Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture is a new and very limited edition series which can best be described as collectable art on wheels. The concept, presented last year, has now become reality with new meticulous design detailing that elevates the customer experience to new heights.
“The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture heralds a new chapter of high exclusivity for the brand. With a restricted limited run of 150 units, the special edition reflects our brand philosophy to occasionally release aspirational collectables. Thus, we further strengthen the position of Maybach as the ultimate luxury pioneer and facilitate one-of-a-kind luxury experiences that go beyond our customers’ expectations,” says Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach.
The Haute Voiture Maybach concept was presented for the first time as a climax to the fashion show by the local couture brand, Atelier Zuhra. Founded by Omani designer Rayan Al Sulaimani, Atelier Zuhra’s couture event – held in Dubai on December 12 – was attended by VIP guests, media personalities and top influencers.
Every Haute Voiture is based on a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S 680, which has a nearly 18 Centimetres longer wheelbase than the standard S-class. Powered by a 621-hp 6.0-litre V-12 coupled with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Even though it can accelerate from zero to a hundred in around 4.5 Seconds, the emphasis here is on delivering a refined ride quality. Even while cursing at over 100 kmph, the car offers a silky smooth ride thanks to its air suspension, while producing an extremely low 64 decibels as a result of its active sound cancellation system. The car also offers rear-wheel steering.
An Haute Voiture S 680 is worked on by Mercedes Benz’s highly specialised customization team at its Sindelfingen Manufaktur. Through a combination of rare craftsmanship, premium materials and exquisite details, the result is a new level of exclusivity that is akin to a drivable art piece. Each vehicle that rolls out from here will feature a badge in the centre console outlining its number within the unique run of 150.
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group, says: “The intricate features and exclusive design elements are what makes the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture one of the most extravagant models we ever created – it represents Sophisticated Luxury in its purest form. Our customers have access to the most aspirational lifestyle, so we wanted to reflect this through creating something utterly desirable and using components never before seen on a Mercedes-Maybach.”
An Haute Voiture’s exterior is characterised by an exclusive two-tone paint finish – a combination of metallic nautical blue on top, with a light, shimmering rose tone in the lower section and nautical blue metallic rims. An additional highlight now includes surround lighting with animated projection. This illumination is activated when the doors are opened. An animated Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-Maybach patterns using LCD technology light up and elegantly illuminate both the front and rear entry areas.
The exterior aesthetics of the Haute Voiture effortlessly transition into its interior through the extended use of deep-sea blue and rose gold tones, as well as with additional crystal and glossy opal white features. The interior showcases the most exquisite attention to detail, perfectly underlining its Haute Couture inspiration.
A high-quality fashion-inspired bouclé fabric remains a constant throughout the model – in blue, beige, rose gold and gold shades, with additional intricate details featured within the seat covers and cushions. Highlights of crystal white leather embrace the passengers throughout the consoles, doors and scatter cushions.
The floormats are made of linen and mohair. Rose gold-coloured champagne flutes seamlessly integrate the display in the spacious rear. An Haute Voiture badge displays prominently on the door panel. Also original to the series car is the blue-tone leather piping within the consoles.
These interior embellishments are in addition to the extensive standard interior luxuries of the S 680. Some of these include a 64-colour ambient lighting system; heated rear seats with power adjustments and various massage modes; an interior air ionizing system with signature fragrances, and a panoramic sunroof.
The car’s MBUX infotainment system comprises two interface displays – a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. This system has an augmented-reality navigation system built into it, displaying easy video directions on the central display as well as on the car’s head-up display.
In an Haute Voiture, the MBUX display gets sparkling glitter clouds and a variety of accents in shimmering rose gold to emphasize the catwalk atmosphere. In the profile selection menu, the driver is greeted with a magnolia blossom and sparkling particles. Twelve different avatars are adorned with fine accessories, and are elegantly dressed, for example in a dinner jacket, tailcoat or evening gown.
To complete the Maybach experience, the S-Class Haute Voiture will be accompanied by a hand-made gift box featuring its badge number, alongside a scaled model and key ring. In addition, a special car cover featuring the Maybach and Haute Voiture logo will be gifted to customers.
A bag collection will accompany the Haute Voiture series, retailing in early 2023 at Maybach Icons of Luxury physical and online stores. Available in different styles and sizes in a limited run, the items in this collection will be comprised of select materials featured in the vehicle interior, combining Haute Couture extravagance with detailed craftsmanship.
The Haute Voiture is one of two fashion-related special editions that will be offered by Maybach this year. The other is the limited-edition S680 by Virgil Abloh, as a tribute to the late fashion designer. The last collaboration in a highly successful creative partnership, and limited to just 150 units, it has a black-and-tan colour scheme with monoblock wheels in matching tan colour.
