Daimler has quietly released initial specifications for the 2018
Mercedes-Maybach S650 sedan. It's essentially the same as the limousine we've
already seen, but instead of a V8 or the “standard” V12, it packs AMG's
flagship engine – displacing 6.0 liters across twelve cylinders, with twin
turbochargers helping it produce 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. That's
the same engine as you'll find in the aforementioned 650-series Maybachs, as we
as 65-series AMGs like the SL65 roadster, G65 sport-ute, and S65 sedan, coupe,
and convertible.
Channeled to the rear wheels through a seven-speed
automatic transmission, all that muscle is said to be enough to shuffle the big
sedan to 60 in just 4.6 seconds. That's 0.4 seconds slower than the S65 sedan
that shares the same engine, platform, and just about everything else, but
stretching as it does 215 inches on a 132.5-inch wheelbase, the Maybach is
longer by nearly a foot.
And though curb weight has yet to be announced, you
can bet the ultra-luxe version is considerably heavier even than the S65's
hefty 5,000 pounds.Also not announced at present is the list price for the US
market. But when you consider that the existing Maybach S600 starts at US$ 191,300
and the AMG S65 at US$ 226,900 (a US$ 45k premium over the standard S600 at US$ 170,750), you shouldn't expect much change back from a quarter million.
That'd put it directly in line with the comparable,
top-of-the-line Bentley Flying Spur W12 S. That is, unless Daimler's potent new
limo turns out to be a limited-production affair like the other 650-series
Maybachs, in which case it's liable to charge even more.
