Maybach rises again

Mercedes-Benz is set to have another go at reviving the Maybach name for the most luxurious version of its long-wheelbase S-Class luxury saloon. The name, which originally adorned cars built by former Daimler-Benz engine designer Wilhelm Maybach between 1909 and 1940, was revived as a super-luxury brand in 2002, but failed to match rival BMW”s Rolls-Royce range in terms of sales. It was finally shelved last year, when it was announced that in future, a LWB S-Class would form the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range.

Now though, the Maybach name is expected to return on precisely that model. The super-luxury version will have an entirely new body from the b-post back and will even feature doors that are taller and squarer in shape to make it easier to get in and out.

It’s expected that Mercedes will offer a huge number of comfort and infotainment options in the back of the car, including an electric divider blind between the front and rear sections, aircraft-style lie-flat seats and fold-out work trays in the centre console. An armoured version will be offered for diplomatic sales, and the car is expected to compete with both the rival Rolls-Royce Phantom and the ‘baby’ Rolls, the Ghost.

Expect prices for this new Maybach to roughly split the two Rolls models. V8 and V12 versions will be offered, including the new 523hp V12 engine revealed last week in the new S600 at the Detroit Motor Show, but Mercedes has not yet confirmed if a lowly diesel version will be made.