Mercedes-Maybach S-Class unveiled in LA: Stretched sedan due in Australia from late 2015

The Maybach version of the popular S-Class features a 3365mm wheelbase and an overall length of 5453mm — that's up 200mm and 207mm, respectively, on than the regular long-wheelbase S-Class.

Despite being significantly longer, the Maybach's rear doors are actually 66mm shorter than the LWB S-Class'. As in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the Maybach's rear seat passengers are offered a degree of privacy as they sit aft of the C-pillar.

The two individual chairs at the back each have a backrest and seat base that can be adjusted separately. The backrest can be shifted from 19 degrees at its most upright to 43.5 degress in the most relaxed position.

Foot rests and built-in massagers are also available, as are aircraft-style leather-lined tables that can be folded out from the centre console.

Each rear seat is treated to its own climate controlled environment, as well as a seatbelt airbag and a seat cushion airbag. The latter inflates to prevent submarining and only activates when the seat is reclined at the time of a crash. Mercedes-Benz claims that the Maybach is the "quietest production saloon car" for those sitting in the rear.

Other features available in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class include a perfume-infused air circulation system, hand-made champagne flutes that are stored between the two rear seats, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, leather roof lining, blinds for the C-pillar windows, and a voice amplification feature that makes front-to-rear communication easier.

Two drivetrains will initially be offered in the Maybach S-Class: the S600 with a 390kW/830Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, and the 335kW/700Nm 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 S500. An all-paw version of the S500 will also be offered in overseas markets.

Both rear-wheel-drive cars can complete the 0-100km/h standard in five seconds flat and are electronically limited to a top speed of 250km/h.

Speaking with CarAdvice today, Mercedes-Benz Australia product communications manager Jerry Stamoulis said that the revived Maybach would be sold in Australia from late next year in S600 and possibly S500 specifications.

He added, "The Mercedes-Benz S65 long-wheelbase will now be the most expensive car sold by the brand in Australia, due to demand from vocal customers — it will be priced from $490,000 plus on-road costs". The S65 AMG features a 463kW/1000Nm twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine.

According to Stamoulis, "The Mercedes-Maybach models will be definitely above that, but it won't be at the million dollar mark like the previous car.

"It will be the type of car that will be an order-only car. This type of customer want a specific specification and, within reason, you can get whatever you want, if you're willing to wait.

"There's a market for that around the world. Obviously Australia is small," he concluded, pointing to the fact that only 13 Maybach models were sold last time around.

Regarding future model demand for Mercedes-Maybach models, Stamoulis believes that "we'll get a better idea over the coming months".