Mercedes-Maybach S600 cruises in

MERCEDES-BENZ has confirmed a cheaper-than-expected asking price of $449,000 (plus on-roads) for its reborn Maybach limousine in Australia – a $31,500 premium over the long-wheelbase S600 on which it is based.

The German premium car-maker announced the return of the Maybach badge on an extra-stretched S-Class at last year’s Los Angeles motor show, two years after the demise of the previous Maybach in 2012 after a nine-year production run.

When it was unveiled, pundits speculated the luxury sedan could top out at $600,000, but the recommended retail price means it is not even the most expensive S-Class.

That title belongs to the long-wheelbase version of the S65 AMG performance hero that is priced at $490,000, or $41,000 more than the Maybach.

Benz looks to be targeting the previous Maybach’s rivals with pricing that places it in a similar sphere to the Bentley Flying Spur W12 from $423,160, plus on-roads, and the Rolls-Royce Ghost from $545,000 driveaway.

Compared with the “standard” long-wheelbase S-Class, the Maybach is 207mm longer at 5453mm, with the wheelbase stretched the same amount to 3365mm.

Benz says headroom has been increased in the rear, while wind noise has been reduced, making its cabin even quieter than that of the S-Class Coupe that the car-maker claims is the quietest in the world.

Just one engine is on offer – the 6.0-litre V12 from the S600L that produces 390kW and 830Nm from 1900rpm This pushes the big Benz from zero to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds, and while Mercedes has not provided fuel consumption figures, the S600L uses 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, while emitting 264 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Unsurprisingly, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 features high-end luxury gear as standard, such as the Exclusive trim package with handcrafted fine wood trim surrounding the rear seats, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with embossed Maybach logo.

A Rear Seat Comfort package adds adjustable multi-contoured seats, and an massage function that replicates the hot-stone principle.

For the buyer that prefers to be driven rather than taking the wheel themselves, the Maybach has a voice amplification system with two microphones up front that “discreetly” amplify a conversation from the driver to the rear-seat passenger.

It comes as part of the Burmester 3D surround sound system that includes 24 speakers and 24 amplifier channels with a total output of 1540 watts.

On top of the standard equipment from the S600L, the Maybach gains Executive rear seats with adjustable back-rests, a Front Seat Entertainment package, head-up display, a Chauffeur package, Magic Body Control and Magic Vision Control.

On the safety front, it has Benz’s Pre-Safe brake system with pedestrian detection, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and the Stop&Go Pilot for driving in peak hour traffic, as well as a cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid, adaptive high-beams, an airbag in the seatbelts (with the Pre-Safe rear package) and seat cushion airbags.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific said the ultra-luxury model is available to order now, and depending on specification levels, should take between three and six months for delivery.

At this stage there are no restrictions on production numbers for the Australian market.