Mercedes helicopter that cannot be parked in a home garage
Jakarta — With prices starting from $180,000 (Rp3 billion) for the GLS or EQS SUV luxury version up to nearly $250,000 (Rp4.2 billion) for the S 680 limousine, each new Mercedes-Maybach model appears difficult to afford for the average resident. However, there is another vehicle bearing the Mercedes logo whose price is even more extraordinary.
Technically, this is not actually a Mercedes but rather an ACH145 helicopter from Airbus Corporate Helicopters, the business helicopter division of French aircraft company Airbus.
According to Carscoops on Sunday, the two brands have once again collaborated to create the ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition, allowing CEOs to transition from Mercedes-branded condominiums to four-wheeled Mercedes vehicles, and then to five-bladed “Mercedes” helicopters.
Inside, the cabin presents an atmosphere similar to the EQS or the Maybach concept car. The layout is circular, with seats shaped with matching stitching details, utilising premium materials such as leather, wooden flooring, and metallic accents. It feels less like a utility helicopter and more like an executive lounge flying through the air.
The seat arrangement accommodates four to eight passengers, with hidden storage compartments between seats and integrated compartments at the front and rear.
Beneath the layers of luxurious design lies the latest H145 from Airbus with five rotor blades. This twin-engine helicopter has a cruising speed of 137 knots (158 mph / 254 km/h) and a range of up to four hours of flight time. Compared with the previous model, the latest design is claimed to be quieter and capable of carrying an additional useful payload of up to 150 kg (331 lbs).
The helicopter made its debut in São Paulo, Brazil, which happens to be one of the world’s helicopter capitals. However, this is not the first time the two parties have collaborated. Their partnership began in 2010 and has produced 26 units of the previous ACH145 version with Mercedes-style touches.
To own the ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition, you would indeed need to be as wealthy as a super-yacht owner. The company has not disclosed the exact price, but based on previous models, you would need to prepare funds well above $10 million (Rp168 billion).