You know the Mercedes-Benz S600, the top-of-the-range sedan from one of the world's greatest automakers. The roominess of Montana, the solidity of Buckingham Palace, enough electronics to embarrass a 767, and the extravagant muscle of a 550-horsepower V-12. Truly, an overwhelming machine--and priced at what to many is an overwhelming $115,865.
Now imagine the Mercedes you'd have if you multiplied that sticker by three.
If you find it difficult to picture a $350,000 conveyance that doesn't have a rudder--just wait. This May, at some 75 specially selected Mercedes dealerships across the U.S., DaimlerChrysler will introduce two all-new models that raise the luxury-performance bar so high, you'll need to hire a Sherpa to see it.
Don't call them Mercedes. The two new sedans, called the 57 and the 62, carry hood ornaments bearing double Ms. The letters stand for Maybach Manufaktur, a new DC brand that pays homage to German engineers Wilhelm Maybach and his son, Karl, who formed a company that from 1919 to 1941 produced some of the world's finest sedans. Daimler-Benz acquired a majority stake in the firm in 1960. The new Maybach (pronounced my-bock) is DC's bid to out-excess Rolls-Royce, which is now owned by BMW, and Bentley, the property of VW, in the mega Grey Poupon leagues.
What does $350K get you? Think "custom-made." Buyers can visit the new Maybach Center of Excellence in Sindelfingen, Germany, and choose from an array of exterior colors, glove-soft leathers, gorgeous woods, and pampering options. Each Maybach dealer also will offer a computerized outfitting system that previews 3D renderings of your choices on a plasma TV.
Picture "hotel suite"--and a five-star one, at that. Passengers are treated to a standard video system (including DVD player, TV receiver, and two 9.5-inch flat screens), a Bose-engineered Dolby surround-sound audio system with 21 speakers and 600 watts of power, two cell-phones, and pop-out writing desks. In the 62, buyers also can opt for an electro-transparent panoramic roof that adjusts from clear to fully opaque. After we discovered the available rear-seat refrigerator, we joked to Maybach Brand Manager Wayne Killen, "What? No cigar humidor?"
Killen didn't even blink: "That's available as an option."
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