Can MB’s S600 Live Up to Maybach?

There exists in the automotive world  a strange and elite demographic. They have a ton of money, and despite preferring to spend much of their time in the back seat, still want insane amounts of horsepower. Also, they find VW-owned Bentleys and Rolls-Royces to be too garish for their sophisticated tastes.

But since Mercedes-Benz retired their coveted Maybach nameplate, what were these old, rich, codgers to do?

Enter Mercedes-Benz’s new flagship sedan, the S600. Powered by a V12 engine that churns out 523 HP / 612 LB-TQ, the ultra-luxury sedan sits atop the Mercedes’ lineup as their benchmark vehicle. To be respected as an authority in German luxury and and enjoyed as a powerful, but plushy, executive shuttle.

To be perfectly honest, something does feels amiss. Online rabbling has been less than supportive of model (which of course, doesn’t mean much for the buying demographic) despite an incredibly impressive list of intriguing new tech: MB’s Magic Body Control system, jet-fighter-inspired HUD, industry leading Collision Prevention Assist, etc.

What seems to be missing here is a certain key factor that made Maybach a household name, despite slow reported sales. As Mercedes-Benz has made the moves to further consolidate the styling language of their line, it does appear their top of the line S600 will find it difficult to differentiate itself from its siblings and rivals.

But maybe, that’s the key factor in all of this: The fact that the sheet metal doesn’t necessarily scream “LOOK AT ME” as the owner thunders down the freeway, in the creature comforts of their S600’s back seat.