Opulent new Mercedes-Maybach S 650 makes mark in LA

The revival of the Maybach brand as a luxury arm of Mercedes continues with the launch of the new Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet at this week’s LA Motor Show.

The car is based on the standard Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet, but benefits from a range of decadent materials and finishes that transform it into one of the most luxurious convertibles on the market. Its most obvious rival is the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

Just 300 examples of the S650 Cabriolet will be produced, ensuring the car is exclusive as well as opulent. The €300,000 (around £260,000) price tag also helps exclusivity and buyers will be reminded of the car’s limited-edition status with chrome-plated ‘1 of 300’ lettering on the car’s cup-holder and leather key ring. Maybach S650 owners will even receive a certificate signed by Mercedes CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche.

The car will use the same 621bhp twin-turbo V12 engine as the Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet and with a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds, it promises to be as quick as it is comfortable.

The most noticeable external changes to the S650 from the standard S-Class cabriolet are the chunky front bumper, striking 20-inch forged chrome wheels and extra chrome trim.

As we’ve come to expect from cars produced with the Maybach name, the interior of the S650 looks more like the seating area in a private members’ club or yacht than a normal car. The seats are finished in what Mercedes calls ‘waterfall-like’ upholstery that features perforations, diamond quilting, Budapest piping and stitched details. The interior is also home to high-quality wood veneers and deep-pile floor mats.

All the options on the regular S-Class Cabriolet come as standard on the S650, including the AIRSCARF neck-heating system and Swarovski headlights. Buyers will have a choice of nine colour combinations for the interior, as well as other personalisation options, such as alternative finishes for the veneers.

If all that still doesn’t sound like enough for your £260,000, Mercedes-Maybach also throws in a luggage set compromising four bags made from the same Napa leather used in the S 650’s interior.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet goes on sale in spring 2017.