Tomshop

$189,630+$925 destination. Given the S600 is $166,900 it is a fairly reasonable premium. Curious to hear about the Maybach S550 4Matic.

Standard equipment includes a Driver Assistance Package (Intelligent Drive), MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist PLUS, a Warmth and Comfort Package with a heated windshield, Head-Up Display, LED Intelligent Lighting System, Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System, Executive Rear Seat Package, Rear Seat Entertainment System and the Air Balance Package.

Jason B

There is going to be a s550 version?

LovinMercedes

Not in the US.

Streamliner

Does it have a jack and a spare?

hyperion667

and sport body?

Streamliner

Yeah, just can't wait to see what the crazies do to a Maybach in the way of "slot car" wheels/tires, scoops, spoilers, ground effects, etc.

Tomshop

While 550 is not announced for US the rumor is it will be. Makes sense for cold weather areas. Maybach is really just a luxury/stretched option. Not really a brand as it was before. I imagine we will see a lot of Maybach models as we do AMG.

Jason B

..

LovinMercedes

Correct on all fronts.

Chucky300

I'll go out on a limb here - I don't think the Maybach S600 / S550 is ONLY for the person that wants to be driven.

Sure - that's what we all believe it to be - but I actually think a buyer could drive this car themselves - no big deal.

Financially - someone buying an S600 (non maybach) - putting down $166k plus tax - would also be a candidate to have a driver as well. I know quite a few that are driven around in them. The person that has a driver - likely never ever drives themselves unless they are away for a weekend = but even then I think they take their drivers with them.

Lets look at the details though. Is it the length that designates it as a car ONLY to be driven in? Rubbish - I know plenty of people that drive Caddilac Escalade Long Wheel Base.

My mother is about to get a LWB Range Rover. She doesn't have a driver! (For the safety of mankind - she should though - thank god she doesnt read the forums and see me say this)

For myself? I think I could easily drive this Maybach as a daily driver. I don't have a family - but I think any family man could pull this off. Why not? Wife, and 2 kids - would enjoy the back seat - just like they'd enjoy the back seat of a LWB Autobiography - or Suped up Escalade.

Is it a price issue? Can't be. We all have a friend in our lives that DRIVES a $200k plus bentley. It's not a price issue.

What is it then? What designates this as an Only to be driven in vehicle.

LovinMercedes

Completely agree.

Probably my next car, and I drive myself.

hyperion667

LOL, I would hate to have to pay someone to drive me; frightened at the mere thought LOL, how much does a driver get paid anyway? yeah sure, it's rude to ask; but I'm asking

Chucky300

The old Maybach 57S - I would totally see as a driver's car. How do you feel about the 62S though? Or what about the Rolls Royce Phantom EWB?
Driver's cars? Or Driven in cars?

Chucky300

This information is from ehow.com

The Numbers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salary levels for drivers, which includes chauffeurs and taxi drivers, was approximately $22,000 as of 2008. In comparison, Simplyhired.com lists the average salary for personal drivers at $43,000 as of 2011. Salaries typically do not include benefits such as health insurance. Additionally, personal drivers such as taxi drivers must pay fees to their taxi companies to lease their vehicles.

Limousine Drivers
Simplyhired.com reports the average annual salary for limousine drivers at $34,000 as of 2011. In places such as New York City and Los Angeles, they earn as much as $40,000 and $38,000 respectively. Generally, limousine drivers work for limousine companies although some are self-employed.

The All-in-One
It is not uncommon for personal drivers -- particularly those who work for well-known figures and celebrities -- to also perform duties as personal assistants and even bodyguards. Michael Potter, driver for the late author Stephen Cannell (who died in 2010) notes that drivers who work in this capacity earn between $50,000 and $150,000. The salary range for dual service drivers employed by agencies is between $45,000 and $75,000 annually.



Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8348784_ave...l-drivers.html

Chucky300

^^ Seems very affordable to be honest. At $43k a year - thats $825 a week. If you think about an attorney might make $400 an hour (yes yes i know - more or less). 2 hours of work pays for the week of driving. Or an accountant during tax season can make a serious amount.

At the low end - $22,000 a year (I think that's nonsense but its according to the bureau of labor and statistics so it can't be a total fallacy) That would be $425 per week.

ChuckinTucson

Your picture above of the Maybach 62 illustrates my point made awhile ago that one of the reasons for that car's failure to sell (among others) was the god awful color combinations with which they were produced.

alshaikh85

Honestly, the Rolls looks far superior. I think Mercedes will havehard time competing on this segment.

Streamliner

I disagree. The RR is much more expensive and much less of a car. In addition, both the Rolls and the old Maybach are ostentatious, while the new Maybach is much less so. I think they will sell extremely well.

alshaikh85

I love Mercedes and I hope they succeed in this segment as well. I also agree with you that build quality of Mybach is better than RR and has definitely better value for money.

You are also probably right in your expectation that the new Mybach my sellbetter than the old model, but do you think this will be at the expense of RR or other S class models? Do you expect many traditional RR customers to change their mind in favor of Mybach?

Tomshop

Besides the question of which is better I like the fact that the Maybach is a lot more discreet. If you delete the badges only a trained eye will even know you have anything other than a S Class. This isn't at all the case with RR or Bentley. I tried to convince myself to buy a Bentley before but could never get over the issue that it is too showy. Same reason I drive a Porsche rather than a Ferrari.

Chucky300

Build quality in Maybach is not better than build quality in Rolls Royce. Not at all - take a look at a Rolls Royce up close. There's no way you could assert that it is anything less than perfection.

The question about whether a customer is going to go from a Rolls into the current Mercedes Maybach - probably not. They are not necessarily the same customer.

For one reason - price-point. Let's be honest - the fellow buying a $190k is not necessarily the fellow that's buying a $450,000 car. Two different ball games here.

The person buying the Rolls Royce Phantom is a different kind of buyer than Maybach in terms of lifestyle. That customer seem to be so much more opulent - and quite likely the Maybach wouldn't make the cut.

The Rolls Royce Ghost EWB is also $360,000 and isnt as roomy as Maybach. A different customer, etc.

Red Marko

I'd buy new Maybach in a jiffy, but I'd worry that it could be mistaken for CLA 250 (which I'm driving currently).

Chucky300

LOL

Wolfman

The Maybach 57 is nearly a foot longer than the new Mercedes Maybach and is was a total drivers car, so this one will be just fine.

Also, the Maybach does have additional sound dampening over the standard W222 (including the 600) so it will be quieter and most likely will have more interior options coming.

I have to admit when looking at the press pics, the car is extremely well proportioned. Maybe even more than the standard long wheel base.

Btw, went using the footrest in the Maybach, the passenger seat still moves forward.

The Pullman clearly needs a driver though...

xxGenericSNxx

I've noticed that the front passenger seat still moves forward when the rear passenger is being fully reclined.

So does that mean that when fully reclining the rear driver seat, it won't be very comfortable for an average height person, let's say 5'5"?