Mercedes-Maybach has launched the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, in Singapore as the brand seeks to establish itself once again as the pioneer in automotive luxury amongst local luxury car owners.
Daimler acquired Maybach Motorenbau GmbH in 1960 and, in 2002, ushered in a new era with the Maybach 62.
On its 100th anniversary, Mercedes-Maybach has unveiled two new models: the S-Class, which represents automotive luxury now more than ever thanks to numerous digital innovations and technical finesse, and the GLS SUV – setting the highest standards of modernisation in the SUV division.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS comes in as the combination of the already magnificent GLS, the S-Class among SUVs, with all the technical and material luxury of a top-class saloon car.
The Mercedes-Maybach bears the Mercedes star in the traditional way, upright on the bonnet. On its radiator grille, it sports fine, elegant line of vertical chrome pinstripes as a motif. These widen into small oar-blades at the upper edge, blending into the chrome frame bearing the lettering MAYBACH at its top centre.
On the left and right of the radiator grille, this grille has finely curved trim strips for additional embellishment, and it tapers to form an elegant, slim cross-piece emphasising the horizontal line between the radiator grille and the registration plate bracket. Below the chrome grille the bumper has a high-gloss black paint finish and a robust, high-gloss chrome underguard indicating the vehicle's considerably refined SUV character.
The side view of the car likewise shows a refined reinterpretation of the SUV genes. The robust chrome surrounds of the side windows are subdivided by the chrome-plated B-pillar facings. This embellishing feature is a fixed part of the Mercedes-Maybach bumper signature, and externally emphasises the length of the rear seating area. The black-painted side sill panels with chrome inserts and the strut-mounted roof rails, all typical SUV features, have also been made into embellishing features with their high-gloss finish and striking chrome highlights. On the D-pillar, an elegant Mercedes-Maybach badge underlines the high quality and great attention to detail. In the dark, a Mercedes-Maybach emblem projected onto the ground from the exterior mirrors is part of the welcome light show when opening the vehicle.
The side sill panels in particular are more than just an embellishment. As standard they include a running board that automatically swings out for passengers to enter and leave the vehicle. Made from high-gloss aluminium with anti-slip rubber strips, the more than two-metre long running boards are a USP of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. They not only allow Mercedes-Maybach GLS drivers and passengers convenient access and egress, but also ensure an incomparable spectacle each time.
Below the rear window, to the left and right of the Mercedes star, the car shows its model designation in a Mercedes-Maybach specific script. Below this a chrome facing extends across the entire width of the car, from the outer edge of the first rear light to its counterpart on the other side. A second trim strip is fitted at the height of the loading sill, and the rear reflectors are embedded in the broad ends of the reflectors like gemstones. The lower edge of the rear apron is painted in high-gloss black, and carries a robust, high-gloss chrome underguard that encloses the two large, rectangular tailpipe trim elements. Between them a characteristic, horizontal connecting piece provides a further, typical Mercedes-Maybach design feature.
Two-tone paint finishes are optionally available, and these underline the balanced proportions of the body. A total of seven combinations are available.
The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach uses the generous dimensions of the GLS to offer drivers and passengers comfortable seating on all four or five seats. It is conceived as a feel-good zone where the driver and passengers are able to use their time as they wish in extraordinary comfort. Especially the Executive Rear which can be used both as an office and as a private relaxation zone. The integration of digital devices plays an important role in every seat. High-resolution displays with brilliant graphics and touchscreens for controlling the extensive features further enhance the luxurious ambience. The Mercedes-Maybach user can perfectly integrate his or her digital environment into the car, whether as a self-driver or being chauffeured.
The character of the interior is particularly reflected in the high-grade materials, which are fitted and finished with great care and a high level of craftsmanship. The generosity and luxury of the Mercedes-Maybach are reflected for example in the nappa leather lined dashboard and the horizontal, chrome-look louvres of the air vents. The latter make a discreet reference to typical Mercedes-Maybach details from the exterior design, e.g. the pinstripe decor of the radiator grille or the horizontal connecting piece of the tailpipe trim elements.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is perfectly suited for the ultimate chauffeured ride.
It has a wheelbase 18 cm longer than the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Clas. Other rear passenger luxuries include a massage function for the calf nested in the Executive seats, with a First-Class Rear set-up optional as well. The neck/shoulder heating in the rear is another comfort feature.
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. Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with fine, vertical chrome pinstripes.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has wider rear doors than its regular S-Class sibling, both of which are electrically operated and can be conveniently opened and closed with little force even on a gradient, as well as operated from the driver's seat. Integration into the infotainment and control system MBUX and Blind Spot Assist ensures a high level of operating convenience and additional safety.
The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the completely new interior design of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The large areas of trim on the front seats are a new feature in the Mercedes-Maybach. High-quality wood surrounds encase the rear of the front seat backrests, giving the impression of generous lounge seats. If the First-Class Rear is specified, a similarly striking area of trim is positioned between the two rear passengers.
With Active road noise compensation, the interior of the already very quiet Mercedes-Maybach S-Class becomes even quieter. In a similar way to headphones with noise suppression, 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.
In the event of severe frontal collisions, the rear airbag included as standard can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seat belt wearing occupants on the outer rear seats. The frontal airbag for the rear seat deploys particularly gently thanks to its innovative construction using a tubular structure.
Thanks to rear-axle steering, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is easy to manoeuvre even in dense city traffic. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to ten degrees. It reduces the turning circle of the S-Class by up to two metres, making it very nimble in spite of its size.
