While we all dream of luxury, it does mean different things to different people across all socio-economic strata levels.

Possibly best illustrated by the hilarious Monty Python sketch ‘Four Yorkshiremen’, the pursuit of luxury is a human trait but, in the very rarefied air of the mega-luxury classes it does take on an almost fantasy level.

Playing in that atmosphere, the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is particularly suitable for chauffeured driving. The 18 cm longer wheelbase compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear.

This is underlined by even more refined appointments where, for example, the massage function of the calfrests on the Executive seats is a new feature as is the neck/shoulder heating.

It also comes with special noise-cancelling technology to make the interior of the cabin alboslutely silent so Daddy Warbucks in the back can concentrate on making his next billions while being smoothly whooshed off home or to the next meeting.

On request, the appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with dividing line. This is applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria.

Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with fine, vertical chrome pinstripes. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class also differs from its brother models when viewed from the side: the rear doors are wider, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight.

On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be equipped with electrically operated comfort rear doors. With this feature, the wide rear doors can be conveniently opened and closed with little force even on a gradient. Integration into the infotainment and control system MBUX and Blind Spot Assist ensures a high level of operating convenience and additional safety. The rear doors can also be operated from the driver’s seat – an important function when chauffeur- driven.

Digital Light technology headlamp technology (optional equipment) allows completely new functions, such as the projection of marking aids or warning symbols onto the road ahead. In each headlamp, Digital Light has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1,3-million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2,6-million pixels a vehicle.

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is based on the completely new interior design of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The large areas of trim on the front seats are a new feature in the Mercedes-Maybach.

High-quality wood surrounds encase the rear of the front seat backrests, giving the impression of generous lounge seats and, if the First-Class Rear is specified, a similar area of trim is positioned between the two rear passengers.

Rear passengers in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are now have seat belt extenders. The belt extender is an indirect invitation to fasten the belt, and also makes the process more convenient. It is no longer necessary to move from an adopted, comfortable seating position to fasten the belt. The belt extender is integrated into the adjustable backrest of the Executive seat, and therefore always in the right position for the passenger.

Adaptive rear lighting is celebrating its premiere in the Mercedes-Maybach. This follows the wishes of the occupants in several respects: as well as the brightness, the size and position of the light spot can be adjusted. There is also a wide adjustment range between precise working light and relaxing lounge light.

The second generation of learn-capable MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) introduced in 2018 has its debut in the new S-Class. The feature of MBUX is its networking with a wide range of vehicle systems and sensor data. Brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can also be equipped with MBUX Interior Assist in the rear.

During severe frontal collisions, the rear crash bag included as standard can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seat belt wearing occupants on the outer rear seats. The frontal bag for the rear seat deploys particularly gently thanks to its innovative construction using a tubular structure.

Thanks to rear-axle steering (optional equipment), the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is easy to manoeuvre even in dense city traffic. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to ten degrees. It reduces the turning circle of the S-Class by up to two metres.

Even better ride comfort and agility, as well as innovative functions such as raising the vehicle body in a lateral crash, are provided by the E-Active Body Control active suspension, which is combined with the standard Airmatic air suspension. It is able to control the spring and damper forces at each wheel individually. Together with Road Surface Scan and the curve inclination function Curve, E-Active Body Control makes an extraordinary level of comfort possible.

It is expected that initially in Germany and from the second half of 2021, the Mercedes-Maybach will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode with the new Drive Pilot (optional equipment) in situations where traffic density is high or in tailbacks on suitable motorway sections. By taking pressure off the driver, this allows him/her to undertake secondary activities such as surfing the web or attending to emails in the In-Car Office. This allows a more effective use of time.

Interesting facts & figures:

• The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has an 18-centimetre longer wheelbase than the long Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 3 396 instead of 3 216 millimetres.

• The active ambience lighting has a total of 253 LEDs.

• The counter-phased audio signals of the active road noise compensation must reach the human ear within around three milliseconds to overlay the road noise generated by the vehicle.

• The temperature of the optional refrigeration compartment in the rear armrest is adjustable from +1 to +7 °C.

• With the Chauffeur package, the backrest of the front passenger seat can be tilted forward by 23° beyond the 90° position. The longitudinal and height adjustment of the seat creates more legroom in the rear.

• The maximum backrest angle of the Executive Seats is 43,5°. The most upright backrest position of 19° allows relaxed working in the rear.

• Painstaking application of the optional two-tone paint finish in the special paintshop can take up to 1 week.

• When fully equipped, and if Pre-Safe  Impulse Side and the beltbags are included, the interior of the Mercedes- Maybach has a total of 18  crash bags.

And yet, it has the ugliest wheels I’ve ever seen.

“With the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, we are emphasising the progressive, modern approach of its exclusive product portfolio shortly before the 100th anniversary of Mercedes-Maybach automobiles,” says Dirk Fetzer, head of Mercedes-Maybach product management.

“As they did then, today’s customers have high expectations of their exclusivity and individuality, elegant design and first-class standard of finish, all based on the very latest technology. Especially with respect to comfort, safety and design, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has unique selling features in the hotly contested luxury segment.”