Take Mercedes-Benz's already uber-luxurious S550 flagship and then cram in more... well... everything and you'll be left standing curbside with the new Mercedes-Maybach S600. It's longer, more powerful, and most importantly, perhaps the most opulent vehicle to wear the three-pointed star.
The V-12 powered drive
The standard S-Class' turbo V-8 is replaced with a 6.0-liter biturbo V-12 engine during the transformation from Mercedes-Benz to Mercedes-Maybach. Output is stated at 523 horsepower and 612 effortless pound-feet of torque. The larger engine, however, is mated to the same seven-speed automatic transmission that still sends the torque exclusively to the rear wheels.
Direct injection and an Eco Stop-Start anti-idling system help the S600 achieve an EPA estimated 13 city mpg and 20 highway mpg. That's not bad for a land yacht that measures over 17 feet from bumper to bumper, but not good enough to avoid getting slapped with a $1,700 Gas Guzzler Tax before the bottom line.
View full gallery (42 Photos)
The V-12's acceleration is effortless and smooth once under way. Around town, the buttery engine is nearly inaudible from the cabin. When stretching its legs, the V-12 delivers a nearly constant surge of torque, interrupted only for the briefest moments when the seven-speed transmission changes ratios. The engine never feels taxed or strained, but sometimes it seems like it won't be rushed. Off the line, there's an odd hesitation between pedal tip-in and the Maybach sluggishly responding moments later. This is particularly annoying when combined with the lag generated by the stop-start system. It's as if Mercedes has engineered a surly valet into the limousine's programming that will simply not be rushed, however it's more likely that this overly smooth start has into the Maybach S600's programming to keep the ride smooth for the VIPs in the back seats.
Perhaps the feature that works hardest to keep the Mercedes-Maybach's ride smooth is the Magic Body Control air suspension. The dampers soak up bumps with immense poise and, along with the well-insulated chassis, almost completely smoothes out small imperfections in the road such as cracks and unfinished pavement. The system also offers a bit of ride-height adjustment that can raise the body over larger bumps and obstructions, and even self-levels to keep the chassis as flat as the laws of physics will allow during hard cornering.
Those pampered driven
Driving a Mercedes-Maybach S600 is an interesting experience, but this is a car for those who prefer to be driven. Yes, the front buckets feature heated and ventilated surfaces, active bolsters that cradle the occupant during cornering, and multiple customizable massage programs. But the two power adjustable back seats are even more appealing.
Since I couldn't drive and be driven at the same time, I decided to spend my time with the Maybach S600 shuttling my friends around the San Francisco Bay Area, sort of like an impromptu Uber driver, so that the second row didn't go to waste. What followed was a whole lot of "Oh my god, these seats!" and "This carpet is nicer than what's in my apartment!"
View full gallery (42 Photos)
Our example was equipped with the optional $1,950 Executive Rear Seat PLUS package which basically transforms the S-Class rear seat into first-class airline seating. A large center console divides the rear bench into a pair of power-adjustable, reclining bucket seats and hides heated and cooled cupholders and a pair of fold-out tables to hold the occupants' laptops, papers, or glasses of champagne. (We also had an optional $1,100 refrigerator box that tucks between those seats that could keep the bubbly chilled.) The rear seats feature fold-out ottomans and a pair of remote controls to access the standard rear seat entertainment screens permanently mounted on the front seats' backs.
While reclined, rear seat passengers can enjoy a clear view of the sky through the panoramic glass roof or electro-chromatically dim skylight at the touch of a button when the $4,950 Magic Sky Control option is present. That one got a lot of "oohs" and "aahs" and "How the heck did you do that?!" Of course, the skylight, rear side, and backlight can also be completely obscured with motorized fabric shades when darkness or privacy is desired.
All around the cabin, the Mercedes-Maybach features full-LED interior lighting with color customizable ambient light themes that could change from blue to red to white at the touch of a button and adjust in intensity. Even our noses were treated thanks to a $115 cabin atomizer fragrance option that fills the cabin air with the slightest hint of perfume.
View full gallery (42 Photos)
The Good The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600's V-12 engine and adaptive suspension elevate the already comfortable S-Class chassis to effortless levels of power
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 review - CNET
The Good The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600's V-12 engine and adaptive suspension elevate the already comfortable S-Class chassis to effortless levels of power and
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Review
And the 2016 Mercedes-M
On the road: 2016 Mercedes Maybach S600
The Maybach name is back, denoting an ultra-high-end S Class model. Brian Cooley drives it and checks the tech.
2016 Mercedes Maybach S600: Sublime and a bit ridiculous ...
Watch the video 2016 Mercedes Maybach S600: Sublime and a bit ridiculous (CNET On Cars, Watch the video 2016 Mercedes Maybach S600: Sublime and a bit ridiculous
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 review - LeftLane News
Review: 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Overview; Specifications; Build & Price; Review; Get A Quote; 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Base Price, $189,350. As tested, $196,535.
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Review - Motor Trend
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Review The Luxury Game: Everyone Plays, But Few Score. By Angus MacKenzie | Photos By Robin Trajano | August 27, 2015 | 19.
2016 Mercedes Maybach S600: Sublime and a bit ridiculous ...
Watch the video 2016 Mercedes Maybach S600: Sublime and a bit ridiculous (CNET On Cars, Episode 66) on Yahoo News . Maybach S600 transports us to the 1 percent side
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Review - AutoGuide.com News
The Verdict: 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Review Formerly called the M-Class, Mercedes is introducing its 2016 iteration as the GLE-Class.
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600: First Drive Review - Autotrader
New Car Review 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600: First Drive The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 revives name and badge 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600: First Drive Review
