Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed, the Pinnacle of German Luxury?

• Hand-painted, hands-free opening

• Extravagantly finished luxury flagship

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When Mercedes-Benz first brought back Maybach as its pinnacle brand, it was a completely different car and therefore easily made different from the S-Class. Now, as a top trim of the S, how does Mercedes-Maybach set it apart? How about 18 cm more wheelbase for rear space, hand-painted exterior, and a rear seat that can recline to nearly 44 degrees? And that’s just for a start.

Buyers who pick the two-tone option are in for a treat. The two-tone paint takes a week to apply by hand, starting with a hand-sanding of the entire body once it’s passed through the standard Maybach paintshop. The two-tone border is applied only after weighting the empty doors to simulate their internals, ensuring a precise line running the length of the vehicle.

Stretching the wheelbase to 3,396 mm long allows for 326 mm of legroom, a massive 108 mm more than the standard long-wheelbase S-Class. The Chauffeur pack is standard, including executive rear seats that recline and elongate for comfort or go upright for working. The front passenger seat can be moved to add to rear seat room, and the doors will open all the way as you approach, controlled by the driver or by the key fob. Or with a hand wave from inside the rear seat.

Massaging rear seats are available as well as neck and shoulder heating, and a continuous rear console can be specified with warming and cooling cupholders and an adjustable fridge. The center console can be fitted with tables and there are rear infotainment screens mounted in the front seatbacks.

This is the first Mercedes model to get an automatic seatbelt extender in the rear, and it also offers adaptive rear lighting and calf massage for rear occupants.

Mercedes-Maybach has made the car quieter thanks to extra sound-absorbent foam, thicker glass, and double sealing of the firewall. Noise optimised tires with foam inserts are available and the car has active road noise cancellation through the audio system.

The automaker mentions that the car has rear-steer for manoeuvrability in town and highway stability, as well as active body control air suspension and road surface scanning. Plus a new Maybach drive mode that starts in second gear and has more gentle acceleration characteristics. What they haven’t mentioned is what’s underhood. Likely because this car is about comfort and luxury, and owners couldn’t care less what is powering them. Expect horsepower to be prodigious and the driveline to be unbelievably smooth, as should be every part of this private jet for the road.