Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet Teased Ahead of LA Auto Show Debut

For most people, the level of exquisite craftsmanship displayed by the interior of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet would be enough, but there are those one percenters that seek more. Of course, in the end, it's not the quality of the materials or the execution they're mostly after, but the prestige and exclusivity brought by the Maybach brand.

Ever since Mercedes decided to kill the Maybach we knew that used to build its own stand-alone models, expanding the range further than the mandatory limousine started to make sense. That's why we know get to see a teaser video for the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet, the convertible that will take the fight to the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe.

The video isn't very revealing, but then again you would know what to expect. The exterior design will remain the same bar for some more extensive use of chrome and the Maybach badges. It's on the inside where the real difference is made, even though there won't be any design changes here either. Just very expensive quilted and perforated leather and a dashboard insert that seems taken straight out of Steinway piano.

The video suggests the S650 Cabriolet will launch with a limited edition of which only 300 cars will be made, but what exactly will separate them from the rest remains a mystery.

Just like the limousine, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet will be powered by the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine good for 523 hp and 612 lb-ft (830 Nm). That means it will display the kind of effortless power you would expect from a car of its standing.

Rumors of a second version that uses the older 4.7-liter V8 engine have not been confirmed, and even though they might be right, we don't see the point in it. It's not like Maybach customers need a more affordable entry version. Besides, they will always get pointed at and hear whispers of "bah, he couldn't buy the more expensive Maybach," which might be enough to drive them toward suicide.