Wealthy Chinese buyers are snapping up the 1.44 million Yuan ($298,000) ultra-luxury version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to the tune of 500 each month.
It’s a staggering number given the previous peak of 600 Maybachs in 2003, which at the time cost more than 2.2 million Yuan ($455,000).
It was mainly Chinese demand that provided the catalyst for the revival of the Maybach brand this year, but this time, as a sub-brand that would appeal to the wealthiest buyers that might otherwise purchase a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley.
The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 is 200mm longer and better equipped than the ‘regular’ long-wheelbase S600L S-Class on which it is largely based. There’s also more headroom thanks to some restyling, which also provides more privacy for rear-seat passengers.
Mercedes also claims the Maybach version is the quietest car in the world, despite packing a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 390kW and 830Nm – the later available from just 1900rpm.
It’s quick, too, accelerating from 0-100km/h in a blistering five seconds flat.
Extra kit on top of that in the standard S-Class includes: a Chauffeur Package with reclining rear seats, front and rear heated seats with ‘hot stone’ massage function, higher-grade Nappa leather, head-up display, an Air Balance car fragrance system and Magic Body Control from the S-Class Coupe.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has already announced a starting price of $449,000 plus on-road costs for the Maybach variant, with deliveries commencing at the end of 2015.
Read our Mercedes-Maybach S-Class review here.
