Just a couple of days ago, Mercedes-Benz celebrated a major milestone event – the production of its 50 millionth vehicle. Yes, you read that right – a total of 50 million vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands have been produced over the past 75 years.
The 50 millionth vehicle is the first new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class which rolled off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant. The luxury sedan will, along with the S-Class Sedan and the long version, and in the future also with the EQS, be produced in Factory 56.
Factory 56
For those who didn’t know, Factory 56 is a high-tech production facility in the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant that opened in September 2020, which also happens to be Mercedes-Benz’ most modern automobile production facility.
“Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with luxury. That’s why I’m very proud of this very special production anniversary: Fifty million vehicles produced is a significant milestone in the history of our company, and an exceptional achievement by the team.”
“I would like to thank the colleagues in the plants around the world for their work and their commitment. Their expertise and passion in the production of our stars make the wishes of customers all over the world come true day after day,” said Jörg Burzer, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain.
Thanks to Mercedes-Benz’ MO360 digital ecosystem, all of the brand’s plants are networked with one another, and the digitally supported close cooperation between the employees in the different plants is an essential part of this.
Thanks to structures and processes with maximum flexibility, the global production network is optimally organized. The ability to breath, and to transfer production capacity between the individual plants as required by market demands is a decisive advantage.
Vehicles with different drive types already roll off the same production line. During this the production methods and processes are continually being further developed and digitalized. As a result, we can achieve synergies, lower cost, not least boost the efficiency and the productivity within the production network.
Going electric
At the moment, the global production network is focusing on the implementation of the electric mobility offensive, and by 2022, a total of six new Mercedes-EQ models will have been integrated in running series production operations.
As a result, Mercedes-Benz’ global production network is contributing decisively to the company`s ambitious sustainability targets. The batteries for the Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles are supplied by a global battery production network with plants on three continents.
Local battery production is also a key success factor for the Mercedes-Benz electric offensive. In addition, from 2022 production at all of the own plants of Mercedes-Benz AG worldwide will be CO2-neutral.
When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new S-Class, the world stopped for a second because it took many of us a moment to digest how well the brand had put luxury and technology together in such an elegant manner.
However, just as we thought that the new S-Class is as good as it is going to get, comes the car you’re looking at now – the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – which makes the former look like middle-class stuff.
Unveiled yesterday, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comes with a wheelbase that is 18 cm longer than the regular S-Class in order to give the rear seat occupants maximum space, and sports a two-tone paint finish that can be had as an option, which makes it look like a luxury yacht on wheels.
Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with fine, vertical chrome pinstripes. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class also differs from its brother models when viewed from the side as the rear doors are wider, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight.
On request, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can also be equipped with electrically operated comfort rear doors. With this feature, the wide rear doors can be conveniently opened and closed with little force even on a gradient.
The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, even though is based on the new Mercedes‑Benz S-Class, is way more luxurious. The large areas of trim on the front seats are a new feature in the Mercedes-Maybach.
While twin Executive seats come as standard, owners can opt for the First-Class Rear package, where a striking area of trim is positioned between the two rear passengers, making it look like the cabin of a First Class flight.
With Active road noise compensation, the interior of the already very quiet Mercedes-Maybach S-Class becomes even quieter. In a similar way to headphones with noise suppression, the system reduces unwanted low-frequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. The bass speakers of the Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system are used for sound reproduction.
Included as standard is a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control centre. With OLED technology, the individual pixels are self-illuminating. There is also a 12.3-inch 3D driver display with three-dimensional representation of other road users.
Offered in two trim levels – the S580 and the S650, the former is powered by a 496 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine, while the S650 will benefit from a 603 hp 6.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V12 engine.
It is said that some markets around the world will also get a plug-in hybrid version powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, producing about 500 hp.
While the previous-gen Mercedes-Maybach did make a Malaysian debut in a very grand manner, whether the new one will come to Malaysia remains unknown, so watch this space for more updates on the new S-Class as well as the Maybach S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz USA unveiled the highly exclusive new S 650 Maybach Night Edition, featuring unique and distinctive black and carbon fiber elements.
Available for the 2020 model year, this stunning special edition is limited to just 15 units and is only available for the U.S. market.
Equipped with a handcrafted 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine producing 621 hp and 1000 Nm of torque, the Maybach S 650 is the most powerful in the Mercedes- Maybach sedan lineup and can rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
The Magic Body Control suspension features a camera that automatically scans the road ahead to proactively counteract bumps and dips for a supremely smooth ride, and it will even lean into curves like a slaloming skier for more dynamic handling.
Key highlights that set the Night Edition apart include the exclusive interior carbon fibre trim in the front and rear of the vehicle, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, and shadow “smoked” 20” Maybach forged wheels.
Finished with Obsidian Black exterior paint and Exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery in Porcelain and Black, this exclusive Edition is complemented by Night Edition leather floor mats and a trunk mat in black with porcelain edges, while Night Edition badges also adorn the front fenders and interior trim.
As a benchmark in the super-luxury segment, the Maybach S 650 sets new standards in its sumptuous interior with features such as two executive rear seats with a 43-degree recline angle and power calf rests, front and rear seats with massage feature, a wood/leather steering wheel and leather covered door sills and seat consoles, extended interior ambient lighting in the rear cabin and rear seat entertainment.
Mercedes-Maybach Sedan Standard Equipment Highlights
V12 radiator grille with MAYBACH lettering
Executive seats in rear with 43-degree recline angle and power calf rests
64-color ambient lighting and extended interior ambient lighting in rear cabin
