Mercedes-Benz offers the ultimate luxury
By Russell Williamson
Mercedes-Benz beat the Japanese at their own game by grabbing the Tokyo motor show limelight with the massive Maybach concept limousine.
While Japanese automakers traditionally use the show to offer a vision of their automotive future, it was the German automaker which drew crowds with a concept study for a large V12-powered limousine.
Named after German designer Wilhelm Maybach, who worked with Daimler until 1907, the Maybach combines the tradition of large chauffeur-driven luxury cars with the latest in high-tech developments.
With a length of 577 cm and width of 195 cm, the Maybach is a full 56 cm longer than the stretch version of the S600 and 6 cm wider.
Combine this with a height of 155 cm and this car easily offers the largest interior space of anything in the market.
All this space is aimed at pampering two rear passengers.
The two broad, cream leather seats are electrically adjustable for a myriad of positions.
If you want "intense relaxation" on the road, just recline the backrest, raise the footrest and turn in the wings of the three- piece headrest for optimal support.
Traveling is always thirsty work, so the Maybach provides for the passengers' every need, whether it be a cold gin and tonic or a nice cup of tea.
Between the front seats is an electronically controlled bar while a walnut and root wood humidor between the rear seats will ensure your cigars remain fresh and aromatic.
For work on the move, the Business Box in the backrest of the right-hand front seat provides all the necessities for a letter to a lover while a notebook computer with an infrared data sender in the glove compartment meets the needs of business in the 1990s.
Three separate mobile phone systems, including one with data transfer capability, are installed and there's a 20-inch LCD television screen between the front seats to show a video, digital video or a laser disc.
To save weight, the body of the car comprises a hybrid construction of high performance fiber composite material with aluminum and magnesium fittings.
The high glass roof can be adjusted for translucency, darkening the cabin at will.
The 6.0-liter V12 uses Mercedes' latest three-valve-per- cylinder and dual-ignition technology.
Ride and comfort matches the sumptuous surroundings by using Active Body Control, in which an electronically controlled hydraulic cylinder replaces conventional dampers to totally control body roll.
Mercedes plans to hand-build about 100 Maybachs a year after it goes into production in 2001.