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2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600: The Wolf of Wall Street in Detroit

Technically speaking, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is not a debut, but it's still one of the most interesting cars at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Forget the Chevy Volt and its Prius-fighting attitude, the S600 is all the car in the world anybody could ever ask for.
2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 36 photos
Photo: Andrei Tutu
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The uber-S-Class was actually revealed last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show. However, the Chinese actually got to see it a few hours before us because hey, business seems to be booming over there. In any case, the slogan Mercedes uses to promote the car is "The Choice of a Gentleman." but that's just absurd, since no gentleman would ever buy a V12 stretch limo. That's why we suggest an alternative title:

Maybach V12: The Wolf of Wall Street

Remember how Leo drove a Countach and a red Testarossa in the movie? I bet he would have loved an Maybach S600 as well because it's such an awesome German car.

As some of you may already know, the Maybach brand has stopped selling 57 and 62 models altogether and is now offering derivatives of the new S-Class, which is probably all for the better. Three powertrain versions exist, the S400, which is powered by a twin-turbo V6 and is designed for the Chinese buyers, the S500 and this, the S600 flagship.

A 6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine powers this mighty Merc, delivering in its US-spec configuration an output of 523-hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. That's about as much power as that Countach, isn't it Leonardo?

Acceleration from 0 to 60 takes a brisk 5 seconds, but the top speed is unfortunately limited to 130 miles per hour.

The first impression we got on the show floor of the Detroit Auto Show is that Maybach is now just another flavor of the S-Class, which you can also order as an AMG, a plug-in hybrid or a long wheelbase model.

Metaphor? The S-Class Long is a Prime Porterhouse beef roast and the Maybach is that plus gold leaf and truffles!

New interior trim and sound system

Mercedes has clearly emphasized the interior of this car, which is where all the magic happens. The S600 presented at the show was covered in cream leather and brushed aluminum trim.

An interesting highlight came in the from of a new back wood trim. It's not one of those traditional African natural fibers like Mozambique Ebony, more of a modern design with white stripes, like the one used by Audi on the A7 and through the Exclusive premium line.

There's also a new Burmester 3D surround system, which is kind of a big deal. tweeters in the rear doors that “spiral” towards passengers, which for us made it the focal point of the whole car. Pretty much everything is done for the sake of rear passenger comfort, as you can demand Maybach to fit articulated tables, cooling and warming cup holders and footrests built into the front seats' backs.

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 will launch in America in April as a 2016 model year. Expect pricing to start from $200,000, not that anybody would ever order a stock model.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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