Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Coming to the design, the wheelbase of the new Mercedes Maybach S-Class is 180mm longer than the standard S-Class. The car is about 5.5metres in length and comes with extended rear doors, which can be electrically operated. The ‘doormen feature’ can be used by the driver to operate the door from the front itself. The new generation Maybach S-Class comes with a choked fin distinctive bonnet, along with a Maybach Grille with chrome surrounds and vertical slats. The car features LED Digital Lights as well. The Maybach Logo is also featured on the C-Pillar of the car. The Maybach S-Class rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, which features the retro monoshock design, while the tyres of the car are noise-optimised.

Powered by a 4.0 Litre V8 Twin Turbocharged engine with the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, the new generation Maybach S-Class 580 is expected to deliver a high-quality performance. The motor churns out a peak torque of 700 Nm at 2000 rpm, and a maximum power of 496 bhp at 5,500rpm, and it also features a 9-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the car’s rear wheels. The new Maybach S-Class 680 features an even more powerful 6-Litre V12 engine, which has the capacity to churn out a maximum power of 603bhp at 5,250-5,500rpm and a peak torque of 900 Nm at 2000-4000rpm. All the four wheels of the car receive power via AWD, while 0-100 Kmph can be achieved in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed of the car is limited to 250 Kmph. Both the engines of the Maybach S-Class comply with BS6 Stage 2 norms.

The Mercedes Maybach S-Class has the capacity to return a mileage of 7.2Km/L, with a tank capacity of 70.0L.

Just as the previous Maybach GLS, the Maybach S-Class also features the same exclusive drive mode, called the Maybach, and it ensures a softer ride. The car has the capacity to glide over any surface type, and the person sitting inside the cabin would not feel the jerk. The driver may as well switch to the comfort mode, in order to switch to the desired ride quality. It also comes with a sports mode as well and the driver can switch to this mode to achieve the full potential of the drivetrain. Another feature improving the ride quality of the car is the Airmatic Air Suspension. The Car-to-X technology is featured in the car with the Mercedes Me Connectivity and it can be used for reading the road conditions that lie ahead.

The ground clearance of the car is somewhat a concern, and therefore, the driver needs to be careful while riding over uneven patches of the street and speed-breakers. The wheel size of the car is 19” diameter, 8.5 width, and therefore, it is not ideal to drive the car on mountains. Even though the wheel size is small, it has features to switch the driving mode to achieve the desired ride quality.

The second row of the car features executive seats which come with shoulder/neck heating, and it is possible to recline the seat by 45degrees. The second row of the car can be transformed into a lounge at a press of a button to get under-thigh support, ample amount of leg-space, footboard, and calf support. The car’s central armrest also features a tablet, which can be used for controlling various functions both on the rear as well as the front. Thus, the infotainment options, seat adjustment and message functions are under the control of the passenger. The front row of the car also features a huge 12.8 touchscreen tablet at the centre, and almost all the features are accessed through the screen, and physical buttons are hardly present in the car.

The Maybach S-Class is packed with a number of tech features and these include:

• Airbags
• Hill Assist
• ABS
• Engine Immobiliser
• Turn Indicators on ORVM
• Power Door Lock
• Headlamp Beam Adjuster
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Passenger Airbags
• Electronic Stability Program
• Automatic Headlamp
• Central Locking
• Rain Sensing Wiper
• Side Airbags
• Tractional Control
• Brake Assist
• Child Safety Lock
• Headlight Washer
• Cornering Lights

The Mercedes Maybach S-Class comes with “Autonomous Driving Level 2” technology, which may serve the purpose in the chaotic road conditions of India. The other safety features include Active Brake Assist and Evasive Steering Assist with Cross Traffic Functions. The car is packed with 13 airbags, which is more than any car sold in India. The car also features Child Safety Lock to ensure extra safety to children on board.

The Maybach S-Class is available in two different variants- the S-Class 580, priced at Rs. 2.50 Crore, and the S-Class 680, priced at 3.20 Crore. The engine of the top variant delivers a much better performance, but the price gap between the two variants is huge. Even the base variant comes with a powerful engine and delivers an impressive performance, and therefore, it is better to go for the base variant rather than spending almost Rs. 1 Crore more for the top variant.

There are many other cars competing in the same segment as the Mercedes-Maybach S-class and these include Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes Benz AMG, Lamborghini Urus, Lexus LS, Mercedes Benz EQS, and so on.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-class is undoubtedly a value for money considering the fact that it is loaded with features and delivers an impressive performance in terms of design, ride quality, and comfort.