At the Paris Motor Show, scheduled for the end of September, Mercedes will bring a sculpture called “Aesthetics S”.  A teaser for the 2013 flagship luxury saloon.  Gordon Wagener,  Mercedes’s Head of Design, said that the new model will follow a tradition of expression of automotive culture that was set forth by previous generations as well as having striking lines that will put a new face on Mercedes-Benz designs over the coming years.

The debut of the relief-like sculpture at the Paris Motor Show will be combined with an exciting projection display. The scene will be set for the sculpture with the aid of light in a series of three acts, using a modern means of design and implementation.

With its sculpture entitled “Aesthetics S”, Mercedes-Benz is providing an artistic glimpse of the design of the luxury saloon of the foreseeable future. The aesthetics of the relief-like sculpture are combined with an exciting projection display. In the eyes of the observer, this creates a three-dimensional world and enables the creative imagination of the designers to be visualised to impressive effect. The modern production in three acts, developed by the Mercedes-Benz designers, will be on display in Hall 1 at the Paris Motor Show (September 27 to October 14, 2012).

Since the 1930s, the respective top-of-the-range model from Mercedes-Benz has played a very special role – not only for Mercedes-Benz, but also for the automotive world in general. An S-Class does not merely represent the latest state of the art, and as such acts rather more as a symbol and role model for the motor car. “The characteristic lines of the S-Class have always represented the expression of automotive culture, as we understand it. The new S-Class will continue this tradition and, with its striking lines, will put a face to our design philosophy over the coming years”, explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Sculptural shapes, which are given structure and an element of excitement through characteristic lines, are a classic feature of Mercedes-Benz design. Reducing them to a relief-like design incorporating the main elements of the sidewall makes the power and significance of the lines visible and perceivable. In the case of the “Aesthetics S” sculpture, the exterior of a future luxury saloon is interpreted in an artistic manner. According to Wagener: “The sculpture highlights the artistic aspects of design. With the design and proportions of “Aesthetics S”, we are communicating a modern sense of status, sensual shapes and stylish sportiness.”

The debut of the relief-like sculpture at the Paris Motor Show will be combined with an exciting projection display. The scene will be set for the sculpture with the aid of light in a series of three acts, using a modern means of design and implementation. The shape will be revealed through projected light reflections, creating a three-dimensional world in which the creative imagination of the designers can be visualised to impressive effect. In addition to the organic, naturally-occurring flowing forms which act as a source of inspiration to the designers, it will also possible to appreciate the scope of impact exerted by the S-Class tradition. This is to be achieved by incorporating four S-Class models from past decades – namely the model series 189, 108, 126 and 221. According to Wagener: “The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always impressed with its timeless design, which has existed for decades and has always pointed the way ahead. The sculpture is a continuation of this, and sets the scene for the development of a new S-Class.”

With the “Aesthetics S” work of art, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its “Aesthetics” series of sculptures which to date comprises the pieces “Aesthetics No. 1” (2010), “Aesthetics No. 2” and “Aesthetics 125” (both 2011).

Maybach is constantly expanding its portfolio of high-quality equipment and appointments options and in the 125th anniversary year of the automobile the luxury brand is exhibiting a special one-off model, the Edition 125! in honor of the ingenious designer Wilhelm Maybach. This high-end luxury saloon displays many familiar and new individualisation options which only Maybach customers can select. Highlights of the saloon painted in the newly created special colors Tahiti Black/ Patagonia Silver are lavish contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif in the front armrest, which represents the alluring double-M in a curved triangle illuminated from inside. The other new features include a glove compartment lid embroidered with the signature of Wilhelm Maybach, silver-coloured topstitching, trim in silver carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, matt black 20-inch wheels with high-sheen spokes plus a newly styled radiator grille.

All the current Maybach saloons have a confident, superior appearance and are strikingly radiant. The exceptional status enjoyed by the high-end luxury saloons finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5‑inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

As one would expect, the Maybach Manufaktur showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

It is the hottest place to be during the Cannes Film Festival: the legendary de GRISOGONO party at the renowned Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes on May 17, 2011.

There are no tickets available for this sought after high society event at the Côte d’Azur; participation is by invitation only. Maybach as the official main partner of the event invites customers to be part of this highly exclusive gathering hosted by de GRISOGONO, a Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches and jewellery.

A cocktail reception awaits guests, followed by an exclusive dinner and the after party everyone is looking forward to. An automotive highlight and the special appearance by Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas are part of the event which attracts celebrities from all over the world to the unique location in the South of France.

One particularly precious highlight, Swiss jewellery manufacturer and watchmaker de GRISOGONO and German luxury car maker Maybach will be unveiling a Maybach 62S Saloon studded with precious-carat diamonds to a gathering of around 1.000 guests from the international jet set, film industry and show business. The luxurious gems are initially only included on the rear centre armrest. But de GRISOGONO and Maybach are currently looking at further options for individualising the interior with diamonds and other gemstones – on the steering wheel, shift lever or seats, for example. Today’s unveiling of the refined Maybach 62S marks the launch of the joint “Maybach individualisation by de GRISOGONO” project by the two luxury manufacturers.

Over the coming months, the Saloon will be studded with further diamonds and gemstone creations before being presented officially at the Dubai International Motor Show between 10 and 14 November 2011. This is the second time that Stuttgart-based luxury brand Maybach has been a main sponsor of the “de GRISOGONO Party”.

Following the Mercedes-Benz works team’s retirement from Formula 1 and the sports car world championship at the end of the 1955 season, the rallies claimed fans’ full attention as of 1956. The Mercedes vehicles competing on race courses all over the world were fielded for the most part by private teams. While the racing and racing sports cars of previous years had performed superlatively as elite fine-tuned high-end vehicles, the near-series passenger cars now demonstrated their solid credentials in the nitty-gritty of rally racing. Karl Kling was responsible for rally activities as sports director at Mercedes-Benz. In the wake of Alfred Neubauer’s retirement, the ex-racing driver thus assumed a degree of responsibility for upholding the race manager’s legend.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s it was first and foremost the 300 SL sports car and the six-cylinder 220 SE and 300 SE saloons that caught people’s imagination on the roads and gravel tracks all over the world. The team comprising Walter Schock and Rolf Moll was among the contenders who made their mark in these years. The duo, who raced for the Motorsportclub Stuttgart, received comprehensive support from Mercedes-Benz in the form of vehicles and service. Walter Schock competed in the Monte Carlo Rally in the Mercedes-Benz 220 “Pontoon” on 15 January 1956, crossing the finishing line on 23 January just 1.1 seconds behind the winner.

A month later, the Stuttgart duo took part in the Rally del Sestrière in Italy at the wheel of the “gull-winged” 300 SL. In the mountains, the high-performance sports car left the other vehicles in its wake. Schock recalled the Coupé’s outstanding capabilities in the winter rally conditions: “Really fine snow chains on all four wheels allowed us to reach uphill speeds of up to 180 km/h.” The team finished the race as winners on 28 February. Further triumphs ensued in the shape of an overall win in the Acropolis Rally (26 to 29 April 1956) and class victories in the Wiesbaden Rally (21 to 24 June 1956) and the Rally Adriatique (26 to 30 September). Schock also won his class in the Eifel Race and took 2nd place in the fringe race at the Nurburgring Grand Prix meeting. On the back of this performance he became the European touring car champion in 1956 and German champion in the GT class above 2000 cc.

1959: sports director Kling’s sporadic stints at the wheel

The sports director was also wont to take to the wheel once in a while, putting in sporadic stints as a Mercedes-Benz works driver. Karl Kling achieved an unusual victory in 1959 with Rainer Günzler in the 14,000 kilometre Rally Mediterranée-Le Cap running from the Mediterranean to South Africa: the Stuttgart team embarked on this rally in a Mercedes-Benz 190D, cruising to victory on its diesel power. 1961 saw Kling speeding through Africa at the wheel of a saloon once again. This time he opted for a “fin-tail” Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, winning the Algiers-Lagos-Algiers Rally with Rainer Günzler as co-driver once again. Kling was also on the scene as race manager when works teams competed in selected major races at the wheels of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Schock and Moll claimed the European rally championship once again in 1960, in their 220 SE. Their winning ways got off to a bright start at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. The first final win by a German team in this competition was part of a triple success for Mercedes-Benz, with driver teams Eugen Böhringer/Hermann Socher and Eberhard Mahle/Roland Ott taking 2nd and 3rd places. Following this triumph in 1960, the sports press called on Mercedes-Benz to return to the world’s racing circuits with works vehicles on a permanent basis. But sports director Kling was clear in his words, saying “This success will encourage us to carry on putting great effort into rallies. But Mercedes does not intend to return to motor racing.”

In the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz teams took part in the “Gran Premio Argentina” road race on several occasions. On 26 October 1961, Walter Schock competed in this very special rally, which was contested by a total of 207 drivers. A tough race was in store for the participants on a route covering 4600 kilometres and taking in a difference in altitude of around 3000 metres. The hard slog ended on 5 November with a double victory for Mercedes-Benz. Walter Schock and Rolf Moll were the first to pass the finishing line, followed by Hans Herrmann and Rainer Günzler. “That must be the toughest race I’ve ever competed in,” said rally champion Schock on his return from South Africa. The Mercedes-backed teams received personal support from Juan Manuel Fangio together with race manager Karl Kling. As this competition was very important for the American market, Mercedes-Benz continued its involvement in the coming years, too: 1962 saw a sensational win by the ladies’ team comprising Ewy Rosqvist and Ursula Wirth, while Eugen Böhringer sped to victory in 1963 and 1964, crossing the finishing line with two other Mercedes-Benz cars directly behind him in each case.

Böhringer, who drove Mercedes-Benz cars in rallies as of 1957, won the European rally championship in 1962 at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE. With his co-drivers Peter Lang and Hermann Eger, Böhringer notched up points in various races throughout this season, including the Monte Carlo Rally (2nd place), the Tulip Rally (7th place) the Acropolis Rally (1st place), the Midnight Sun Rally (5th Place), the Polish Rally (1st place), the Liège-Sophia-Liège Rally (1st place) and the German Rally (2nd place).

A highlight of the year was the victory in the legendary Liège-Sophia-Liège road race in the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE. The Stuttgart-based driver was also victorious when this marathon across Europe came around again in 1963. This time, the destination was Bulgaria rather than Rome, and the winning vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz 230 SL “Pagoda”. This was the first time ever that a driver had achieved two successive victories in this gruelling rally.

Mercedes-Benz was also successful in North America: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS was designed especially for the American sports car championship in 1957. It was based on the series-production 300 SL Roadster sports car, with a 900 kilogramme reduction in weight and engine power boosted from 215 hp (158 kW) to 235 hp (173 kW) to turn it into a highly competitive vehicle once again. The SLS provided Paul O’Shea with his third title in succession, following two wins in the “gull-winged” 300 SL in 1955 and 1956.

The powerful eight-cylinder 300 SEL 6.3 saloon only saw works team action in one race, winning the six-hour touring car race in Macao in 1969 with Erich Waxenberger at the wheel. The oil crisis at the beginning of the 1970s put an end to this saloon’s motorsport career. Automobile historian Karl Eric Ludvigsen emphasizes the importance of this break in Mercedes-Benz’s motor racing history: “The oil crisis resulted in the first interruption to Daimler-Benz’s long tradition triggered by external events. The company’s racing traditions began around the turn of the century, with the only hiatus – apart from the war years – occurring in 1955; every year, there was always one or more Benz, Mercedes or Mercedes-Benz cars in at least one key race, with either direct or indirect support from the works.”

Private drivers continued Mercedes-Benz’s racing traditions, however. Increasingly, their vehicles came to be prepared for competitive use by AMG – a company founded in Burgstall near Stuttgart by former Daimler-Benz employees Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in 1967 as an “engineering firm pursuing the design, testing and development of racing engines”. The leading products in the company’s early years included the refined version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL with a 6.8-litre engine, which claimed a class victory and took 2nd place overall in the 24h Spa Francorchamps race. The independent tuning firm made a name for itself preparing vehicles for racing competitions over many years, before it was taken over in its entirety by the then DaimlerChrysler AG.

At the Motor Show 2010 in Paris, Maybach will be presenting its high-end luxury saloons with added sparkle and with significantly extended high-class equipment and individualisation options. A large new chrome radiator grille confidently emphasises the legendary saloons’ exceptional status. Other new highlights include the bonnet with a shaped edge, the trim on the front bumper with daytime driving lights featuring LED technology, high-quality, dark red tail lights and a new, exclusively developed paint and stylish wheels. In future those purchasing a Maybach 57 and 57 S will also be able to opt for the rear reclining seat from the Maybach 62 models. New items are available on request, among them seat piping which is hand-braided or refined with SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS, an exquisite flacon perfume atomiser and a WLAN router for wireless internet access. As an option, a 19-inch cinema screen and an overview camera for the rear passengers can be installed in the rear of the Maybach 62 and 62 S models. The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S has been increased to 463 kW (630 hp) but the pollutant emissions of all models have still been cut.

The facelifted versions of the Maybach saloons are even more self-confident and effortlessly superior, their charisma even more striking. The exceptional status they enjoy finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5-inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

As one would expect, the Maybach Manufaktur showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Maybach Facelift: Perfection taken to exciting heights

• Effortlessly superior, striking look
• New interior concepts with new brilliant trim
• Extensive new illustrious equipment and appointments
• Higher output coupled with lower consumption
• Unique details in the high-end luxury class

Since 2002 Maybach has been defining new standards in the top league of high-end luxury saloons, whilst at the same time continuing the tradition of legendary Maybach vehicles which were part of the elite in the German and international automotive construction industry in the nineteen twenties and thirties of the last century. It is this challenging legacy that the luxury brand is carrying forward – in the form of an extensive facelift of the Maybach saloons. The prestigious, tradition-steeped Maybach brand is consolidating its top position in the high-end luxury segment with a more striking design and even more extensive equipment and appointments.

“To create only the best from the best, a vehicle that is the ultimate in wish fulfilment, with a distinctive character of the finest elegance and power” – this is how a Maybach flyer dating back to 1930 declared the company’s aim, and it still applies at Maybach in its entirety to this day. This clear avowal of the extraordinary obliged Maybach to revise its high-end luxury saloons extensively and at a top level when it came to the latest facelift.

Striking, self-confident design

Following their facelift, the Maybach saloons shine with their self-confident, effortlessly superior, distinctive charisma. It is above all the new dominant chrome radiator grille that emphasises their exceptional status – it is meticulously crafted in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it is graced with 20 fine longitudinal bars and in the 57 S and 62 S Maybach models twelve solid double louvres with a “shadow strut” put the spotlight on the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher than before, have considerably larger dimensions, are positioned more upright and further forward in the direction of travel – clearly symbolising the self-confident status and effortlessly superior, striking appearance.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet with a higher front upper edge and given it sharply defined contours. It has a shaped edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped, more expressive and longer than previously. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look from the front. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise very well with the striking front. Their large mirror surface also means improved vision. Dark red tail lights of exquisite material quality complete with chrome embellishment, plus chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels painted in noble sterling silver. And all the models are available in the new, exclusively developed Bahamas Blue paint.

As a result of the facelift measures, the new Maybach saloons gain an extra 11 millimetres in length and 17 millimetres in width when the exterior mirrors are folded out.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

As one would expect, the Maybach MANUFAKTUR showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. As is the case with everything from Maybach, the utmost attention has been paid to every last detail. Every seam, every joint is perfectly executed, viewed from every angle this is a feast for the eyes, touching every single feature is a tactile delight – noblesse oblige.

There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours (Saona Beige for the Maybach 57 and 62, Whitehaven Beach and Kuril Islands for the Maybach 57 S and 62 S). They create an elegant, light and stimulating lighting mood – especially in conjunction with the unique electrotransparent panoramic glass sunroof in the models with a long wheelbase. It spans the roof liner above the rear passengers like an atrium, allowing light to flood the rear compartment and gives a rare degree of control over the illumination of the surroundings. It features a liquid crystal membrane of conductive polymer plastic. When an alternating current is applied to it, the crystals in the plastic membrane are arranged in such a way that the glass becomes transparent and allows daylight into the rear of the Maybach 62 models over its entire area. As soon as the power is switched off, the liquid crystals lose their transparent arrangement again and the light is fragmented in all directions. The glass becomes nearly opaque and filters the daylight falling on it to produce a pleasant, diffused glow. This electrically operated transparency function is also used in most countries for the partition screen that can be ordered as an option.

An electrically driven sliding liner rounds off the luxurious lighting package. Its electroluminescent membrane can be switched on at the touch of a button when closed, emitting a pleasant, diffused light over its entire surface. A rotary switch in the rear console of the Maybach 62 models gives the rear passengers complete control over the illumination of the membrane and strength of the ambient lighting.

Some exquisite new additions have found their way into the large selection of trim available. There is now trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can also be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S models, underlining the refined ambience. As an alternative, a sporty touch comes in the form of carbon-fibre trim elements in new colours, among them silver and red.

Lovers of more compact vehicle dimensions will in future be able to enjoy the outstanding comfort afforded by the rear reclining seats – previously only available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase. With immediate effect this first-class armchair can also be installed on the passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models as an option. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping running round the seats can also be supplied in a hand-braided version with four fine, individual leather stripes or adorned with valuable SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. In the upper part of the seat backrest, a redesigned badge in hand-polished 925 sterling silver with the embossed Maybach logo and “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail, serving as a reminder of the prestigious ambience in which one is travelling.

The partition available as an option for the Maybach 62 and 62 S can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing. In these cases the highly qualified specialists at the Maybach Manufaktur first of all skilfully cut the desired motif from a film before affixing it to the partition. They then irradiate the exposed areas with diamond particles, so that a matt surface is created in the contours of the chosen motif.

A scented haven of wellbeing

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been extensively extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. This exquisite equipment detail – the only one of its kind anywhere in the world – represents a very special highlight indeed. At the touch of a button it produces a unique fragrant experience thanks to the use of sophisticated technology and high-quality perfume which discreetly, unobtrusively and gently stimulates the passengers’ senses. There is absolutely no comparison between this and other solutions containing concentrates or particulate matter.

At the heart of the system lies an internally illuminated Plexiglass sphere on the rear centre console, into which Maybach owners can insert a flacon containing a perfume they have personally selected. A compressor then directs a gentle flow of air into the Plexiglass sphere, fanning the flacon’s perfume molecules into the vehicle interior.

The perfume atomiser can be activated either from the driver’s seat or by means of a button in the rear centre console, with an additional thumbwheel in the rear for sensitive aroma control. The chosen fragrance gently wafts into the passenger compartment within ten to twelve seconds. On models with a partition screen, only the passengers in the rear are able to activate the atomiser.

The aroma experts took the particular biological characteristics of the human nose into consideration when designing the control mechanism. As it adjusts to smells in such a way that it no longer perceives them after a short while, the perfume atomiser switches off after about ten minutes. Once the system has switched off, the fragrance – which does not seep into the interior’s materials or the occupants’ clothes – quickly evaporates. Reactivating the atomiser later allows the fragrant experience to be enjoyed all over again.

Entertainment and electronics are state of the art

Entertainment galore comes courtesy of a new multiformat DVD player. It reads all important formats such as DVD-R/DVD-RW/CD-R/CD-RW, DVD video/video CD and CD-DA playback/MP3. As an option a large high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5‑inch monitors in the rear available until now. Sound in concert-hall quality is on tap in the form of a 600-watt sound system with 21 loudspeakers from renowned hi-fi specialist BOSE®.

As an option Maybach can now also install an overview camera in the vehicles with a partition and cinema screen. Rear passengers are then able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window. This creates an oasis of seclusion in which they can always enjoy total privacy.

An innovative WLAN router takes care of wireless internet access – even during the journey. As an alternative, mobile devices can also be connected via a cable to a LAN socket in order to reduce electromagnetic radiation in the interior. This sophisticated internet connection is unique in this vehicle segment and utilises the rapid transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. It is capable of serving three mobile devices such as laptops simultaneously, so now it is child’s play for Maybach owners to synchronise the data on their laptop with those on their computer at home or in the office, or to keep constant track of the current news via the internet, for instance. A mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality and voice transmission via the vehicle’s existing loudspeakers and microphones is also available as a further option.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the engineers at Maybach have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 6.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2) at the same time. The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, but consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Warranty covering eight years or 200,000 kilometres

To coincide with the facelift, Maybach has introduced a new warranty policy. With the country-specific Maybach service and warranty packages Excellent and Basic, service and warranty are covered up to a vehicle age of eight years or a mileage of 200,000 kilometres/125,000 miles. After this point the life-long mobility warranty applies.

The numerous different variants of the Maybach service and warranty package can be purchased at various points in time and extended again according to personal requirements, which means that it offers even more extensive cover in case of damage, plus calculable maintenance costs. A unique feature of the package is the fact that it includes, for example, replacements in case of wear such as paint, leather, wood, carpet and upholstery, as well as noise repairs. The Maybach experts use only genuine Maybach parts of the very highest quality, meaning that the Maybach is always in pristine condition. This facilitates the luxury saloons’ long-term value retention and is an advantage not to be underestimated when it comes to resale.

Maybach means: unique and masterful down to the last detail

The name Maybach has always been synonymous with the continuous striving for aesthetic appeal, perfection, elegance and the ultimate in comfort. This is why the luxury saloons from the Maybach Manufaktur are painstakingly crafted by hand with the utmost skill and care. At least 30 days pass between the time a Maybach leaves its birthplace in Sindelfingen and the point at which it is handed over to the customer. The owner is the receiver of an automotive dream with enviable levels of spaciousness, fitted with the very finest woods, the softest leather and deep-pile carpets. It is for this reason that many customers prefer to travel in the superior comfort the rear of a Maybach offers as opposed to a private jet – sometimes for distances of over 1000 kilometres.

It is thanks to the high standards which Maybach sets for both the exterior and the interior design of its high-end luxury saloons that Maybach vehicles boast a series of details which are unique even in this prestigious segment. The rear reclining seats, with their opulent first-class proportions, remain unrivalled. Up until now they were reserved for the Maybach models with a long wheelbase, but they can now also be fitted in the more compact variants. The large electrotransparent panoramic glass sunroof is also only available from Maybach.

In order to regulate the climate in the hugely spacious interior, the Maybach saloons are equipped with an unparalleled climate control system. The high-end luxury saloons are equipped with two leading-edge automatic climate control systems – one for the front section of the car and a separate second unit for the rear compartment. Sensors allow the air conditioning systems to respond to the temperature and air humidity, the intensity of the sun and the level of pollution in the outside air.

Further trademark characteristics of Maybach saloons are their very highly valued fine details such as the instrument display in the rear, the easy-close function for the doors in the passenger compartment with a closing procedure that is virtually silent, the extensive, state-of-the-art Rear Seat Entertainment System, the electronic intercom system and the electrohydraulic braking system with the additional priming and dry braking functions.

Like travelling in a sedan chair

Journeying in a Maybach means relaxing in peace and calm. If at all, noise from the road or airflow reaches the ears of the passengers as though from afar. The high-end luxury saloons from Sindelfingen possess nigh-on proverbial quiet-running characteristics. The smooth ride is all thanks to the carefully optimised, low natural body frequencies, a suspension with a hydraulic subframe and shock absorbers meticulously developed with enormous attention to detail. Also co-responsible for the exemplary smooth ride are the four-bearing propshaft, the differential with gears carefully ground-in by hand and the large wheels with tyres specially developed for the Maybach. Michelin had made no less than 27 tyre samples available just for the Maybach saloons, and it was only after lengthy tuning work that the best result was finally achieved.

But it is not only these major measures that turn the Maybach saloons into a blissfully peaceful haven reminiscent of a sedan chair. An equally important contribution is made by textile trim in the wheel arches, which dampen the clatter of stone chippings that are thrown up, acoustically dampened air ducts, in whose acoustically effective labyrinth sound waves become lost and an unusually long exhaust system – measuring six metres in length – which is characterised by multiple flexible decoupling. A total of 224 parts in every Maybach saloon boast superb acoustic effectiveness – such as the windows with acoustic film, which connects two panes, thus preventing them from vibrating, or 93 kilograms of function-optimised acoustic material.

And Maybach does not leave the task of achieving perfection at the highest level merely to intensive engineering work – this happens first and foremost in the Maybach Manufaktur itself. Only the very best specialists work here. Just as every single Maybach is individually equipped, they also treat each Maybach as an individual. And they add their signature to the certificate which belongs to every saloon, confirming the high quality of their work. This means that the Maybach is far from being an anonymous product – each employee is identifiable and takes personal responsibility. This also applies to the employees at the Manufaktur who are responsible for the final inspection. At the end of the process they test-drive the finished luxury car and subject it to meticulous scrutiny with their sensitive senses – an extensive procedure which Maybach prescribes for every single vehicle, and one which goes far beyond what is customary.

Individualisation

Tailor-made individualisation is part of the recipe for success of the luxury Maybach brand. It offers its customers unique ways of customising the specification of its top-class saloons. The Manufaktur in Sindelfingen turns a whole host of special requests in reality: of crucial importance in the work performed are the materials and cutting-edge technologies used to offer an extraordinary visual and tactile experience. This is why the Maybach specialists repeatedly come up with superb new materials and paint finishes – many of them specially developed for Maybach and not available from any other vehicle manufacturer. One of the brand-new features is the option of having individual motifs included on the partition window.

With its flair for the extraordinary, its acute understanding of the perceptual capabilities of the senses and through continuous dialogue with its customers, the Maybach Manufaktur continuously expands its range of optional and customised extras in order to keep fulfilling the wishes and requirements of the automotive market’s most prestigious clientele. And it is for this reason that the luxury Maybach saloons will again be available with special protection after the facelift.

Updates for 2011 include a restyled exterior with a raised hood, larger grille, divided bumper, LED daytime running lights and darker tail lenses. Interior changes include .925 sterling silver “Maybach Manufaktur” badging in seat backrests, new seat stitching as well as new interior colors, trims and paints throughout the entire model line.

Maybach 57 & 57S

• V-12 bi-turbo powered Maybach 57 (543 hp, 664 lb-ft) continues with new 19-inch, 21-spoke light-alloy wheels.

• V-12 bi-turbo powered Maybach 57S (620 hp, 738-lb ft) continues with increased horsepower and new 20-inch, 12-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Maybach 62 & 62S

• V-12 bi-turbo powered Maybach 62 (543 hp, 664 lb-ft) continues with new 19-inch, 21-spoke light alloy wheels.

• V-12 bi-turbo Maybach 62S (620 hp, 738 lb-ft) continues with increased horsepower and new 20-inch, 12-spoke light-alloy wheels.

• A new optional 19” cinema screen can be mounted to the partition wall.

• Other luxurious features include full power closing of the rear doors, optionally available electro-transparent rear roof section and optional power glass partition with a retractable curtain and intercom system.

Maybach 62S Landaulet

• Exclusive V-12 bi-turbo powered Landaulet (620 hp, 738 lb-ft) continues with more horsepower, 20-inch wheels and a fixed roof over the driver with convertible black soft-top for rear passengers.

• Updates for 2011 include an optional 19” cinema screen mounted to the partition wall and individualized designs available for placement on the partition glass.

• The wind and weatherproof roof opens electro-hydraulically in just 16 seconds

• Other distinguishing features include Antigua white paint, 20-inch wheels painted in white with high-sheen spokes, and white indicators (front) and rear light clusters in dark red.

The 140 series S-Class Saloons gave a clear message when they were introduced in 1991 at the Geneva Motor Show – their size and design lent them an imposing appearance, combined with highest comfort and lavish interior spaciousness. All of these features are an appropriate fit for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and yet the model was continuoulsly attacked by critics upon its release. Naysayers complained it had turned out too big, which brought disadvantages in everyday use, and on top of that was out of step with the times.

Such opinions were voiced mainly in Europe., in the USA or in Asia, for example, many customers took exactly the opposite view. For them, the 140 series was an S-Class in exactly the right format – precisely because of its impressive appearance, which to them was simply befitting of a vehicle in which the world’s successful, wealthy and political leaders could either drive themselves or be driven. This divergence of opinions was to accompany the saloons of the 140 model series from that point on, and the successor series launched in 1998, the 220, turned out rather more discreet. Nevertheless, the 140 series received a great deal of praise from all sides. In 1991, for example, the trade magazine Auto, Motor und Sport, Germany, went as far as to write: “It would not be wrong here to describe this as the world’s finest car – any less would be to do Mercedes an injustice.”

The world’s finest car – that is quite a claim. But it is one Mercedes-Benz and its predecessor brands have been living up to since the beginnings of the automobile. For the 140 series the engineers and designers addressed the task with the greatest dedication. Leaving aside the sheer dimensions of the body, one has to give great credit to the stylists under the supervision of chief designer Bruno Sacco: what they drafted was a luxury-class saloon with clear lines that unmistakably established its connection with brand history, yet at the same time delivered a statement for the 1990s and were almost timeless in character. Almost twenty years on, a 140 series S-Class is still an extremely handsome car.

The high standard applied to the vehicle was reflected in all details. For instance, the interior, so lavishly appointed, simultaneously demonstrated the restraint desired by the majority of S-Class customers. Spaciousness and features made the time spent in a 140 series S-Class an absolute enjoyment. That was also true of the driver’s seating position: perfectly equipped, it made even extremely long journeys exceedingly pleasurable.

The suspension also played a part in this. The engineers used all their resourcefulness and skill to design it: not only was travel in the saloon extremely safe on any road surface, it was also extremely comfortably. In addition to excellent springing, the body was decoupled from audible and otherwise perceptible vibrations. And although the 140 series S-Class was a big car, customers and motor journalists all over the world nevertheless praised it for its road manners – it was fleet-footed and able to negotiate even winding country roads impeccably at speed.

Typical of the great effort invested by Mercedes-Benz in this vehicle, for example, was the double insulated glazing, which benefited safety and comfort in several ways: avoidance of fogging (condensation) and icing, enhanced thermal insulation, enhanced insulation against external sources of noise, better flow of air around the vehicle and prevention of wind noises caused by window seals. Never before had car windows been so meticulously designed.

The high safety standard already attained in the previous series was clearly raised further by numerous measures. For example, the body structure of the 140 series afforded still more protection in all types of accidents. A number of details – solutions designed to take the sharpness out of potential points of contact – served the protection of other road users as well. The braking system was state-of-the-art, delivering optimum deceleration values. From 1995 onwards the Electronic Stability Program ESP® was additionally available, initially for the eight-cylinder S-Class model and later for all models with automatic transmission. In the S 600 it was standard equipment. After December 1996 all models additionally featured the Brake Assist BAS, which optimally increased braking power under emergency braking and shortened the stopping distance.

As was customary in the S-Class, six- and eight-cylinder engines were available to power the car – from 1991 on there was even a twelve-cylinder power plant. This unit epitomised the art of engine making, but the other units too enabled a mobility ideally suited to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All were fitted as standard with an emission control system featuring a closed-loop catalytic converter, and consequently satisfied comprehensive environmental standards.

At the same time these engines were symbols of the longevity of the 140 series – they, and, of course, the entire vehicle, were designed for very high mileages and thus for years and years of use. That made the 140 series S-Class well suited for use as a modern classic: anyone who buys one today, acquires a vehicle built to meet the highest requirements. In that sense it is part of the remarkable tradition of the luxury-class saloons of the Mercedes-Benz brand, which together with its predecessor brands goes back to the beginnings of the automobile.

Mercedes-Benz’s excellent spare parts supply has helped maintain a modern classic: almost every part can be procured through a Mercedes-Benz dealer and the company’s own ordering system; delivery is usually made overnight. Some authorised service shops have even been designated Classic Partners, possessing outstanding competence in handling older vehicles. And particularly where young classics are concerned, all Mercedes-Benz company-owned sales and service outlets and partners boast the same high levels of expertise as ever. Not for nothing does the slogan “Service for a lifetime” apply to all vehicles of the brand.

Production Figures for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon 140 Series (1991-1998)

Since 2002 Maybach has been defining new standards in the top league of high-end luxury saloons, whilst at the same time continuing the tradition of legendary Maybach vehicles which were part of the elite in the German and international automotive construction industry in the nineteen twenties and thirties of the last century. It is this challenging legacy that the luxury brand is carrying forward – in the form of an extensive facelift of the Maybach saloons, celebrating its premiere at Auto China 2010 in Beijing. The prestigious, tradition-steeped Maybach brand is consolidating its top position in the high-end luxury segment with a more striking design and even more extensive equipment and appointments.

“To create only the best from the best, a vehicle that is the ultimate in wish fulfilment, with a distinctive character of the finest elegance and power” – this is how a Maybach flyer dating back to 1930 declared the company’s aim, and it still applies at Maybach in its entirety to this day. This clear avowal of the extraordinary obliged Maybach to revise its high-end luxury saloons extensively and at a top level when it came to the latest facelift.

Striking, self-confident design

Following their facelift, the Maybach saloons shine with their self-confident, effortlessly superior, distinctive charisma. It is above all the new dominant chrome radiator grille that emphasises their exceptional status – it is meticulously crafted in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it is graced with 20 fine longitudinal bars and in the 57 S and 62 S Maybach models twelve solid double louvres with a “shadow strut” put the spotlight on the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher than before, have considerably larger dimensions, are positioned more upright and further forward in the direction of travel – clearly symbolising the self-confident status and effortlessly superior, striking appearance.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet with a higher front upper edge and given it sharply defined contours. It has a shaped edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped, more expressive and longer than previously. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look from the front. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise very well with the striking front. Their large mirror surface also means improved vision. Dark red tail lights of exquisite material quality complete with chrome embellishment, plus chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels painted in noble sterling silver. And all the models are available in the new, exclusively developed Bahamas Blue paint.

As a result of the facelift measures, the new Maybach saloons gain an extra 11 millimetres in length and 17 millimetres in width when the exterior mirrors are folded out.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

As one would expect, the Maybach MANUFAKTUR showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. As is the case with everything from Maybach, the utmost attention has been paid to every last detail. Every seam, every joint is perfectly executed, viewed from every angle this is a feast for the eyes, touching every single feature is a tactile delight – noblesse oblige.

There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours (Saona Beige for the Maybach 57 and 62, Whitehaven Beach and Kuril Islands for the Maybach 57 S and 62 S). They create an elegant, light and stimulating lighting mood – especially in conjunction with the unique electrotransparent panoramic glass sunroof in the models with a long wheelbase. It spans the roof liner above the rear passengers like an atrium, allowing light to flood the rear compartment and gives a rare degree of control over the illumination of the surroundings. It features a liquid crystal membrane of conductive polymer plastic. When an alternating current is

applied to it, the crystals in the plastic membrane are arranged in such a way that the glass becomes transparent and allows daylight into the rear of the Maybach 62 models over its entire area. As soon as the power is switched off, the liquid crystals lose their transparent arrangement again and the light is fragmented in all directions. The glass becomes nearly opaque and filters the daylight falling on it to produce a pleasant, diffused glow. This electrically operated transparency function is also used in most countries for the partition screen that can be ordered as an option.

An electrically driven sliding liner rounds off the luxurious lighting package. Its electroluminescent membrane can be switched on at the touch of a button when closed, emitting a pleasant, diffused light over its entire surface. A rotary switch in the rear console of the Maybach 62 models gives the rear passengers complete control over the illumination of the membrane and strength of the ambient lighting.

Some exquisite new additions have found their way into the large selection of trim available. There is now trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can also be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S models, underlining the refined ambience. As an alternative, a sporty touch comes in the form of carbon-fibre trim elements in new colours, among them silver and red.

Lovers of more compact vehicle dimensions will in future be able to enjoy the outstanding comfort afforded by the rear reclining seats – previously only available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase. With immediate effect this first-class armchair can also be installed on the passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models as an option. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping running round the seats can also be supplied in a hand-braided version with four fine, individual leather stripes or adorned with valuable CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements. In the upper part of the seat backrest, a redesigned badge in hand-polished 925 sterling silver with the embossed Maybach logo and “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an

impressive indication of the great love of detail, serving as a reminder of the prestigious ambience in which one is travelling.

The partition available as an option for the Maybach 62 and 62 S can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing. In these cases the highly qualified specialists at the Maybach Manufaktur first of all skilfully cut the desired motif from a film before affixing it to the partition. They then irradiate the exposed areas with diamond particles, so that a matt surface is created in the contours of the chosen motif.

A scented haven of wellbeing

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been extensively extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. This exquisite equipment detail – the only one of its kind anywhere in the world – represents a very special highlight indeed. At the touch of a button it produces a unique fragrant experience thanks to the use of sophisticated technology and high-quality perfume which discreetly, unobtrusively and gently stimulates the passengers’ senses. There is absolutely no comparison between this and other solutions containing concentrates or particulate matter.

At the heart of the system lies an internally illuminated Plexiglass sphere on the rear centre console, into which Maybach owners can insert a flacon containing a perfume they have personally selected. A compressor then directs a gentle flow of air into the Plexiglass sphere, fanning the flacon’s perfume molecules into the vehicle interior.

The perfume atomiser can be activated either from the driver’s seat or by means of a button in the rear centre console, with an additional thumbwheel in the rear for sensitive aroma control. The chosen fragrance gently wafts into the passenger compartment within ten to twelve seconds. On models with a partition screen, only the passengers in the rear are able to activate the atomiser.

The aroma experts took the particular biological characteristics of the human nose into consideration when designing the control mechanism. As it adjusts to smells in such a way that it no longer perceives them after a short while, the perfume atomiser switches off after about ten minutes. Once the system has switched off, the fragrance – which does not seep into the interior’s materials or the occupants’ clothes – quickly evaporates. Reactivating the atomiser later allows the fragrant experience to be enjoyed all over again.

Entertainment and electronics are state of the art

Entertainment galore comes courtesy of a new multiformat DVD player. It reads all important formats such as DVD-R/DVD-RW/CD-R/CD-RW, DVD video/video CD and CD-DA playback/MP3. As an option a large high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5‑inch monitors in the rear available until now. Sound in concert-hall quality is on tap in the form of a 600-watt sound system with 21 loudspeakers from renowned hi-fi specialist BOSE®.

As an option Maybach can now also install an overview camera in the vehicles with a partition and cinema screen. Rear passengers are then able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window. This creates an oasis of seclusion in which they can always enjoy total privacy.

An innovative WLAN router takes care of wireless internet access – even during the journey. As an alternative, mobile devices can also be connected via a cable to a LAN socket in order to reduce electromagnetic radiation in the interior. This sophisticated internet connection is unique in this vehicle segment and utilises the rapid transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. It is capable of serving three mobile devices such as laptops simultaneously, so now it is child’s play for Maybach owners to synchronise the data on their laptop with those on their computer at home or in the office, or to keep constant track of the current news via the internet, for instance. A mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality and voice transmission via the vehicle’s existing loudspeakers and microphones is also available as a further option.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the engineers at Maybach have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 6.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2) at the same time. The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, but consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Warranty covering eight years or 200,000 kilometres

To coincide with the facelift, Maybach has introduced a new warranty policy. With the country-specific Maybach service and warranty packages Excellent and Basic, service and warranty are covered up to a vehicle age of eight years or a mileage of 200,000 kilometres/125,000 miles. After this point the life-long mobility warranty applies.

The numerous different variants of the Maybach service and warranty package can be purchased at various points in time and extended again according to personal requirements, which means that it offers even more extensive cover in case of damage, plus calculable maintenance costs. A unique feature of the package is the fact that it includes, for example, replacements in case of wear such as paint, leather, wood, carpet and upholstery, as well as noise repairs. The Maybach experts use only genuine Maybach parts of the very highest quality, meaning that the Maybach is always in pristine condition. This facilitates the luxury saloons’ long-term value retention and is an advantage not to be underestimated when it comes to resale.

Maybach means: unique and masterful down to the last detail

The name Maybach has always been synonymous with the continuous striving for aesthetic appeal, perfection, elegance and the ultimate in comfort. This is why the luxury saloons from the Maybach Manufaktur are painstakingly crafted by hand with the utmost skill and care. At least 30 days pass between the time a Maybach leaves its birthplace in Sindelfingen and the point at which it is handed over to the customer. The owner is the receiver of an automotive dream with enviable levels of spaciousness, fitted with the very finest woods, the softest leather and deep-pile carpets. It is for this reason that many customers prefer to travel in the superior comfort the rear of a Maybach offers as opposed to a private jet – sometimes for distances of over 1000 kilo-metres.

It is thanks to the high standards which Maybach sets for both the exterior and the interior design of its high-end luxury saloons that Maybach vehicles boast a series of details which are unique even in this prestigious segment. The rear reclining seats, with their opulent first-class proportions, remain unrivalled. Up until now they were reserved for the Maybach models with a long wheelbase, but they can now also be fitted in the more compact variants. The large electrotransparent panoramic glass sunroof is also only available from Maybach.

In order to regulate the climate in the hugely spacious interior, the Maybach saloons are equipped with an unparalleled climate control system. The high-end luxury saloons are equipped with two leading-edge automatic climate control systems – one for the front section of the car and a separate second unit for the rear compartment. Sensors allow the air conditioning systems to respond to the temperature and air humidity, the intensity of the sun and the level of pollution in the outside air.

Further trademark characteristics of Maybach saloons are their very highly valued fine details such as the instrument display in the rear, the easy-close function for the doors in the passenger compartment with a closing procedure that is virtually silent, the extensive, state-of-the-art Rear Seat Entertainment System, the electronic intercom system and the electrohydraulic braking system with the additional priming and dry braking functions.

Like travelling in a sedan chair

Journeying in a Maybach means relaxing in peace and calm. If at all, noise from the road or airflow reaches the ears of the passengers as though from afar. The high-end luxury saloons from Sindelfingen possess nigh-on proverbial quiet-running characteristics. The smooth ride is all thanks to the carefully optimised, low natural body frequencies, a suspension with a hydraulic subframe and shock absorbers meticulously developed with enormous attention to detail. Also co-responsible for the exemplary smooth ride are the four-bearing propshaft, the differential with gears carefully ground-in by hand and the large wheels with tyres specially developed for the Maybach. Michelin had made no less than 27 tyre samples available just for the Maybach saloons, and it was only after lengthy tuning work that the best result was finally achieved.

But it is not only these major measures that turn the Maybach saloons into a blissfully peaceful haven reminiscent of a sedan chair. An equally important contribution is made by textile trim in the wheel arches, which dampen the clatter of stone chippings that are thrown up, acoustically dampened air ducts, in whose acoustically effective labyrinth sound waves become lost and an unusually long exhaust system – measuring six metres in length – which is characterised by multiple flexible decoupling. A total of 224 parts in every Maybach saloon boast superb acoustic effectiveness – such as the windows with acoustic film, which connects two panes, thus preventing them from vibrating, or 93 kilograms of function-optimised acoustic material.

And Maybach does not leave the task of achieving perfection at the highest level merely to intensive engineering work – this happens first and foremost in the Maybach Manufaktur itself. Only the very best specialists work here. Just as every single Maybach is individually equipped, they also treat each Maybach as an individual. And they add their signature to the certificate which belongs to every saloon, confirming the high quality of their work. This means that the Maybach is far from being an anonymous product – each employee is identifiable and takes personal responsibility. This also applies to the employees at the Manufaktur who are responsible for the final inspection. At the end of the process they test-drive the finished luxury car and subject it to meticulous scrutiny with their sensitive senses – an extensive procedure which Maybach prescribes for every single vehicle, and one which goes far beyond what is customary

Individualisation

Tailor-made individualisation is part of the recipe for success of the luxury Maybach brand. It offers its customers unique ways of customising the specification of its top-class saloons. The Manufaktur in Sindelfingen turns a whole host of special requests in reality: of crucial importance in the work performed are the materials and cutting-edge technologies used to offer an extraordinary visual and tactile experience. This is why the Maybach specialists repeatedly come up with superb new materials and paint finishes – many of them specially developed for Maybach and not available from any other vehicle manufacturer. One of the brand-new features is the option of having individual motifs included on the partition window.

With its flair for the extraordinary, its acute understanding of the perceptual capabilities of the senses and through continuous dialogue with its customers, the Maybach Manufaktur continuously expands its range of optional and customised extras in order to keep fulfilling the wishes and requirements of the automotive market’s most prestigious clientele. And it is for this reason that the luxury Maybach saloons will again be available with special protection after the facelift.