and there’s acres of space in the rear thanks to a wheelbase that’s stretched by 18cm over the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The standard goodies quota in this car already includes a noise-insulated rear compartment, Burmester 4D surround sound system, heat and massage functions for the seats and high-tech screens for infotainment.

Meanwhile, the Edition 100 Maybach GLS is propelled by a potent 410kW twin-turbo V8 and features height-adjustable air suspension and electrically extendable running boards to make it easier to clamber into the lofty SUV.

The Maybach brand was born in September 1921, having rolled out its first production car at the Berlin motor show of that year.

The W3 model was a wheeled work of art, and was the first German production car with four-wheel brakes, epicyclic gear system and an interior trimmed in the finest materials.

Over the coming years, Maybach became synonymous with ultra-premium bespoke vehicles, and kings, wealthy industrialists and renowned artists were chauffeured in the marque’s stately limousines and Pullman saloons – an Indian maharajah even had his limousine decorated with gold and rubies in 1928.

The line-up also included chic coupes, cabriolets and roadsters.

Daimler-Benz took over the brand in 1960 after the death of company founder Karl Maybach, but the nameplate lay dormant until being resurrected in 2002.

Maybach was marketed as a standalone marque until 2013 but enjoyed greater success after being repositioned as a Mercedes sub-brand from 2014 onwards.

Although Maybach’s core line-up consists of models based on the S-Class and GLS, the brand has also in the past offered the S650 Pullman as well as limited-edition special models such as the S650 Cabriolet and G650 Landaulet.

The next phase for Maybach is to embrace electrification, and it provided a preview of what’s in store via the recent reveal of the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS.

The SUV concept vehicle is based on a version of the modular electrified architecture used by the EQS and EQE but clothes it all in a suitably luxurious and ostentatious package.

The concept version that appeared at the IAA in Munich was resplendent in zircon red and obsidian black metallic paintwork, with lashings of chrome on the air intakes and diffuser, as well as the side window frames.