S-Class [Official] Mercedes-Maybach Pullman (VV222)

[KiwiRob]

So what about the 6 door, will there be one, because the spy photos certainly showed a 6 door. I prefer this if they knocked the frilly crap off, with standard bumpers, less flashy allows it would look better than the Pullman

 

[SCOTT27]

Pretty cool really. It makes much more practical use of its length than the old Maybach 62 did.

I wonder if the next EWB Phantom will also offer folding jumps seats.

The Phantom utilises either individual seats or indeed a single bench which wraps around the C-Pillars to make you think you are sitting in a prestigious living room what with deep carpets that you can kick off your shoes and allow your feet to sink into the depth of the pile.

Feedback for RR against the Maybach showcases a lack of interest for something similar, some owners feel when they step from a jet from a long flight the last thing they want to do is to board another jet. Some liken the rear to be the equivalent of sitting in a Nouveau-Riche dentist.
But that is Maybachs repertoire for luxury and that is what a Maybach customer wants and they are welcome to it.

 

[Merc1]

^ I get that. Totally different theme/presentation.

M

 

[Monster]

The Phantom utilises either individual seats or indeed a single bench which wraps around the C-Pillars to make you think you are sitting in a prestigious living room what with deep carpets that you can kick off your shoes and allow your feet to sink into the depth of the pile.

Feedback for RR against the Maybach showcases a lack of interest for something similar, some owners feel when they step from a jet from a long flight the last thing they want to do is to board another jet. Some liken the rear to be the equivalent of sitting in a Nouveau-Riche dentist.
But that is Maybachs repertoire for luxury and that is what a Maybach customer wants and they are welcome to it.

Do more customers from the Asian markets prefer the Maybach style rear seats than the RR lounge style? Just curious to know.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Do more customers from the Asian markets prefer the Maybach style rear seats than the RR lounge style? Just curious to know.

I imagine they prefer the layout with the big center divide, as it creates a sense of personal space rather than creating an intimate shared lounging experience that more Western buyers may prefer. Just my guess.

 

[SDNR]

The Phantom utilises either individual seats or indeed a single bench which wraps around the C-Pillars to make you think you are sitting in a prestigious living room what with deep carpets that you can kick off your shoes and allow your feet to sink into the depth of the pile.

Feedback for RR against the Maybach showcases a lack of interest for something similar, some owners feel when they step from a jet from a long flight the last thing they want to do is to board another jet. Some liken the rear to be the equivalent of sitting in a Nouveau-Riche dentist.
But that is Maybachs repertoire for luxury and that is what a Maybach customer wants and they are welcome to it.

^ I get that. Totally different theme/presentation.

M

The Mercedes Pullmann is more for the "real world" .......its a business limousine that expresses the power and influence of its occupants. Rolls-Royce feels more theatrical ......more about pleasure and aesthetics.

We've discussed this at length in the past ........it just seems that even in this Globalized, multi-cultural world, there are still some National stereotypes that fit: the Germans still don't do luxury in the same seductive way we see from the Brits or Italians. The Germans impress with their technical skills and build quality ......but German taste is often less delicate and subtle. Of course I know that Mercedes, like all of its competitors, is a Global brand and the design team is international ......but I feel there is still a sense of Germaness about the S-class in a way that the Ferrari 458 could only be Italian.

I guess what I'm saying is the Pullmann, as luxurious and prestigious as it is, is designed with the same methodical, pragmatic, and conservative approach that Mercedes takes with every other vehicle it makes. It fits its brief. It is a product rather than a "creation". I wouldn't call it passionless but it is not exactly exhilarating either.

The difference is brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley are entirely committed to the luxury experience; the ideas are conceived by people who are immersed in the world of luxury ......and that comes through in the products.

Mercedes designers are working on a much more diverse group of products - it is enevitable that their approach is somewhat more prosaic.

 

[Merc1]

The Mercedes Pullmann is more for the "real world" .......its a business limousine that expresses the power and influence of its occupants. Rolls-Royce feels more theatrical ......more about pleasure and aesthetics.

We've discussed this at length in the past ........it just seems that even in this Globalized, multi-cultural world, there are still some National stereotypes that fit: the Germans still don't do luxury in the same seductive way we see from the Brits or Italians. The Germans impress with their technical skills and build quality ......but German taste is often less delicate and subtle. Of course I know that Mercedes, like all of its competitors, is a Global brand and the design team is international ......but I feel there is still a sense of Germaness about the S-class in a way that the Ferrari 458 could only be Italian.

I guess what I'm saying is the Pullmann, as luxurious and prestigious as it is, is designed with the same methodical, pragmatic, and conservative approach that Mercedes takes with every other vehicle it makes. It fits its brief. It is a product rather than a "creation". I wouldn't call it passionless but it is not exactly exhilarating either.

The difference is brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley are entirely committed to the luxury experience; the ideas are conceived by people who are immersed in the world of luxury ......and that comes through in the products.

Mercedes designers are working on a much more diverse group of products - it is enevitable that their approach is somewhat more prosaic.

Brilliant post my old friend!

M

 

[KiwiRob]

Do more customers from the Asian markets prefer the Maybach style rear seats than the RR lounge style? Just curious to know.

Based on the number of luxury hotels that have RR fleets in Asia I'd say they prefer the RR style.

 

[SDNR]

Based on the number of luxury hotels that have RR fleets in Asia I'd say they prefer the RR style.

Yes.....I think that's largely due to the vast new wealth we've seen across Asia in the past decade. As time goes on newly rich consumers will likely not have the desire to "flaunt" their wealth as much as they do right now. Of course Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore tend to have much more sophisticated consumers than Mainland China at this point.

It has been a bonanza for Rolls-Royce over the past decade ......they just happened to have the right product at the right time. They cleverly managed to resurrect a very old and established brand while injecting it with a bit of nouveau-riche pizazz .........whatever some blue blooded traditionalists might think of BMW's efforts with Rolls-Royce, there's no doubting they have managed to revive and redefine the 'romantic' ideas of formal etiquette, style, and high-cultured sophistication in automobiles.

What makes Rolls-Royce truly unique is the effect the cars have on people ......they make you want to dress up, act civilised .......and go someplace special.

Sure, Rolls-Royce isn't for everybody .......let's be honest, they're a bit pretentious; but in a crass and informal world of crossovers and stretched SUVs, BMW have managed to create a group of truly iconic cars that will undoubtedly become automotive icons of the early 21st century.

 

[HUTSUTAo]

Based on the number of luxury hotels that have RR fleets in Asia I'd say they prefer the RR style.

That might change in the future

 

[KiwiRob]

That might change in the future

The day the Penninsular replaces it's RR Phantom fleet with stretched Mercedes is the day the earth stops turning.

I don't see this car being any more success full than the last attempt, Mercedes simply do not belong in this market, not with a product which looks like an S class, I think if they really want to play in the Phantom/Mulsanne market they need to build a bespoke vehicle, like the W100.

 

[SDNR]

I don't see this car being any more success full than the last attempt

Sadly, I think you will likely be proved correct.

The W100 was not a great success for Mercedes either .......just like the Maybach 57/62, they lost money of every W100 built.

I think far too much is made of "bespoke" and "handmade" ......these are mostly marketting words. I doubt the ability to have your initials embroided on the throw cushions or Swarovski crystals inlaid into the dash plays much of a deciding factor on whether a potential client will choose a Mercedes Maybach over a regular Mercedes S class.

We should never underestimate people's desire for status symbols but the rich do still like to feel they're getting some "bang-for-their-buck" (please excuse that terrible colloquialism) : they will weigh up the cost/value of the Maybach against the standard S class ......this is something few Rolls-Royce buyers will do with the 7er.

Overall the biggest problem/threat to the Mercedes Maybach is not so much Rolls-Royce and Bentley, it's the standard S class.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

The day the Penninsular replaces it's RR Phantom fleet with stretched Mercedes is the day the earth stops turning.

Peninsula.

And yes, the Peninsula is likely to utilise nothing but Rollers, but they're quite a special case. It's a very traditional hotel chain, where as Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are not so old-worldy.

Just my two-pence worth. Not saying I know how the hotels are going to proceed with their future limo purchases.

 

[SDNR]

Peninsula.

And yes, the Peninsula is likely to utilise nothing but Rollers, but they're quite a special case. It's a very traditional hotel chain, where as Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are not so old-worldy.

Just my two-pence worth. Not saying I know how the hotels are going to proceed with their future limo purchases.

I agree, the green Rolls-Royces at the Peninsula are part of its history ......they couldn't possibly use anything else.

If I was in charge of choosing courtesy transport for a fine hotel I think the Mercedes V class or E class make very suitable and unassuming choices. For special VIPs I personally would choose a Bentley Mulsanne .....but that's just me

 

[Wolfgang]

Here's some info on the predecessor, to compare to.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com.hk/con...ew_cars/mb_guard/chassis_technology/s600.html

 

[Padi]

Looks comfy and the proportions look pretty nice. Still don't like the chrome pillars though, look tacky to my eye. Another problem I have are the doors, looks like it'd be a struggle to climb out of the car, despite the doors often being opened by the driver. Looks like you have to pull yourself out, where as in a more traditional car you'd just turn on your seat to put your feet out. The relatively low roof doesn't help either, so it can be quite a problem for the less agile people. Doubt any of the buyers of this sort of car would appreciate that though.

 

[Rolf]

Wow i am in agreement with many of you that this car has surprisingly turned out better than expected and actually looks good with this extra length. I think the big difference what makes this Pullman look better than other (aftermarket) stretched S-classes is the way Mercedes have nicely done the chrome work on the window surrounds and pillars. The interior looks like a wonderful place to be driven around in, so well crafted with lovely leathers and stitching/colours, love those arm chair look seats.

 

[Wolfgang]

Do more customers from the Asian markets prefer the Maybach style rear seats than the RR lounge style? Just curious to know.

The split rear seating is option 224 "First Class Seating". Here it's missing.

the split rear seat is an option in China apparently

http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/mercedes-maybach-s600.52143/page-23#post-733253

 

[HUTSUTAo]

I

The split rear seating is option 224 "First Class Seating". Here it's missing.

the split rear seat is an option in China apparently

http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/mercedes-maybach-s600.52143/page-23#post-733253

I believe most Chinese customers will upgrade to the individual seat but they will get the s400 Maybach . Mercedes has already predicted that most Chinese will prefer to spend more on the interior rather than the engine.
Ps: The s400 Maybach's price starts very similarly to the top of the line s400l

 

[GTA45E]

I agree with all the positive comments about the extra length not hurting the design. I think it turned out great. Even in Pullman form the S-Class style is understated which might be a big plus to some potential buyers who want to fly under the radar of a Rolls Royce.

The interior is fabulous. Rich, elegant and beautifully finished.