S-Class

Mercedes-Maybach: Exterior Design

Words Jim Davis | January 10, 2015
In its exterior design, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity
Words Jim Davis January 10, 2015

In its exterior design, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity. The vehicle makes modern luxury (in the truest sense of the word) come alive in an exceptional way. Along with the extended wheelbase, emphatic lines suggest power and dynamism. Due to the sidewall’s special design, characteristic design elements for the S-Class are retained such as the sweeping, dome-shaped roofline.

Mercedes-Maybach S 600

Mercedes-Maybach S 600

The key distinguishing feature is the new side line: by comparison with the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, the striking rear door has been shortened by 66 mm and therefore appears to seamlessly meld into the overall composition. The door has no triangular window. This has been relocated into the C-pillar. As a result, the rear seats are situated beyond the door cutout, which creates a feeling of exceptional privacy and exclusivity. The triangular windows and other glass areas alike have chrome surrounds. The B-pillar is also covered in chrome. The elegant Maybach Manufaktur logo – a double M inside an arched triangle – adorns the C-pillars on both sides. What is more, exclusive 20-inch (50.8 cm) forged, light-alloy wheels are available for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Instead of delicate spokes, their design features large surfaces to underline the flagship model’s high-quality look.

Overall the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is 207 mm longer than the S-Class with long wheelbase. 200 mm of this is the result of the extension between the B and C-pillar. All this additional space is used to boost comfort for rear passengers.

Subtle yet noticeable changes in both the front and rear area differentiate the longest S-Class from its smaller siblings. Three double louvres in chrome within the radiator trim have a formative influence on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class’s elegant look. Additional vertical chrome trim discreetly but deeply underlines the special appeal of this extraordinary vehicle. This theme is taken up once again in the design at the tail end.

The key features of the front end design:

  • Dominant radiator trim with large radiator opening and three double louvres in chrome
  • Subtle vertical chrome trim
  • Double trim in the air intakes on the right and left
  • Double trim in the bottom end piece of the bumpers

The emphatic design for the sides draws to an effective conclusion at the rear. The chrome double louvres deployed at the front are continued in the rear area, emphasising high quality and elegance.

Key features of the rear end design:

  • Horizontal lines emphasise the vehicle’s width
  • Two tailpipe trim elements in chrome integrated into the bumper with vertical partition
  • Chrome double louvres in the bottom section of the bumper covering add the perfect finishing touch to the vehicle
  • Maybach lettering on the boot lid (mounted on the left in direction of travel)