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In the press release it says, "Strictly speaking, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has no direct competitors because it is positioned above the existing S-Class segment but below the segment for ultra-luxury vehicles."
So above S/7/A8 but below Bentley and RR. (I assume they mean below the Flying Spur, Mulsanne, and Ghost since they say there's no direct competitors. And clearly below Phantom.)
I'm amazed they would say that to be honest.
Despite not having the brand cache, in what ways would a s600 maybach be inferior to a flying spur or Ghost?
A prestige buyer would likely still go for the B/RR, but I don't think they would get a better car.
Despite not having the brand cache, in what ways would a s600 maybach be inferior to a flying spur or Ghost?
A prestige buyer would likely still go for the B/RR, but I don't think they would get a better car.
That actually is primarily why it failed. For the same reason the VW Phaeton failed. $75k - $95k for a VW Phaeton or an S430 / S500 (at the time)
If you are going with $320k cash and u want to be flashy and your ONLY objective is to let the world know you are at the top of your game....you're going for the prestige (Bentley / RR)
At the end of the day / week / month and year....the above...is a Mercedes Benz and for $300,000 many would prefer to say "I drive a Rolls Royce".
I think Mercedes realizes this, which is why the rumored price is 200K. Makes more sense at that level, thousands less than a Ghost or Mulsane and arguably more car, if not as flashy. The Flying Spur is sportier, or at least comes off that way, so I think the S65 AMG is still best MB to compare to that car.
Porsche Taycan, Range Rover AB, Range Rover SVR, S Class, Mclaren 570s, Urus Hybrid (soon), M3, RS6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1rQczS6lvE#t=125
One thing that I think needs to be fixed, is the wheels on it. They may look classy to some people but I wish for them to have a more sporty look as an optional which it probably would do.
"We should preface the above headline with this: we fully expected Mercedes-Benz to introduce a more luxurious S-Class sedan, complete with a longer wheelbase. We've seen plenty of spy photos of the stretched sedan, and it was frankly a matter of "when" rather than "if" the flagship's flagship would arrive. We simply weren't expecting the new model to be adorned with the somewhat tarnished Maybach name, or to delete old Karl's family name all together in its naming of the Mercedes-Maybach S600.
Considering the questionable history of the Maybach brand since its 2002 revival, it's clear that Mercedes made a strategic decision for its newest sedan, retaining the overall look and, most importantly, the silver arrow of the S-Class, while the Maybach badging is kept to a minimum, with the double-M badge and "MAYBACH" name limited to the C-pillar and rear decklid, respectively. Instead, Mercedes has focused on the interior and stretched body for its high-end S600.
This hulking sedan is 8.1 inches longer than a standard S-Class at 214.6 inches, while its wheelbase has been stretched by 7.9 inches, and is now 132.5 inches long. That means the S600's wheelbase is nearly four inches longer than a Bentley Mulsanne, while the overall car is over six inches lengthier. On the Rolls-Royce side, it's situated between the 212.6/129.7-inch Ghost and the 230/140.6-inch Phantom.
While the Maybach S600's increased size is its most outwardly obvious change, it's not the sole reason people will buy this surely expensive sedan (early estimates indicate a $200,000-ish price tag). Instead, it's the work that's been done throughout the cabin that allows this flagship to shine. The material quality looks extremely impressive, with every observable surface finished in some variety of very high-quality leather, real wood or chrome trim.
It's clear that Mercedes made a strategic decision for its newest Maybach-badged sedan.
While Mercedes has indeed provided a pleasant experience in the front two seats, it's the twin second-row seats that have seen the largest transformation. The longer wheelbase is combined with doors that are actually 2.6 inches shorter, while the "executive" seats have been fitted behind the door cutout. Those backrests of these thrones can recline between 19 and 43.5 degrees, while both seats feature cushioned, pop-out ottomans.
A standard chauffeur package adds a maximum of three inches of legroom in the passenger's-side backseat. A massage function is also standard (because, of course). Finally, as if that isn't exorbitant enough, an optional Executive Rear Seat Package Plus adds heated and cooled cupholders, among other visual changes.
There's far, far more to the S600 than we can cover here, including its standard Air-Balance perfume pack, standard Robbe & Berking champagne flutes, panoramic sunroof with Magic Sky Control, pop-out picnic tables, Designo leather headliner and Burmester 3D stereo. You can take a closer look at those and other options in Mercedes' nearly 6,000-word press release, included below. If you're thinking of upgrading your chauffeur's wheels, the 2016 S600 arrives in dealers this April. Stay tuned for more on this new ultra-luxury sedan from its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show."
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Ughh. Chrome b-pillar trim? And they left the backdoor frame in black?
I think it looks a mess, and the front interior is exactly like a regular S Class. Obviously "Maybach" now means "extended backseat/chauffeur car" which is fine, but I guess just not my thing, as I don't see how this thing could sell even if priced at $200K. At that price, you're getting into more brand-status conscious buyers, who I'd assume prefer a C Class to not look like an essentially ExtraSWB wheelbase version of the thing, when a C Classes cost is basically the tax on the S600 Maybach. Yes, it's all about backseat comfort and overall opulence, but at that price you've gotta bring something a lot more bespoke, imo.
At the same time, RR/Bentley are incredibly overpriced on a fundamental scale, and probably behind the S on many technical levels especially as they're older cars, but it's the brand cachet factor that I feel will flop this attempt as well, at this price. They're riding hard on that "Maybach" name and are gonna hope that it can carry them
Wow. It looks better than the normal car IMO. I love those rims too. I am going to the auto show next week and will take some shots of the car. I do not think this car should have a sporty look. It looks really imposing. Although that black pillar looks a bit wrong.
Porsche Taycan, Range Rover AB, Range Rover SVR, S Class, Mclaren 570s, Urus Hybrid (soon), M3, RS6
These alloys don't just cut it for me. I know most of you would prefer it to be more on the luxurious side, but if I am spending that much on a car I would want a bit of a sporty look at least. Not like the body kit, I mean the small things like the alloys. After looking at those speakers I really want to hear what it sounds like. Here is an image of the subtle sort of alloys I would prefer.
This car is clearly positioned above the Flying Spur; that one is typically compared to a mid-level AMG (S63). I would assume that they would position the car above the S65 due to the low production long body which will add costs and assuming a large range of interior options.
I think the car will sell well even if positioned at $300k. Which other car in that range will give you that kind of (rear) interior space?
Btw. Those wheels are almost identical to the polished wheels of the W220 S600 (albeit larger).
I find the photo with the custom pillows in the back seat amusing -- I spec'd out a few Spur back when they first came out and at the time Bentley didn't have rear pillows as an option... but true to form, they did make them for us. Even more ironic to me is ours were made two-tone just like that as well, with the darker leather being what we used for the dash + center console and the lighter being the same colors as the seats. From that point forward, the dealership often ordered those for many of their customers. MB's losing out on this one -- I think many S-Class owners would be willing to buy them.
Re: the new Spur -- the back end is truly horrible. Those tail lights remind me of the early 1990s Chevy Caprice Classic every time I see one.
Spur vs. Maybach now... I'd probably go for the Benz. It's just a superior car at this point. Bentley builds a fine car, but let's be honest, it's almost a commodity car these days. Other than the interiors, the car's mass-produced and shipped in. For the longest time the Germans have built acceptable interiors, but nowhere near as plush as the Brits or even the Japanese. Mercedes has finally raised the bar with the 2014 S and to some extent, the 2015 C. I also chuckle when I sit in my fiancé's VW Passat and recognize the radio and climate controls as is in the Spur. Sure, they put a different face on them, but underneath it's definitely VW. Then again, if my choices were Lucas or VW parts, VW all-the-way.
Sobering thought for the night: They have to crash test those.
Last edited by BeachBunny; 11-22-2014 at 03:30 AM.
I find the photo with the custom pillows in the back seat amusing -- I spec'd out a few Spur back when they first came out and at the time Bentley didn't have rear pillows as an option... but true to form, they did make them for us. Even more ironic to me is ours were made two-tone just like that as well, with the darker leather being what we used for the dash + center console and the lighter being the same colors as the seats. From that point forward, the dealership often ordered those for many of their customers. MB's losing out on this one -- I think many S-Class owners would be willing to buy them. Re: the new Spur -- the back end is truly horrible. Those tail lights remind me of the early 1990s Chevy Caprice Classic every time I see one. Spur vs. Maybach now... I'd probably go for the Benz. It's just a superior car at this point. Bentley builds a fine car, but let's be honest, it's almost a commodity car these days. Other than the interiors, the car's mass-produced and shipped in. For the longest time the Germans have built acceptable interiors, but nowhere near as plush as the Brits or even the Japanese. Mercedes has finally raised the bar with the 2014 S and to some extent, the 2015 C. I also chuckle when I sit in my fiancé's VW Passat and recognize the radio and climate controls as is in the Spur. Sure, they put a different face on them, but underneath it's definitely VW. Then again, if my choices were Lucas or VW parts, VW all-the-way. Sobering thought for the night: They have to crash test those.
Maybach had those pillows 10 plus years ago and the w222 are a direct carry over (however they may not be down filled in the non-Maybach S)...
MBUSA will see how demand is for the S600 Maybach and that will likely determine if we get the S550 Maybach. I can see the NYC market if no other, requesting the S550 Maybach. Florida fashion and Texas oil barons will want the S600 Maybach, no 4Matic needed.
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Originally Posted by tusabes
The front side window pillars are chromed but the rear side window pillars are blacked out
That detail Looks stupid and must be corrected
Terrible attention to detail on that front, for any car, especially one at its price. Sticks out like a sore thumb when you see the car in person, as I recently have.
Wish they would release a non Maybach S550 4Matic with extended Maybach length. I prefer S550 interior and want a bench. Maybach interior is gaudy. I like the exterior.
Wish they would release a non Maybach S550 4Matic with extended Maybach length. I prefer S550 interior and want a bench. Maybach interior is gaudy. I like the exterior.
Mercedes Benz has already granted your wish with respect to the interior. See the link below and look for my post with the link that has "2016 MERCEDES MAYBACH S 600 SEDAN.pdf". It is the fourth post on the page.
11-19-2014, 01:38 PM
