Mercedes-Maybach S-Class set for LA reveal with V12 drivetrain
Mercedes-Benz will expand the S-Class range, both literally and figuratively, with the new ultra-long-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which will be unveiled at next week's LA auto show.
The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will feature a longer wheelbase than the current LWB S-Class, which measures 3165mm between the front and rear wheels. To accommodate the lengthened passenger compartment, the Maybach will feature new door panels with a more upright trailing edge, as well as a reworked glasshouse that will include windows built into the C-pillar.
Daimler will offer the new S-Class variant with two unique individual seats in the rear, complete with electric adjustment, memory settings, heating and ventilation.
The company will also offer buyers a chance to customise their upper-upper crust S-Class to their own needs and whims.
We know from the metadata in the images supplied by Daimler that the new Mercedes-Maybach will be sold in S600 trim, at least. This means that unless Mercedes-Benz has tweaked the engine for the ultra-long-wheelbase vehicle, the Mercedes-Maybach will be available with a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 that generates 390kW of power and 830Nm of torque.
Unlike the company's previous Maybach revival in 2002, where the Maybach name was used on its lonesome, the latest usage follows along the same lines as the recently unveiled Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C63, with Maybach used in place of the Benz suffix.
According to Daimler, "Mercedes‑Maybach is not an equipment line — it is a sub-brand that in future will deliver Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form".
The previous incarnation of Maybach was officially killed off in 2013 after poor sales and heavy losses. The company managed to sell around 3000 Maybachs globally in its nine years as a standalone marque, with each one estimated, by Car magazine, to have cost Daimler at least 330,000 euros ($474,000).
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