The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet is kinda ridiculous
When you already have some of the most luxurious drop-tops in your line-up, how do you elevate open-air motoring to live up to the Maybach name? That's the challenge the Mercedes-Maybach team set itself, and the answer comes with this, the S 650 Cabriolet, at the LA Auto Show 2016. Hitting production in painfully small numbers, it's the hyper-luxe version of the S-Class convertible.
That comes as no great surprise: after all, the Mercedes-Maybach sedan is a revamped version of the regular S-Class. Still, there's no denying that the Maybach team has pushed the boat out with the Cabriolet. Just 300 of the car will be built worldwide, and only 75 of that number will reach the US.
Those few buyers will get a choice of three themes. First, there's Zircon Red paint with a Porcelain and Black interior; second, Cote d'Azur Blue paint with a Porcelain and Saddle Brown interior; and finally, designo Diamond White paint with a Porcelain and Yacht Blue interior. The latter will be paired with an "Affinity" luggage set, with two travel bags and two smaller versions matching the car's leather.
Under the hood there's a 6-liter, V12 engine. That's good for 621 HP and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Top speed is 155 mph – electronically limited, of course – with power pumped through a seven-speed automatic transmission and to the standard-fit air suspension with steplessly variable damping control.
On the outside, there's Maybach badging and 20-inch exclusive forged wheels with a dichromatic finish. The same Maybach logo is projected onto the floor when the doors are opened. Compared to the regular S-Class convertible there's more chrome and a new front bumper, notably including a redesigned lower section. Get up close to the headlamps, and you'll find Swarovski crystals embedded in them.
It's inside, though, where the biggest changes are found. Mercedes-Maybach is describing the upholstery as "waterfall-like" thanks to its progressive perforations; it's matched with diamond quilting on the seat bolsters. Each color pairing gets a unique trim, including one inspired by the company's recently announced yacht.
Lest you forget that you're sat in something special, all of the cars will have inlayed, chrome-plated "1 of 300" badging. An exterior-matching fabric car cover is included too, along with a welcome pack that holds an interior-matched leather key fob and a signed certificate from Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG.
As for pricing, if you need to ask you probably can't afford it. Considering the regular S65 Cabriolet – with the same 6-liter biturbo V12 engine – kicks off at $247,900, expect a pretty premium on top for the Mercedes-Maybach version.
