Plush Pullman priced at a stretch

FOR those ultra-wealthy individuals who believe that too much is never enough, Mercedes-Benz has produced the ultimate limousine - the S-class Pullman.

Starting with the long wheelbase version of the latest S-class, the Pullman's wheelbase has been stretched by a further metre so that the overall length of the vehicle now exceeds six metres.

Of course, the owner of a Pullman will not have to worry about parking this beast. He will have a driver to do that.

Australians wanting to purchase the Pullman will have to place a special order. No price is listed but if you have to ask you cannot afford one.

The Pullman was developed for Mercedes by its AMG affiliate and is produced in a custom shop at the Sindelfingen factory in Germany.

As well as the longer wheelbase, the reprofiled roof is 8mm higher, the exhaust has been extended, a three- piece propshaft developed and the standard air suspension reinforced to allow for the extra weight.

In the best traditions of stretch limos, there are two facing rear seats in the back of the Pullman. The most rearward can be a three-person bench with electrically adjustable outer seats or optional twin electric bucket seats.

Like the standard S-class, the Pullman comes with either the 225kW, 5.0-litre V8 or 270kW, 5.8-litre V12, driving through a five-speed automatic transmission.

As well as the safety of multiple airbags, the rear passengers - who can shut out the driver and the rest of the world with an electric glass partition and electric curtains all round - can enjoy the luxury of separate air-conditioning and audio system, and optional features like an intercom system to the driver, a refrigerated bar, two multi-media consoles, TV and DVD player.