Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces Flagship S-Class Saloons, Including Maybach Version

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced two saloon models from its flagship S-Class family, because when you are well-off, you should be spoiled for choice. The saloon choices from Mercedes-Benz’s flagship family are the Mercedes-Benz S 450 L and the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 & S 650.

Mercedes-Benz S 450 L

The S 450 L is a long wheelbase version of the flagship sedan. It replaces the current S 400 h hybrid version available locally, and gets power (367 hp, 500 Nm) from a 3.0L V6 turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The official combined average fuel consumption is 8.4l/100km while 0 – 100 km/h is officially timed at 5.4 seconds.

Updates to the exterior of this facelifted S-Class include a new front grille with three twin vertical louvres in chrome, new front bumper with pronounced air intakes, redesigned lower rear bumper with integrated tailpipe trim, new crystal-look LED tail lamps, and new Multibeam LED headlamps with new daytime running light configuration.

Inside, the dashboard houses two new high-resolution 12.3″ diplays under one cover for a near seamless look. New also is the flat-bottomed Nappa leather steering wheel with Touch Control buttons that allow you to use swiping motions to access features in the infotainment system. The infotainment system can also be accessed with the touchpad with controller in the centre console or via the Linguatronic voice control. Voice control now includes the control of vehicle functions such as air conditioning, seat ventilation, seat massage, cabin lighting, and head-up display.

Other features include Active Distance Distronic and Active Steering Assist, which adjusts the vehicle speed before a bend or junction, Airmatic air suspension, 20″ AMG 10-spoke rims, Burmester surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, Thermotronic climate control, Air Balance fragrance and ioniser package, active parking assist, active rear seat belt buckle, rear beltbag and rear side airbags.

The Mercedes-Benz S 450 L has a retail price of RM699,888, with an option to choose it with the designo paint option for RM705,888 (on-the-road without insurance and before sales tax).

The S 450 L is also available at RM8,888* a month with a 3-year EaseCare Financing that includes Service Package, first year comprehensive motor insurance and Agility Financing which provides a guaranteed future value and flexible financing options.

* Based on 22.39% downpayment, 36-month tenure, 20,000 km per annum mileage, 0% NCD, LLnp, LLoP and windscreen coverage, private registration in Pen. Malaysia. Terms and conditions apply.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

If the S-Class is termed by Mercedes-Benz as the ‘pinnacle of luxury’, then the Mercedes-Maybach is the cherry on top. This pinnacle at the pinnacle of Mercedes luxury comes with a wheelbase that is 200 mm longer (3,365 mm) than the long wheelbase S-Class saloon, offering even more room in the rear for the luxurious Executive seats which feature 12 motors for more customised seat positions. The front passenger seat can be adjusted up to 77 mm forward, for more room at the rear to extend the footrest. This ‘Chauffeur’ package also includes the Easy Adjust luxury head restraints which allows the front passenger head restraint to fold down or be removed.

Adding to the comfort level provided by the interior (as well as to the attentiveness of the driver) is the Energizing comfort control suite which essentially is mood control, that could include massage and aromatherapy. To elaborate, the ‘Energizing’ suite controls climate control, fragrancing/ionisation (Air Balance feature), lighting mood, music/videos, massage, and seat heating and ventilation.

This suite works on the premise of having one dominant function while the other functions reinforce the desired effects of the selected programme. As an example, the Refresh programme delivers fresh air via the Thermotronic air pulsation function to help refresh on a long journey. This programme also utilises the Air Balance feature to simulate after-rain scent for a fresh feel. Additionally, the cabin’s ambience lighting changes to blue-green colours to suit the mood.

Likewise, the Vitality programme uses music as its dominant theme, with Comand Online activating the relevant music playlists with lively rhythms. The music is channeled through the Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system that boasts 27 speakers, 400W subwoofer and high-resolution tweeters, all with their own drive/amplifier electronics. And red is the theme for the ambience lighting.

The interior ambience can also be altered with Magic Sky Control which uses electrical charge to manipulate the particles in the 2-section panoramic sunroof glass to either let in light or darken to block it. Mercedes-Benz claims this is more effective than tinted glass and can reduce interior temperature by up to 10°C. When the vehicle is parked and the key is removed from the car, the glass will darken to prevent the interior from heating up.

The interior comes with two new exclusive colour combinations i.e. armagnac brown/black and savanna beige/black. The black Mayback Exclusive nappa leather upholstery can also be had with copper-, gold- or platinum-coloured contrasting topstitching. Also available are trim inserts in designo flowing lines Magnolia wood.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also a facelift and features a new front grille inspired by pinstriped suits, a Maybach logotype between the front louvres, and a new 20″ multi-spoke wheel design. There is choice of three other Maybach-exclusive 20″ wheel designs as well as the option for a two-tone exterior paint finish; up to nine colour combinations are available upon request. The double clear coat is also available as a new option for all dark colours to give a piano lacquer effect and an impression of depth. This will be applied by hand by trained varnishers at Maybach Manufaktur.

Powering the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 is a 4.0L V8 bi-turbo with 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque, while the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 uses a 6.0L V12 with 630 hp and 1,000 Nm. 0 – 100 km/h acceleration times are 4.9 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively.

Assisting the motion of the Mercedes-Maybach are Magic Body Control which combines active suspension with continuously adjustable dampers as well as Road Surface Scan. Road Surface Scan uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead to predict oscillations and then optimise the damping adjustment of each wheel according to the road surface. Further, the curve inclination function enables the body of the vehicle to lean inwards by up to 2.65° on bends to significantly reduce the perceived lateral forces while increasing subjective driving pleasure on winding roads.

In addition, Night View Assist Plus highlights to the driver when it detects pedestrians and larger animals in the dark and recognises it as a potentially hazardous situation. This system illuminates the road within the distance of the high-beam headlamp, with two anti-dazzle infrared lamps, and displays the image in the cockpit display. A thermal imaging camera supports this by distinguishing objects such as traffic signs or shrubbery from pedestrians or large animals. Upon detection, the pedestrian or animal will be flashed several times by the spotlight function to raise awareness of the situation for both the driver and pedestrian/animal.

Other features include ten airbags (including in the rear seat belts), mini chiller, stowable rear trays, and the Mayback badge in various locations. The Mercedes-Maybach starts from RM1.4 million (on-the-road without insurance or sales tax).