Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched in South Africa – A R3.5-million luxury limousine

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class “luxury limousine” has been introduced to South Africa at a starting price of R3,507,000.

Two variations are available to local customers in the form of the V8 S580 and V12 S680, each offering “a compilation of the finest quality materials, phenomenal craftsmanship, incomparable comfort, and state-of-the-art technology that elevate your journey to a new level of driving,” said Mercedes.

A new form of luxury

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class presents “a new form of ultimate luxury” – with an exclusive exterior appearance brought about by model-specific two-tone paint, unique alloy wheels, Digital-LED headlamps, chrome highlights and trimmings, and an 18cm-longer wheelbase than the standard S-Class.

The interior continues the elegant affair, “as opulence radiates from the inside of this chariot of wealth,” said the manufacturer.

The cabin is based on the updated design of the new S-Class, featuring a high-definition OLED display offering MBUX infotainment features, along with a 31-speaker Burmester stereo with active noise cancellation to drown out road noise.

This system is designed to adapt to your needs over time, and will eventually be able to set the car temperature, adjust the music, and release the Maybach Mood fragrance when you want it to.

Below this, each Maybach dons the brand’s signature waterfall design centre console, whereas the extended areas of trim on the front seats are also completely new to the Maybach S-Class range.

Additionally, the front-seat backrests are encased in high-quality wood surrounds to give off the impression of generous lounge seats, and if the First-Class Rear package is specified, a similar trim is positioned between the two rear passengers.

To then take the Maybach S-Class to the next level, buyers have the options of further fitting comfort rear doors that open at the touch of a button, automatic seatbelt feeders that sense when you are sat, as well as calf massagers and heated neck cushions.

“Boasting a wide selection of the finest materials, refined surfaces, and seat variations that can be configured into your one-of-a-kind Mercedes-Maybach, you are enveloped in a sea of personal extravagance, making your experience and car extremely unique and tailor-made for you,” said the manufacturer.

Powerful limousines

Moving these large Maybach limousines is the customer’s choice between two powertrains.

The less powerful of the two, but not by much, is a 4.0-litre, V8, twin-turbo motor with a 48V mild-hybrid system which altogether generates 370kW and 700Nm – 15kW and 200Nm of that coming from the electric side.

The flagship, however, is a 6.0-litre, V12, twin-turbo unit with no electrification, pushing out 450kW and 900Nm.

Both engines are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, with 0-100km/h finished in 4.8 seconds for the V8 and 4.5 seconds for the V12.

Top speed is pinned at 250km/h for both.