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2016 Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Limousine
by Alex Oagana / Topspeed
With a tradition that harks back to the 1930s, when special variants of the "Grosser Mercedes" were used by heads of state around the world, the longest and most luxurious version of the largest Mercedes-Benz in its lineup has always been a special car. Since the second "Grosser Mercedes," aka the "600" or the "Dictator-mobile," entered production in 1964, every single generation of the S-Class has also had at least one longer version sporting the "Pullman" moniker. With a wheelbase so long that it can accomodate at least two bench seats facing each other behind the two front passengers, not to mention the option of body armor, Pullman Mercedes’ have always been regarded as the cars of choice for heads of state, dignitaries and similar VIPs.
With the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class already filling a more luxurious niche above the "plebeian" 2015 S600, the German carmaker is preparing to unveil an even longer and more luxurious version to bring back the Pullman moniker. Since several pre-production prototypes of the new model have already been spied at or around Brabus’ headquarters in Bottrop, it seems that the ultra-long S-Class Pullman was developed and will probably be manufactured by the famed tuner.
Why Brabus?
Apart from modifying Mercedes-Benz models, Brabus is not only a carmaker in its own right but also has a number of smaller but equally important departments, including one that caters to luxury boat or plane lovers. One of them is called Car Research and Development (CRD), which was founded back in 1984 to develop and manufacture special low-volume models for various carmakers around the world.
To give you an idea, brands like Jaguar, Infiniti and even SsangYong have contracted Brabus CRD over the years to build limited-edition versions of their models for certain occasions or markets. The upcoming S-Class Pullman will apparently be such a model as well, but don’t expect to find any Brabus emblems anywhere on the car when it arrives. Every CRD-built car out there – whether it is a dealership edition or a market-dependent special model – has been made to adhere to the original manufacturer’s specs and equipment, so they are not "tuner cars."
Rendering
Exterior
The biggest design departure from that of a normal S-Class will obviously be the gargantuan size of the Pullman version. The wheelbase is therefore expected to increase by around 40 inches compared with the already long Mercedes-Maybach model, with the overall profile being not much different than your average limousine. That being said, a number of subtle design differences may also be expected, but nothing that will completely change the look of the car.
Whether armored or not, the overall weight of the S-Class Pullman will be such that the model will need reinforced tires, which will probably also come with a set of distinctive rims. It is not yet clear if the recent pre-production prototype spotted with six door handles was simply a contrivance to keep people guessing about the final design, or if Mercedes-Benz is truly considering a six-door version. I’m leaning toward the first choice, as known German coachbuilder Binz already offers six-door versions of various Mercedes-Benz models.
Interior
Naturally, the interior look and seating configuration will very much depend on the answer to the "six or four doors" question, but no matter the version, the model will only get the finest materials that can be fitted to the S-Class. In case of a four-door, expect the S-Class Pullman to feature a privacy glass right after the two front seats, controlled by the rear passengers, along with an onboard inter-communication system between the driver and the rear passengers. On top of that, each of the passengers in the rear will have access to a foldable aluminum table and/or optional small flat screen. If the six-door configuration is confirmed, it will feature a seating arrangement similar to a six- or seven-seater minivan or full-size SUV, with the only exception being that each passenger will have access to a door.
Drivetrain
Not yet confirmed but bound to arrive at some point is a bulletproof Guard version of the S-Class Pullman. Set to sport ballistic glass and kevlar-reinforced body panels integrated into the chassis, the Pullman Guard will most likely be the most expensive S-Class ever, since it will offer a similar level of occupant protection as the President’s "Beast" limo. Whether armored or not, the Pullman will be the heaviest S-Class in the lineup, meaning that both the standard Airmatic suspension and the tires will be reinforced to handle the extra weight.
Keep in mind that most of the weight will not necessarily come from the extra seats and body panels. The middle part of the chassis will need to be reinforced to handle the forces acting on the body because of the increased wheelbase. Engine-wise, it is expected that the twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter, V-12 from the S600 will be the only option, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite the massive weight, those 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque should be more than able to move the ginormous sedan quickly enough to spill the champagne.
Prices
With the Mercedes-Maybach S600 starting from $189,350, "only" 20-something-thousand grand more than the regular S600, you might not expect the Pullman to go much higher than a quarter-million dollars. You would probably be wrong to think that, though, as the S600 Pullman may hark back to the Maybach 62 in terms of both interior amenities and starting price. In other words, a $400,000-plus MSRP isn’t out of the question for the non-armored Pullman, while the Guard version may even crest the mighty $1,000,000 mark when fully loaded.
Competition
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM EXTENDED WHEELBASE
While not a direct rival for the S-Class Pullman per se, since it only offers room for two passengers in the back, the RR Phantom Extended Wheelbase offers similar luxury and interior amenities for its occupants – with a British twist. The lounge-like rear seats make for a private oasis of calm for its occupants, with just about every surface being either of soft semi-aniline leather or rare-wood veneer. Even the floormats are made from fluffy lamb’s wool, so your feet will be as confortable as your bum.
Powered by a 6.75-liter V-12 with 75 percent of its torque delivered at just 1,000 rpm, the Phantom EWB is not exactly light on its feet, but never leaves the impression of running out of steam. Everything about the model, from its authoritative presence to the "gentlemen’s club" style of its interior simply screams British oppulence.
Conclusion
Most of us will never see a Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman on the road. The special model will only be manufactured to order. It will therefore be fantastically expensive and rare. But unparalleled interior space and appointments should be enough to meet the demands of even the most flamboyant high-rollers out there.
LOVE IT
High level luxury features
Segment-leading interior room
Technology-laden
LEAVE IT
Huge starting price
Good luck finding where to park it
Very heavy
2016 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman @ Top Speed