The Maybach name means the ultimate in Mercedes luxury competing with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Mercedes Mzansi gave us an opportunity to drive the latest SL offerings bearing the Maybach nameplate.
First you have to understand the type of buyer that carries the keys to this model. Exclusivity is the key and understated wealth is one of the things that characterises these owners...... that quiet "I am filthy rich but I don't shout about it, I let the car give you a hint". The owner is used to First Class air travel, if not private jet and a yacht is part of the arsenal of things that make their lives that much more exclusive.
Mercedes calls it "Exquisite aesthetics with two curated design concepts: Red Ambience and White Ambience" meaning two designs that will tell the world who the type of owner is. In “Red Ambience,” obsidian black metallic contrasts elegantly with MANUFAKTUR garnet red metallic. Developed for the first time for the new Mercedes-Maybach two-seater, this tinted clearcoat is characterised by its vibrant, rich colour and a special depth effect.
“White Ambience” presents itself in a new interpretation of the typical Maybach two-colour paintwork with obsidian black metallic in the upper section of the vehicle and MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno in the lower section.
In addition to the two curated colour concepts, Mercedes offers more than 50 other MANUFAKTUR paint colours on request. The colour palette is inspired by the tones of precious stones, minerals or natural phenomena such as Côte d’Azur Blue, as well as current colour trends from fashion, architecture and design. This also includes newly interpreted classic hues from the historical paint archives of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach.
To further enhance exclusivity, the bonnet in obsidian black metallic is available on request with an integrated Maybach pattern in graphite grey.
Based on the SL, the Maybach is a convertible two seater GT model with an air deflector placed where the "normal" SL would have two extra seats. At the launch drive, one definitely missed the Aircap which is placed above the windscreen to aid deflection of wind at speed when the roof is opened.
Its an "All white party" inside the SL Maybach with use of crystal white, sustainably tanned MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather used to create an airy, elegant ambience.
It not only enhances the seats in their new, floral design but also the door panels, the centre console and the space behind the seats.
The galvanised seat backrests and trim parts in silver chrome provide a glamorous contrast. The seats are obviously electrically operated with cooling, heating and the AIRSCARF ideal for those cold open top drives.
The cockpit design, right down to the adjustable central display in the centre console, is focused on the driver. At the same time, the completely new interior space concept offers more room and functionality. The standard MBUX infotainment system offers a choice of several specific display styles and different modes.
The open-top two-seater is the first Maybach model in which the brand-specific, chrome-finished radiator grille, with its fine vertical slats, has an A-shape contour . The contour of the radiator grille is illuminated with Maybach lettering. The front apron, with its horizontal air intakes and striking chrome trim, additionally emphasises the sporty character of the Maybach SL.
The rear of the vehicle is characterised by the taillights featuring the Maybach logo. It has a brand-specific rear apron with chrome trim and a dedicated diffuser design. The brand-typical tailpipe trim, with a horizontal bar, rounds off the elegant appearance.
The heart of the Maybach SL is a 4.0-litre biturbo V8, delivering 430 kW/800Nm Torque. This power is managed by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. 0-100 km/h is claimed at 4.1 seconds with top speed limited to 260 km/h. If you want to know how much fuel it consumes, you are obviously not the customer for this car.
Pricing: R5 092 000 (incl vat, ex CO2) and 5 year / 100 000km service and maintenance plan.