Mercedes-Maybach S-Class revealed

The wraps have finally come off the super-long, super-luxury, two-tone 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, a vehicle designed for owners who want a first-class experience on the road.

Standing alongside the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV, the all-new Maybach S-Class will be available in Australia from around October 2021 as a special-order vehicle.

Headline features include a leg massaging function for rear seat occupants which accompanies the back and shoulder massage function and ‘4D’ sounds you can feel through the seats.

This underscores the fact that most owners of the new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which goes on sale in some markets this year and is based on the new (W223) seventh-generation S-Class, will never get behind the wheel.

Inspired by first-class airline cabins, the Rolls-Royce Ghost-rivalling Maybach has reclining power-adjustable rear seats that can be fitted with heated and cooled cup holders, a fridge, fold-out trays, wireless phone chargers, LCD entertainment screens, a quartet of fast-charge USB ports… the list goes on.

Compared to the new S-Class sedan, the Maybach’s body was completely resculpted from the B-pillar aft, and together with a 180mm stretch to the wheelbase and overall length – delivering acres of rear seat room in the leather- and woodgrain-covered cabin – the new super-limo aims to redefine what can be achieved in a passenger car.

The rear doors can be powered-operated so passengers barely need to lift a finger to gain access. Indeed, the doors can even be opened by hand gestures, which are picked up by hidden 3D laser cameras.

These complement the pressure switches in the roof lining that can also open the doors from inside.

Once occupants are seated in the rear compartment, automatic extending arms can deliver the seatbelts to them, eliminating the need to shuffle around in the seat.

As we’ve previously reported, the new W223 Maybach land yacht is set to be offered with a thunderous twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12.

The current W222 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 offered in Australia gets that engine and is likely to continue as a V12-only proposition in this country.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says it will release further details concerning local specifications and powertrain options closer to the new Maybach’s arrival next year.

Other powertrains from the S-Class are expected too, such as a plug-in hybrid version and an electrified V8.

But, really, the engines are not the star of the Maybach show.

Occupants may not even know whether it’s a V12 or a V8 beating away under the long bonnet, given the sound-deadening materials and new active road noise compensation system employed for the first time by Maybach.

The latter uses counter-phased sound waves to cancel out monotonous low frequency audio such as engine and tyre noise.

The high-end Burmester 4D surround sound system takes acoustics to the next level by delivering physical bass tones and acoustic massaging via “vibrating motors in the seat cushion and resonance transmission”.

A pair of ‘exciters’ are also integrated into the backrest of each seat to make music “even more emotional thanks to this feelable component”, according to Maybach’s PR hyperbole.

Chauffeurs might take note that the big new Maybach – which measures 5469mm long and 1921mm wide – should be simple to drive, manoeuvre and park, the latter aided by the latest Intelligent Parking Pilot system that offers Level 4 automated valet parking. This means it can park itself without anyone in the car.

If drivers do decide to park the Maybach themselves, an optional rear-axle steering system can angle the rear wheels up to 10 degrees, reducing the turning circle significantly, by two metres.

Adaptive dampers and air suspension are designed to ensure a buttery-smooth ride for all occupants, while E-Active Body Control takes things a step further. Using twin cameras it scans the road ahead like a sentinel and adjusts the suspension to pre-empt any significant undulations, ensuring maximum cabin comfort.

Mercedes-Maybach is promising a new level of autonomous driving too, which will please those who want to relax in the pilot’s seat.

The latest Drive Pilot system will allow drivers to “undertake secondary activities such as surfing the web or attending to emails in the In-Car Office”.

The new system meets the “exacting legal requirements” of Level 3 autonomous drive, according to Mercedes.

However, the self-driving system will only work in scenarios “where traffic density is high or in tailbacks on suitable motorway sections”.

The new-generation Mercedes-Maybach S-Class also gets updated digital headlight tech that can project warning symbols or marking aids onto the road ahead. Indeed, it’s fitted with a huge array of driver aids, autonomous functions, safety systems – and up to 18 airbags.

The latest MBUX infotainment system is offered, the AI-driven system available with OLED (organic LED) screens for front and rear seat occupants.

Australian pricing is still to be confirmed, but the special-order status and myriad options indicate that it will carry a uniquely high price.

Like all Maybach purchases, owners will gain membership to Mercedes’ exclusive Circle of Excellence club, which offers money-can’t-buy opportunities.

Roughly 60,000 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limousines have been sold since it relaunched in 2015 with China the biggest market. Other significant markets include Russia, South Korea, the USA and Germany.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class by the numbers: