Mercedes-Maybach Pullman limo arrives in Geneva
Mammoth new S-Class Pullman revives name from 1965 600 Pullman luxury limo, on show in Geneva
Mercedes has revealed its new flagship luxury limousine at the Geneva Motor Show: the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman. The second model in the firm's new luxury line after the Maybach S 600 was unveiled, the enormous 6.5-metre Pullman gets Rolls-Royce levels of opulence and a price tag in excess of £350,000.
The Pullman has been built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 600 Pullman saloon's release. The mammoth limousine is nearly 1.3 metres longer than the already sizeable S-Class long-wheelbase, and is set to cost more than three times as much. The firm cites its target market for the Pullman as governments, rulers and royal families.
The Pullman is the second model in the new Mercedes-Maybach designation, relaunched as a bespoke trim level rather than the separate brand that brought us the 57 and 62 limos. The front and rear ends remain faithful to the current S-Class design, but viewed even slightly side on the car's girth is striking, with a dividing section inserted between the front and rear doors.
The inside is where the action is, in particular the huge rear compartment where customers will spend most of their time. Four occupants sit facing each other on executive seating, with an electrically rising partition window separating the two. The posh cabin gets stunning quilted reclining leather seats, while a central divider houses a champagne cooler and glass storage.
On the roof are analogue instruments informing passengers of temperature, speed and time, while an 18.5-inch monitor rises electrically beside the partition. Equipment includes electrically sliding curtains and a Burmester 3D surround sound system, while the glass partition can turn from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.
Mercedes says the seating layout offers a boost in comfort for "heads of state and monarchs" whom protocol dictates must sit ahead of their staff or interpreters. There's also an extra 60mm of headroom to allow easy access, and the seats are set back for greater privacy.
The top-spec Pullman is powered by the firm's 6.0-litre biturbo engine, which produces 522bhp and 830Nm of torque. Despite the immense size and weight of the limo, that should provide sufficient performance for any dignified getaway. As is fashionable, a full armoured version is available for high-profile figures, and unique custom paint and interior finishes are optional.
