Guangzhou, November 19, 2014 -- Mercedes-Benz's new sub-brand, the much anticipated Mercedes-Maybach, held its world premiere with the unveiling of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class today in Guangzhou. Modern China’s most accomplished and most cultured gathered in Guangzhou this evening to attend the premiere of this masterpiece of automotive technology. The Mercedes-Maybach world premiere ceremony took place under the theme of “The Choice of a Gentleman” as the highest standard of Chinese etiquette. By combining traditional culture with modern art, and Chinese culture with Western, the event highlighted the prestige of the Mercedes-Maybach brand. With unmatched perfection, the new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 will become the vehicle of choice for the paragons of modern society.
A new sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach opens a new market segment for those seeking perfection and peerless exclusivity. These distinguished people constitute a group marked by their dedication to their families and country, as well as etiquette to all. By virtue of their superior talent and noble personality, they have all made important contributions to society, leading the development and progress of their respective fields. They all have one thing in common – they understand that the greater their talent, the more responsibility they must bear. The new Mercedes- Maybach S-Class is an exclusive choice, made especially for these paragons of modern China.
The evening banquet witnessed in a way unique to Mercedes-Maybach the meeting of classical and modern, Eastern and Western cultures. Also on display was China’s age-old care for family and country as well as long-standing traditions of etiquette. Additional Chinese elements such as the tea ceremony and traditional handicrafts further interpreted this traditional culture while blending in modern elements. As the ultimate expression of etiquette in the automotive industry, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is to China’s modern luminaries what the carriage and bronze tripods were to their ancient counterparts – a way to honor guests with the most courteous reception possible.
“Our continuous investment in China shows our commitment to this great country being a key market for Mercedes-Benz,” explained Hubertus Troska,Member of the Board of Management Daimler and Chairman & CEO of Daimler Greater China Ltd. “The Mercedes-Maybach S600 and its world premiere here in Guangzhou are just the latest proof of this commitment. This fantastic car sets a new benchmark in the exclusive top segment, by blending the perfection of the S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach. And I have no doubt: it will further strengthen our brand and continue our success – in China, and globally.”
“The history of prestige vehicles made by Daimler extends back to the earliest days of the motor car. We have now commenced a new chapter with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class,” said Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales & Marketing. “As an addition to the portfolio of S-Class saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sets new standards in the luxury segment. The vehicle satisfies the very highest requirements in terms of exclusivity appointments and comfort.”
“China has been the largest market for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class since 2009. As our understanding of the Chinese market and our customers here becomes deeper and deeper, Mercedes-Benz is constantly bringing more and more targeted products for Chinese customers,” said Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co. Ltd. “The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is just such a masterpiece. The values it represents transcend the boundaries between Eastern and Western cultures, both in terms of design and a deeper meaning that expresses our highest respect for Chinese society and its contemporary luminaries. In our opinion, it is the ideal vehicle for these leaders, and will create a whole new market segment with its unmatched passenger experience.”
At the world premiere gala, the Chinese elements have been a leading clue throughout the scene. The “four gentlemen” of Chinese classical literature – plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum - could be seen throughout the décor, representing resilience, perseverance, virtue, and nobility, virtues that are embraced in both East and West. Henry Li, Senior Executive Vice President, Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co., Ltd. (BMBS) and Fred Duan, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BMBS, greeted guests and used Chinese gardens, the game of Go, the tea ceremony, and calligraphy as examples to interpret the meaning of “Caring for country and family” and “Treating the world with the highest respect”. As a highlight performance, Zhang Jun, China's “modern master of Kunqu Opera”, presented a gem of traditional Chinese opera. With its refined singing, delicate movements, and elegant nature, Kunqu Opera perfectly matches the exceptional side of the new Mercedes-Maybach S 600. Similarly, Mercedes-Maybach embodies the qualities of a Chinese gentleman, with its open-mindedness and etiquette to the entire world. The interplay between beautiful Western music and Kunqu Opera highlighted Mercedes-Maybach’s effortless superiority, excellence, self-confidence, and dignity.
Exclusive Space: Etiquette through Comfort
By integrating Maybach elements, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class represents the ultimate refinement of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a first-class rear passenger space for the paragons of modern China. To give rear passengers superior spaciousness, the wheelbase of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was lengthened to 3,365 mm, making it 200-mm larger than that of the long wheelbase version of the S-Class, creating an unparalleled rear passenger experience. The triangular window has been relocated into the C-pillar from the rear door. As a result, the rear seats are situated beyond the door cutout, which creates a trim extension with a stronger sense of privacy and dignity to craft an exclusive first-class cabin. The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comes standard with executive seats on the left and right sides in the rear. The backrest is adjusted separately while the foot well and seat reference point remain unchanged. The executive rear seats can also incline up to 43.5 degrees, and feature a calf support, whose length and angle can be freely adjusted as needed.
In the interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S 600, every exclusive appointment and detail welcomes occupants through their senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell. Top-notch leather and selected wooden trim are subtly combined and arranged to create an interior ambience with sensuous elegance. For a unique and elegant look, both the center armrests and seats are covered by top-notch leather, and features diamond stitching based on a classic European-style sofa. Also, hand-stitched door trim and paneling in wood and chrome present the hand-finished “Manufaktur” character typical of the Mercedes-Maybach brand. The IWC analog clock in the middle of the front vents is of course the most unique element in the interior. The numbers are individually milled and applied, underlining the clock's refined design. Consisting of 24 speakers, the Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system offers a unique optical and acoustic experience, providing Mercedes-Maybach owners with an exclusive, private auditorium. In addition, taking into account traditional Chinese culture and Chinese customer tastes, a premium fragrance with a bottle adorned with the “Maybach” logo was designed exclusively for the Mercedes-Maybach AIR-BALANCE package using agar wood, whose fascinating smell creates a refined elegance in the interior.
The exterior of the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 likewise has an extraordinary form. Three chromed twin-louvers on the radiator grille have produced a deciding impact on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class’s elegant appearance, along with the two tailpipe trim elements integrated into the bumper. The triangular window has been relocated to the C-pillar. As a result, the rear doors are seamlessly integrated into the body, with slender and smooth lines. The elegant “double M” of the “Maybach Manufaktur” logo adorns the C-pillars on both sides. In addition, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 comes standard with classic 20-inch (50.8 cm) forged, light-alloy wheels. All this reflects the etiquette the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class offers to China’s contemporary leaders.
Exquisite Craftsmanship, Cutting-Edge Intelligence
As a model that aims for unparalleled excellence, based on the cutting-edge technology of the S-Class sedan the new Mercedes-Maybach makes further improvements in safety, energy efficiency, and noise reduction to reach the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Despite an extended body, it reaches new heights in terms of noise and vibration characteristics, and for passengers in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world's quietest production saloon car. The MAGIC SKY CONTROL allows the rear passengers to fully control the interior atmosphere by such means as changing the brightness.
Under the Mercedes-Benz concept of comprehensive safety, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is equipped with MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the world's first ever suspension system able to "see" the road. This system is able to detect changes in the road surface ahead and take the best control scheme so that the vehicle runs smoothly and comfortably even on rough roads.
In addition, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 is equipped with comprehensive active driver assistance systems, including PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist. The PRE-SAFE® rear package comprehensively takes into consideration the safety of rear passengers. Rear seat belts each feature an active belt buckle and beltbag. Seat belt buckle extenders use an electric motor to reduce slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax, assuring that in extreme cases the seat belt remains tightened, adding to passenger protection. The beltbag is an inflatable seat belt strap that reduces the load on the ribcage in a front impact.
With radar-based sensors and a stereo multifunction camera, the DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist helps the driver keep the car at a fixed distance from the front vehicle and in the middle of the lane whether on a straight road or at a gentle bend. In addition, the improved PRE-SAFE® Brake is already able to recognize pedestrians and avoids collisions with them at speeds of up to 50km/h. It works with the new BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist to protect the driver and pedestrians at the same time and, hence, raising driving safety to a new level.
The development of the automotive industry has benefited humanity for over 100 years. Building on over a century of Mercedes-Benz heritage in automotive technology, Mercedes-Maybach will provide Chinese customers with exclusive cars that combine top-level automotive technology and craftsmanship. With the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, China’s modern gentlemen can pass on to future generations the traditional etiquette of Chinese culture, while carrying out the rituals of business, demonstrating their gentlemanliness, and walking the path of responsibility. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will undoubtedly become the premier choice of China’s modern-day luminaries as they show their utmost respect to the world.