The Maybach S650 Cabriolet, Mercedes’ latest entrant in the super-luxury open air motoring, has been unveiled at Los Angeles. This is the first modern roadster to get the Maybach badge and has been priced at a whopping $323,000 (Rs 2.2 crore approx.). Production of the S650 Cabriolet will be limited to 300 units to make sure it remains as exclusive as its price tag.
While we expected the Maybach to be inspired by the 6 Concept shown at Pebble beach, the S650 Cabriolet is clearly based on the S-Class Cabriolet - the one that was launched in India last week. The Maybach S650 gets classic roadster lines with a long hood, raked windshield and almost no rear overhang. It gets the typical S-Class Coupe face but generously dipped in chrome while the headlamps get Swarovski crystals. The chrome mesh radiator grille stands out and so does the chrome-lined air dam. The profile is defined by the new classic looking alloy wheels and the Maybach logo on the front fender. The tail gets the chrome treatment as well.
Being a Maybach, it is the epitome of luxury for Mercedes and the S650 Cabriolet gets it all. The patterns on the leather seats are specially designed for comfort as well as better airflow. Every material used looks and feels expensive, especially the internal fragrance system that is woven into the leather seats. It gets the state-of-the-art warming system that blows warm air into the passengers’ necks even when the roof is down. The fabric roof can be retracted within 20 seconds and at speeds up to 50kmph. You also get special Maybach luggage bags along with the car, stitched from the same leather used to upholster the car.
Being a Maybach, performance is certainly a highlight. The S650 Cabriolet gets the 6.0-litre V12 twin-turbocharged petrol engine that develops 621bhp of power. With a 0-100 sprint in about four seconds, the Maybach is expected to hit a top speed of over 300kmph.
The Maybach S650 Cabriolet, with its price tag, goes right up to challenge the Rolls-Royce Dawn and the Bentley Continental GTC. While the Rolls-Royce is the zenith of hand-built luxury, the Bentley packs supercar performance into its luxury cars. The Maybach Cabriolet might want to pose as the best of both worlds between the two.
