Mercedes confirms return of the Maybach name on plush S-class

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed it will bring back the Maybach name on a new V12-powered extra-long-wheelbase version of the S-class.

The plush upper luxury class saloon, which is planned to make its world debut at the upcoming Guangzhou and Los Angeles motor shows in China and the US, goes under the name Mercedes-Maybach S600 and is planned to compete in a segment of the market occupied by the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost .

Conceived to fill a void in the German car maker’s line-up created by the axing of the Maybach brand and its 57 and 62 models, the first model from the new created Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand will be differentiated from other S-class models by a series of subtle exterior details, including a more stately styled grille and lengthened rear doors.

Inside, the new model features a newly designed interior featuring individual electronically adjustable rear seats similar to those used by the earlier Maybach 57 and 62.

Power for the Mercedes-Maybach S600 hails from a revised version of the company’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 produced at AMG.

The range-topping saloon forms the basis of an larger S600 Pullman model featuring an even longer wheelbase and seating for up to six due to be unveiled in 2015.

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 will be the only variant coming to the UK when it goes on sale next spring. Official prices will be revealed on 18 December, but it is expected that the car will command a premium of around £10,000-15,000 over the standard Mercedes S600 L, putting the price at around £154,000 (Rs 1.5 crore).

Ola Källenius, executive vice-president of sales and marketing, said: "As with the AMG sub-brand, we have a pricing model on top of the standard S-class. I believe you will be surprised how much vehicle you will get for your money."

Two other engine variants will be offered in other markets. The S500 will be powered by a V8 Biturbo, while the all-wheel-drive S500 4Matic has a V6 engine and is aimed squarely at the Chinese market. A version using a hybrid powertrain isn't currently planned, but Källenius didn't rule it out completely for the future.