Latest news with #Maybach

2 days ago
- Automotive
How this European carmaker is getting more Americans to drive convertibles
What matters more to drivers these days? Is it technology, horsepower or efficiency? Mercedes-Maybach is betting on lifestyle. Its vehicles -- posh, regal and extravagant -- inhabit the same realm as Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Drive one on Germany's Autobahn, and you'd be astonished at the power and speed. Daniel Lescow, the head of Mercedes-Maybach, said customers are looking to "express their lifestyle and individuality," which may be satisfied by brand's latest status symbol, the SL 680, a glamorous two-seater that launched last year and arrives at U.S. dealers this summer. The SL, which will be priced above $200,000, comes in two curated design concepts, "White Ambience" or "Red Ambience," yet more than 50 exclusive colors are available to choose from at the factory. Plush interiors, premium materials and metal knobs and buttons have become standard in ultra-luxe autos. So Maybach went a bit more extreme, stamping the company's recognizable logo all over the hood, a labor-intensive printing process that involves four coats of clear lacquer and three hand-sanded coats of paint. Remove the lavishness, and the SL is also a true sports car, with a 577 horsepower biturbo V8 powerplant. The convertible's specially tuned suspension gives owners a softer or firmer driving experience, depending on the location and one's state of mind. Lescow recently spoke to ABC News about the SL 680, the sportiest model in the marque's long history, and how he's growing brand awareness in the crowded luxury space. The interview below has been edited for space and clarity. Q: You said you want to make the brand "more desirable." Please explain. A: There's various dimensions to it. One is the product image. The second dimension is the way we connect with our customers and potential customers in retail spaces. One by one we're building these Maybach lounges -- dedicated spaces -- globally for customers to learn more about the cars and brand aesthetics. We have a very elaborate location in India. At one event in Vienna there was a private concert with [pianist] Lang Lang, who played the piano for our most important customers. Another dimension is our collaborations. For example, we're working with a [German] silverware company on champagne flute holders. It's important the brand is centered around the lifestyle of our customers. Q: Convertibles are a niche market in the U.S. How difficult is it to sell convertibles to American drivers? A: It is not so much about the location or the nationality. It's about the individual customer we want to approach. We do see significant potential in the American market. It's an important market for Maybach, clearly. We recently opened a massive Maybach presence at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Manhattan. We do see strong interest from the American market in open top two-seaters. Last year, we chose Pebble Beach as the global world premiere for the Maybach SL Monogram Series. Q: Who is the Maybach customer? Is it the traditional Mercedes-Benz customer or are you pursuing Bentley and Rolls-Royce owners? A: The customers are as individual as our cars. Many of them have a number of cars in the fleet. Our customers range from entrepreneurs to artists to superstars ... what many of them are looking for is a way to express their lifestyle and individuality. Q: Why doesn't the SL have the brand's venerable V12 engine under the hood? And how comes it's not electrified? A: We are extremely happy to have the V12 in the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, the flagship offering. When we designed the SL, it was very clear that it's a sports car. And it will remain as the Maybach sports car -- sporty yet elegant. The balance, the agility and the way the V8 behaves ... it's the perfect engine for this car. For electric driving, we do have the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, which is fully electric. That car is completely different. The electric drivetrain really adds to what's important to Maybach. It's the most comfortable and quiet ride you can imagine. Q: So there was no discussion about making the SL an electric convertible? A: For this car, no. We wanted to have the characteristic of a sports car with all the emotions around it. Q: Why would a customer choose this model over the AMG SL 63 Roadster? A: The SL 680 is clearly designed for sporty driving but with all the Maybach ingredients: comfort and opulence. Customers looking for an even sportier car would clearly opt for the AMG. The cars are different from the ways they look and behave -- they address different customer needs. Q: How has the brand changed under your leadership? A: It's a privilege to work with such a legendary brand. We launched two new cars, doubling the portfolio from two cars to four with the SL. We have seen brand awareness increasing around the world -- that is something that's very important. I can't wait to see what the future will bring. Q: There's still uncertainty about tariffs and costs -- how does this factor into your product planning? Do wealthy customers still spend money in these unpredictable times? A: There are some uncertainties. At the same time, sales volume will go up and down. And that's natural. For us, it's more important that we build a solid base for the brand and that we continue to build brand awareness. With the right offerings, I have do doubt that Maybach will be successful.


India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Fine living Maybach has ‘designs' on India
The latest addition to Bengaluru's burgeoning luxury retail space is Maybach. Well, not the car brand but its lifestyle arm that also offers a preview of the Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series accessories. The brand has been brought to India in collaboration with GKB Opticals and Eternity Lifestyles, both known names in the eyewear space in India. 'Luxury in India is growing rapidly as people want something authentic, and Maybach eyewear has been a fan favourite among the discerning audience here. Quality, style, and craftsmanship all come together in this first concept store in India, making it more accessible,' says Priyanka Gupta, Director of Brands, GKB Opticals. 'Like the car, the standard of luxury in eyewear is Maybach, which has no parallel in terms of product or design,'adds Ronak Sheth, Founder, Eternity Lifestyles.


Newsweek
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mercedes-Maybach's First Modern Two-Seater Exudes Elegance From Top Down
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Convertibles are synonymous with sunny days spent cruising along coastlines. The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the epitome of that. Born of the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Maybach version replaces the sports car-like prowess of the coupé with stability and suppleness that is no less engaging. It is the first two-seater in modern Maybach history, but the model has its roots in Mercedes cars from the early 1900s that were finished with coachbuilding techniques. Other current Maybachs include variants of the EQS Sedan, EQS SUV, S-Class Sedan and GLS. Mercedes-Benz Starting the SL 680 ignites a growl from the tailpipe that is easily forgotten once choosing the Maybach drive program and setting out on Ibiza's twisty roads. Quick turns are executed without hesitation, the reignition of the engine from a silent idle is smooth and the seats combine with suspension enhancements to keep passengers stable. It's a cruiser, not a competitor. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter engine delivers an ample 585 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that executes smooth shifts up and down. The extravagant SL rides on 21-inch forged wheels. Upon startup, the driver's eyes are treated to a visual symphony of Maybach logos across the car's various screens. The quick touch of a physical button on the central display tilts the screen upright for better visibility during top-down driving. Mercedes-Benz It takes 15 seconds for the top to go up or down, and it can be done at up to 30 mph. Like the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé, the Maybach's cabin is quiet enough while the journey is underway to conduct a conversation without ever raising your voice. The new Maybach turns heads thanks to its unique grille that delivers an aggressive elegance. It is surrounded by Maybach logo fascias. Brand-specific front and rear elements are completed by double scoop behind the seats that makes the look sporty yet sophisticated. Mercedes-Benz Monogram Series models are only available with a White Ambience or Red Ambience exterior paint color, and the Manufaktur brand's white leather interior. Opting for the technically finished monogrammed hood (only available in black) adds another striking element. The hood's finish is created by layering a base coat of paint that is then sanded down with a Maybach pattern that is printed onto it, adding two coats of clear lacquer to complete the process. Pricing is expected to start around $250,000. It is on sale now.


Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily News Egypt
Mercedes-Benz Egypt introduces all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV
Mercedes-Benz Egypt has introduced the all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV in Egypt. The vehicle delivers 658 hp and offers a range of up to 600 km. This launch is part of the company's ongoing efforts to provide luxury high-performance vehicles and expand its range of top-tier models in the Egyptian market, presenting an all-electric luxury SUV focused on sustainable mobility while retaining Maybach brand characteristics. Exterior Design Features The exterior of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV includes distinctive visual highlights such as the signature Maybach grille and emblem. An option for a two-tone paint finish, accented by detailed pinstriping, is available. For a more modern and dynamic aesthetic, the Night Series package offers exclusive dark-themed design elements. Customisable ambient lighting is designed to enhance the user experience. Additional features include DIGITAL LIGHT technology, 21-inch Maybach light-alloy wheels, surround lighting with an animated Mercedes-Maybach projection, and aluminium-look illuminated running boards fitted with rubber studs. Interior Appointments, Technology, and Lighting The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV features a refined interior designed to resemble a lounge, incorporating premium materials, ambient lighting, and the Burmester® 4D sound system. Advanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) technology is employed to ensure quietness, particularly in the rear of the vehicle. The MBUX Hyperscreen displays Maybach-exclusive graphics. Rear passengers are provided with seats offering massage functions, entertainment options, and a chauffeur mode. The interior also features eco-friendly Nappa leather and wood trim. Modern conveniences include KEYLESS-GO, wireless charging, and automatic comfort doors. The rear cabin is designed for comfort, equipped with executive seats that feature heating, ventilation, massage functions, and calf massage. The First-Class Rear and Chauffeur Package includes a redesigned centre console with thermal cup holders and a Maybach emblem projection. Adaptive ambient lighting, ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus, and features such as a refrigerated compartment and fold-out tables are also included. Driving Dynamics and Performance Systems The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV combines traditional brand values with contemporary technology. Features such as the AIRMATIC suspension system, noise insulation, and specific driving dynamics are incorporated. The electric drive system is engineered to utilise the vehicle's potential, offering a quiet driving environment. The vehicle offers five DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes—MAYBACH, SPORT, OFFROAD, ECO, and INDIVIDUAL—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The AIRMATIC suspension, which includes an Adaptive Damping System, aims to provide a smooth ride. The vehicle's ground clearance can be raised by 25 mm when in OFFROAD mode. Optional rear-axle steering, with a capability of up to 10 degrees, is designed to enhance agility and reduce the turning circle to 11 metres, facilitating parking. An acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) provides sounds intended to alert pedestrians to the vehicle's presence. The Burmester® 4D surround sound system is included to deliver a comprehensive audio experience.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The most expensive car in the area is being sold by Mercedes-Benz of Midland
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 is the most expensive car for sale at a dealership in the Midland/Odessa area. The GLS 600 is listed at $221,810 MSRP. 'It's the most opulent Mercedes-Benz model you can find on the market, and it's our premier brand, the Maybach class,' Sales Consultant Frank Aranda said. 'If you're interested, drop by the dealership, we'd be happy to be able to show it to you. It's a unique Mercedes-Benz. I think there is no other premier luxury brand that's better than Mercedes-Benz.' Mercedes-Benz of Midland is located at 5801 Andrews Hwy, Midland, TX 79706, and they can be reached by phone at 432-699-7993. They also have a website, for anyone who wants to see more of what they offer. Watch the video above to check out the GLS 600 and all its features. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.