by Gauk
Thu, Nov 19, 2020 9:39 PM
  • On sale in spring 2020
  • First deliveries expected towards the end of 2021
  • UK pricing and specification is to be confirmed

Since the market launch in 2015, around 60,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have been delivered worldwide. In 2019, with around 12,000 units, more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before.

The growth rate in China was in double figures. Alongside China, the main sales markets in recent years have been Russia, South Korea, the USA and Germany. The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is set to continue this success story. It combines the perfection and high-tech solutions of the only recently presented Mercedes-Benz flagship model with the exclusivity and tradition of Maybach. The 18 cm longer wheelbase compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear. Thanks to Executive Seats as standard and the Chauffeur package, the rear section becomes a comfortable working or resting area. They are complemented by exclusive details such as large areas of trim on the rear of the front seats and between the two rear passengers. In a number of markets, sales of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will commence before the end of this year. Germany will follow in spring 2021. In the USA and China, the first customers will receive their vehicles in April 2021. The first examples will reach dealer showrooms in Europe in summer 2021.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (length/width/height: 5469/1921/1510 millimetres) is a classic three-box saloon. Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille. This is highly recognisable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips. The word mark MAYBACH is elegantly integrated into the chrome surround of the grille. The rear doors are wider than those of the brother models, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight. Exclusivity is emphasised by the Maybach brand logo on the C-pillar. On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be equipped with electrically operated comfort rear doors.

On request, the exclusive appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with dividing line. This is applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria. The revolutionary headlamp technology DIGITAL LIGHT is available on request. This allows new functions, e.g. the projection of guidelines or warning symbols onto the road ahead [not currently offered in the UK]. In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors.

The interior: generous space and great comfort in the rear

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the revolutionary interior design of the new Mercedes-Benz
S-Class. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. In the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class too, digital and analogue luxury are in harmony. Up to five display screens are available. Included as standard is a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control centre. A 12.3-inch 3D driver display with three-dimensional representation of other road users and pronounced depth and shade effects is available on request.

The distinctive look of the driver display in display mode Exclusive underlines the special status of the Mercedes-Maybach: The surrounds of the dial instruments are in the brand colour rosé gold.

This colour is also used for the active ambience lighting (optional equipment), i.e. the animated LED light band with intelligent comfort and safety functions. With rosé gold white and amethyst glow, the active ambience lighting now has two new colour themes. There is also an additional function in the form of the “Rear Welcome” lightshow in the interior. Adaptive rear lighting is celebrating its premiere in the Mercedes-Maybach. This follows the wishes of the occupants in several respects: as well as the brightness, the size and position of the light spot can be adjusted. There is also a wide adjustment range between precise working light and relaxing lounge light.

There is plenty of classic luxury on board, too: new features include the large areas of trim on the front seats. High-quality wood surrounds encase the rear of the front seat backrests. If the First-Class Rear is specified, a similarly striking area of trim is positioned between the two rear passengers.

The 18 cm longer wheelbase compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear. A comparative overview of the key dimensions:

   

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (Z 223)

S-Class with long wheelbase (V 223)

S-Class with short wheelbase (W 223)

Overall length

mm

5469

5289

5179

Overall width

mm

1.921

1.954/1.921[1]

1.954/1.9211

Overall height

mm

1510

1503

1503

Wheelbase

mm

3396

3216

3106

A clear indication that the owner of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will typically be found seated in the rear are the standard-fit Executive seats on the left and right plus the Chauffeur package. The occupant is able to adjust the seat surface and backrest of the Executive seat independently. Using the footrest on the front seat and the electrically extending legrest creates a continuous, comfortable reclining surface for a pleasant sleeping position. The adjustment travel of the legrest has been extended by approx. 50 mm compared to the preceding series. The massage function of the calfrest as part of the Seating Comfort package Rear is another new feature. The neck/shoulder heating in the rear is another comfort feature.

The infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is even more personal and intuitive to use.

The second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) introduced in 2018 has its debut in the new S-Class. The unique feature of MBUX is its networking with a wide range of vehicle systems and sensor data. Brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The possibilities for personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can also be equipped with MBUX Interior Assist in the rear.

MBUX Interior Assist recognises numerous occupant intentions. It recognises eye-direction, hand gestures and the body language of the occupants, so as to assist with automatic vehicle functions as the situation requires. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also able to recognise movements and gestures by the rear occupants with the help of 3D laser cameras in the roof liner. For example, the belt extender for the outer rear seats automatically offers up the seat belt when MBUX Interior Assist recognises the occupant's intention to reach for the belt by hand movements. The exit warning function has also been extended, and is able to register that a rear passenger intends to leave the vehicle.

Refined engine design for efficient power delivery

The engines of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class come from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and are in part electrically assisted. Electrification is by an integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). This provides a boost of up to 15 kW, facilitates efficient “gliding” when driving at constant speed, makes the start/stop experience even more comfortable and makes the drive system more efficient overall.

The 9G-TRONIC transmission was developed further and adapted for the ISG. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. In conjunction with ISG it was possible to eliminate the entire two-piece belt drive, as an electric refrigerant compressor is used. This means that even when the engine is not running (start/stop and gliding phases), the interior can be efficiently and comfortably climatised.

All-wheel drive is standard equipment.

Suspension: comfortable setup with surprising agility

The AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment. Using DYNAMIC SELECT, the driver is able to individually modify the characteristics of the powertrain, ESP®, the suspension and the steering. The selection is made using a control at the lower end of the central display. DYNAMIC SELECT has a dedicated MAYBACH driving mode. This focuses entirely on ride comfort.

Optional rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability in urban areas. This reduces the turning circle by almost two metres. Customers have a choice between two variants: 4.5° and 10° rear-axle steering. Instead of 13.1 metres, the turning circle is then 12.2 or 11.2 metres.

The optional, fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on a 48 V basis uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead, and smooths out undulations. It also gives additional protection in the event of a lateral collision.

Acoustic comfort: extraordinarily quiet and low in vibrations

The new luxury saloon further improves the very good NVH performance of the new S-Class generation. The extended NVH measures mainly benefit the rear section. Additional absorbent foam is installed in the area of the rear wheel arches, for example. The additional, fixed triangle windows in the C-pillars have thicker laminated glass, as they are in close proximity to the heads of rear passengers. Noise-optimised tyres with foam absorbers are available for the Mercedes-Maybach on request.

Active road noise compensation (AFGK) is used by the company for the first time. The system reduces unwanted low-frequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. The bass speakers of the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system are used for sound reproduction.

Safety: more protection before and during accidents

Especially in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, particular attention has always been paid to safety in the rear section. The innovative rear airbag demonstrates this: during severe frontal collisions, this optional equipment can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seat belt wearing occupants on the outer rear seats. In the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, passengers in the rear of a saloon car have the benefit of an automatic belt extender for the first time. It is an indirect invitation to fasten the belt, and also makes the process more convenient. The belt extender is integrated into the adjustable backrest of the Executive seat, and therefore always in the right position for the passenger.

In day-to-day driving, new and extended assistance systems relieve driver stress as the situation requires when adapting the vehicle speed, controlling distance, steering and lane-changing. This enables the driver to stay alert for longer, and reach the destination more safely and comfortably. When danger threatens, driving assistance systems can respond according to the situation and mitigate the severity of possible collisions, or even avoid them.

With the DRIVE PILOT, conditionally automated driving at Mercedes-Benz is expected to enter series production from the second half of 2021. On suitable motorway sections and where traffic density is high, the DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 60 km/h (37 mph).

The brand: defining the luxury of the future for 100 years

Mercedes-Maybach is a byword for luxury that constantly reinvents itself. On the basis of a historically evolved understanding of luxury and superlative quality, Mercedes-Maybach has always redefined the luxury of the future. More than ever before, Mercedes-Maybach now stands for “sophisticated luxury”. The brand combines the top-class technology and perfection of Mercedes-Benz with the exclusivity and elegant luxury of MAYBACH.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class follows a unique tradition of exclusive prestige models by the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands. Maybach Motorenbau GmbH presented its first automobile at the Berlin Automobile Exhibition in 1921: the Maybach Model W3 with coachwork by Auer in Cannstatt.

In 1930, the Mercedes-Benz 770 “Grand Mercedes” (W 07) was presented, and in 1938 this was replaced by the W 150-series model of the same name. In the 1950s the brand made a comeback in the luxury segment with the Mercedes-Benz 300 (W 186 and W 189). The next high-prestige model arrived in 1963, with the Mercedes-Benz 600 (W 100). The luxurious Pullman Limousines of the S-Class 140 series (presented in September 1995) and 220 series (from 2000) continued this tradition into the new millennium.

In 2002 the then DaimlerChrysler AG revitalised one of Germany's most exclusive automobile brands with the Maybach luxury saloons of the 240 series. And in 2014 the S-Class of today's Mercedes-Maybach brand celebrated its premiere with the 222 series. This set new standards with the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman (2015) and the S 600 Pullman Guard (2016).

Contacts:

Steffen Schierholz, +49 160 863 8950, [email protected]

Thilo Woitysak, +49 176 309 23170, [email protected]

Koert Groeneveld, +49 160 861 4747, [email protected]

Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available at www.mercedes-benz.com. Press releases and digital services for journalists and multipliers are available on our online platform Mercedes me media at media.mercedes-benz.com and on our Daimler Global Media Site at media.daimler.com. You can also learn about current Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans topics and events on our Twitter channel @MB_Press at www.twitter.com/MB_Press.

Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes-Benz AG is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans with over 173,000 employees worldwide. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and services. Furthermore, with its pioneering innovations, the company aspires to be a leader in the fields of connectivity, automated driving and alternative powertrains. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with the sub-brands Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes me, as well as the smart brand and EQ for electric mobility. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the largest manufacturers of premium passenger cars. In 2019, it sold nearly 2.4 million passenger cars and more than 438,000 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with over 40 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing its global battery production network on three continents. Sustainable practice plays a decisive role in both business segments. To the company, sustainability means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is Daimler's sustainable business strategy. In this, the company takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.

published by Gauk