The Peak of Automotive Perfection: Mercedes-Benz Unveils Maybach Design Study
22 October 1997
The Peak of Automotive Perfection: Mercedes-Benz Unveils Maybach Design Study
TOKYO, Oct. 22 -- The Mercedes-Benz Maybach Design Concept
unveiled at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show provides a glimpse of the technology and
features that the carmaker might incorporate into an ultra-luxury model in the
near future. At the same time, the car draws on the rich heritage of
Mercedes-Benz as a maker of ultra-luxury cars. Even the name Maybach reaches
to the past for inspiration.
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach Concept reaffirms the carmaker's commitment to
build the best vehicles in every segment in which it competes, from the small
A-Class urban commuter to a large "absolute luxury" vehicle class. While the
current Mercedes-Benz S-Class range of sedans leads the premium luxury segment
in terms of technology, room and features, the Maybach Design Concept takes
luxury to an even higher level.
The Maybach name goes back nearly as far in automotive history as Daimler
and Benz. Wilhelm Maybach was instrumental in the design of the first Daimler
gasoline engine. He later started his own car company, specializing in large,
elegant luxury models, the most famous of which was the 12-cylinder Maybach
Zeppelin of the 1930s. Maybach Motoren GmbH has been a part of the Daimler-
Benz group since 1961.
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach came about as the result of extensive research,
including interviews with current owners and analysis of emerging trends.
This research was conducted by the Daimler-Benz Advanced Design Centers in the
United States and Japan, which collaborated on the design of the Maybach. One
notable trend they studied was the growing use of chauffeur-driven vehicles,
particularly in Asian markets.
Timeless Design Reflects Luxury Heritage
The Maybach Design Concept echoes themes one might expect to find in a
large and elegant chauffeur-driven sedan. The exterior design, while striking
with its two-tone paint scheme and fine metal fittings, is not ostentatious.
Chrome is used to highlight the shape of the car, while a luminescent side
molding, adjustable for brightness, emphasizes horizontal motion.
The Mercedes Maybach Design Concept is larger than any current production
Mercedes-Benz passenger car. It is built on a 139.4-inch wheelbase, which is
15.8 inches longer than the 123.6-inch wheelbase of the S-Class sedans. At
227.2 inches bumper-to-bumper, the Maybach Design Concept is 22 inches longer
than the Mercedes S-Class sedans, but shorter than most conventional
limousines. The Maybach stands 61 inches tall, compared to 58.6 inches for
the S-Class, and its 76.8-inch width is 2.4 inches greater than the S-Class.
In the Mercedes tradition, the Maybach Design Concept is extremely space-
efficient, making it feel as roomy as larger limousines. In addition,
Mercedes has revealed with the Maybach advanced lightweight construction
materials, including fiber composites, aluminum and magnesium.
The Ultimate In Luxury
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach Design Concept is designed to provide the
ultimate luxury experience for passengers. The interior offers sumptuous
seating and trim and the possibility of build-to-order custom equipment.
Passengers of the Maybach can even control ambient light inside the car. The
electrochromic glass roof allows control over how much light enters the car,
and can be set to respond to changing outdoor conditions.
Passengers riding in the rear of the Maybach Design Concept are treated to
electrically adjustable reclining seats and an onboard bar for hot and cold
drinks. Located between the front seats, the bar features three different
serving areas, each of which can be electrically controlled. The compartment
for hot drinks provides tea, coffee and fine porcelain. In addition, a "cool
box" located under a folding armrest in the rear can accommodate a bottle of
wine or champagne. For cigar aficionados, there is a humidor made of walnut
and root wood between the rear seats.
A full complement of electronic equipment gives the Mercedes Maybach
unique business and entertainment capabilities. For convenience, there are
fold-down tables located under the armrests of the rear doors. The integrated
communications and audio system features three telephones, including a
dedicated data line. There is a portable computer in the glovebox, which can
be used at any seating position. The computer terminal communicates with a
central unit using infrared technology, eliminating the need for cables.
A thin-profile 20-inch LCD screen (just two inches deep) is suspended from
the roof between the driver and the front passenger. Passengers can use it to
view television programs, DVD video, or tapes from the onboard VCR. They can
even play computer games.
The Mercedes Maybach music system features both a CD changer and minidisc
player. Rear seat passengers can control all audio, video and communication
functions using six-inch touch-sensitive screens mounted on the B-pillars.
The finishing touch of luxury can be found in the trunk of the Mercedes
Maybach Design Concept: two color-coded golf bags, each with a full set of
professional-caliber clubs.
The Mercedes Maybach driver's needs have not been ignored. In addition to
pleasure of the surrounding luxury, the driver is provided with an advanced
instrument panel that conveys just the information he or she requires. The
panel is a mini screen divided into normal instrument functions (speedometer,
odometer, fuel and temperature gauges), a field for warning messages and
current weather and traffic reports and a screen that displays, via video
camera, the view to the rear for parking safety.
Latest In Mercedes Safety Technology
The Maybach Design Concept features the latest in Mercedes safety
technology, and a glimpse at the future. The high-tech front lighting is
unlike anything in production today, and automatically adapts to road and
weather conditions. When the lights change intensity, they do so by a "fade-
over," rather than an abrupt change. For safety in traffic, the taillight
intensity adjusts to ambient lighting conditions, ensuring maximum visibility
to other drivers.
The Maybach Design Concept incorporates Brake Assist, the newest Mercedes
safety advance which is featured on many of its 1998 passenger cars. Brake
Assist can detect a panic stop and apply full brake force automatically, more
quickly than the driver could. In the Maybach, when Brake Assist is engaged,
the brake lights glow more brightly than normal to alert drivers following
behind of an emergency condition ahead. The light segments use LED
technology, which react to brake inputs much faster than conventional lights.
The Performance, Handling And Ride Expected Of The Ultimate Mercedes
While full details of its powertrain have not been revealed, the Mercedes
Maybach Design Concept lives up to its rich heritage. The engine is a V12,
just under six liters in displacement and sharing the innovative three-valve,
twin-spark technology of the new Mercedes-Benz V6 for efficiency and low
emissions. There is also a cylinder cut-out function to maximize fuel
efficiency.
The Mercedes Maybach does not compromise handling response, which the
carmaker has always considered an integral safety component of its vehicles.
For the best ride quality and handling response possible, the Mercedes Maybach
Design Concept incorporates an Active Body Control chassis. Instead of
springs at each wheel, there are hydraulic cylinders, which generate counter-
forces in response to wheel load.
The advanced suspension system provides flat cornering, outstanding
handling response and, befitting a car of this type, an uncannily smooth ride.
The suspension can be adjusted, depending on passenger preference. A computer
constantly monitors all suspension and body motion and matches them to target
values.
In summary, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach Design Study demonstrates that
Mercedes-Benz, while entering a wide range of new market segments, intends to
remain the indisputable leader in premium luxury automobiles. The Maybach is
a realistic and feasible study of the ultimate luxury vehicle of the near
future.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
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