Photos by John Grafman
The first cabriolet from the Mercedes-Maybach brand is celebrating its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This limited-production model, limited to 300 examples worldwide and to just 75 units in the U.S., includes high-end appointments in the interior make up part of the vehicle’s special characteristics. In the US market three attractive themes will be available for this exclusive cabriolet: Zircon Red paint with Porcelain / Black interior, Cote d’Azur Blue paint with Porcelain / Saddle Brown interior and designo Diamond White paint with Porcelain / Yacht Blue Interior – plus hand-finished craftsmanship of the leather seats with perforations in a waterfall-style look. The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet is powered by a 6.0L V12 biturbo engine with an output of 621 hp.
A glimpse into the future of the Mercedes-Maybach brand was provided by the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, which celebrated its European premiere at the Paris Motor Show just a few weeks ago. This is now being followed by the Mercedes- Maybach S650 Cabriolet, a series production model which, with its ultimate open- air exclusivity, embodies modern luxury and represents the design philosophy of Sensual Purity: it is both hot and cool at the same time. Worldwide just 300 examples of this open-top four-seater model will be produced.
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 is based on the open-top S-Class and has adopted the latter’s classic aesthetic proportions, among other features, with highlights which include the dynamic silhouette with coupe-like soft top and the sidewall dropping line which slopes down towards the rear. Exclusive Mercedes-Maybach features include a new front bumper with upgraded lower section and also numerous chrome highlights to visibly enhance the overall exclusivity of this cabriolet. The Maybach emblem is elegantly featured on the vehicle’s fender. Other special elements on the exterior include high-quality 20-inch Maybach forged wheels in a powerful design and a bichromatic finish. Upon opening the doors, the Maybach logo is projected onto the floor by means of entrance lighting.
Interior theme: “Everything flows”
In the interior, the fully leather-trimmed Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet brings some of the visionary ideas of the Concept S-Class Coupe show car (IAA 2013) to series production. These include dynamic “flowing lines” found in the seats. This waterfall-like seat upholstery layout is achieved with the aid of progressive perforations. An eye for detail is also demonstrated in the outer diamond quilting on the seat side bolsters.
The unique trim elements are commissioned individually for each vehicle based on the selected color and grain. In addition to trim on the instrument panel and door paneling, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet exclusively boasts a trim element on top of the convertible top compartment with inlaid Maybach logo. Two of the three Maybach Cabriolet configurations feature “flowing lines” trim. In combination with the other trim elements, a unique yacht ambience is created – inspired by the Mercedes-Benz Style “Arrow 460-Granturismo” yacht.
The flowing lines are generated by a combination of precision machining and traditional craftsmanship. As part of this, a substrate beneath the fine wood veneer of the trim element is exposed in a special process using a fine milling. The individually milled lines follow the shape of the trim, thus creating a three- dimensional effect.
Mercedes-Maybach logos are located on the front side of the seats (embroidered), on the back of the head restraints (embossed) and also inlaid in the stowage cover of the center console. Other details include deep-pile floor mats, chrome-plated “1 of 300” lettering on the cup holder, and the steering wheel which features Maybach lettering on the lower bezel.
Three themes for ultimate exclusivity
In the US market, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet will be available in three exclusive configurations:
- Zircon Red exterior paint with a Porcelain / Black interior, Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines trim and a black soft top
- Cote d’Azur Blue exterior paint with a Porcelain / Saddle Brown interior, Magnolia Nut Brown trim and a beige soft top
- designo Diamond White exterior paint with a Porcelain / Yacht Blue interior, Magnolia Nut Brown Flowing Lines trim and a dark blue soft top
Elegant items of luggage: color-coordinated to match the interior variant
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet is equipped as standard with an exclusive travel luggage set from MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY. “THE AFFINITY” set comprises two large travel bags as well as two lifestyle bags made of original vehicle leather. In terms of form and color – which are coordinated with the interior variant selected by the customer – the bag set is tailored to match the Cabriolet. The bags can be securely attached to each other with straps to enable optimum use of the space in the trunk. Polished and chrome-plated “1 of 300” lettering serves to highlight the level of exclusivity.
Just like the vehicles from Mercedes-Maybach, the elegant items of luggage from the license partner MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY GmbH meet high standards in terms of design, materials and manufacturing.
Supplied as standard: exclusive fabric cover and certificate
Each Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet includes a car cover made of high-quality fabric that matches the soft top color, with diamond quilting and an embroidered Maybach emblem.
In addition, each Mercedes-Maybach Cabriolet is delivered with a special welcome pack. This comprises a key ring made of the same nappa leather used in the vehicle’s interior, with a Maybach emblem and “1 of 300” lettering, as well as a certificate signed by Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The powertrain: a fitting biturbo V12
The luxury cabriolet’s superior drive system relies on the 6.0L V12 biturbo engine with an output of 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque@ 2,300-4,300. Power is transferred to the rear axle courtesy of the Mercedes-developed 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, while an AIRMATIC suspension with steplessly variable damping control ensures a special, comfortable driving sensation. Top speed is 155 mph.
Mercedes-Maybach: innovative strength fused with exclusivity
Mercedes-Maybach stands for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality for status-oriented customers. The current vehicles include the Mercedes-Maybach S550 4MATIC, which launched the summer of 2016 and the S600, which launched in the summer of 2015, which blend the innovative strength of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach.
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