For heads of state, oil magnates and other very wealthy dignitaries, Mercedes-Benz is the planet’s leading purveyor of chauffeur-driven limousines that exude world-class luxury and quality right from the factory floor. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original S600 Pullman limo, Mercedes offers a brand-new model for 2016 bearing the Maybach nameplate, which the German brand now applies to its most exclusive models.
The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman will start at 500,000 Euros – around US $560,000 – when it goes on sale in Europe later this year, with a U.S. release date closely behind. Those familiar with the newest-generation S-Class large luxury sedan will recognize the Pullman’s stately presence immediately, but this car’s sheer size cannot be appreciated until it is seen in person. At 21.3 feet long, the limo is 2 feet longer than even Mercedes’s own G63 AMG, a 6×6 six-wheel-drive off-road monster, and will be the longest car available on the market. It is also 3.9 inches taller than the S-Class sedan, adding to headroom and an overall stately presence.
Interior Accommodations Fit For Royalty
An interior swathed in hand-tooled leather covering every available surface will come with seating for four occupants. The two executive-class rear seats can recline to angles between 19 and 43.5 degrees, and are set back toward the rear of this long-wheelbase model such that their occupants are completely hidden from view even when the rear doors are open. Each of these two chairs features any number of power-operated settings with a memory function for individual passengers, including separate adjustments for the backrest, headrest, lateral support and extendable footrest.
The other two seating positions are rear-facing, perfect for interpreters along for the ride, and can fold down when not in use with an option to delete them completely. The power privacy glass that separates passengers from their chauffer can be raised and lowered, also featuring the ability to switch from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.
The primary occupants can survey roof-mounted analog gauges for speed, ambient temperature and a clock while enjoying entertainment options thanks to an electronic power-folding 18.5-inch LCD screen. Mercedes will also offer one of two available Burmester sound systems, plus bespoke entertainment and business productivity options tailored to individual clients, including an in-car high-speed data connection to be used as a WiFi hotspot.
Powertrain
For a vehicle with this much size and heft, Mercedes has chosen its venerable twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 AMG engine. Much to the delight of those who will actually be driving the limousine, this ultra-smooth high-displacement engine makes 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque, which should bring 0-60 mph acceleration in under 6 seconds. The German firm makes no note of fuel efficiency, but with this much bulk to move around, it will likely be a woefully low figure of little import to those who can afford a limo costing more than half a million dollars.
U.S. Availability
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly still working with U.S. regulators to get the Maybach Pullman approved for on-road duty. High-ranking U.S. politicians tend to prefer their Cadillacs and Lincolns, but in the private sector, at least a handful of billionaires are surely eagerly awaiting the car’s release.
