Mercedes rules the game of (rolling) thrones
The Targaryens may have felt a throne made of swords was appropriate, but Mercedes-Maybach aims for pure comfort and serenity with the Pullman model, designed for heads of state and monarchs.
The very wealthy choose from brands such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley for their finely crafted luxury rides, but Mercedes-Maybach, the newly created luxury brand from Daimler , has a more powerful demographic in mind with its Pullman model. The company describes this car's intended audience as "governments, rulers and royal families."
As a counterpoint to the Targaryen's itchy throne of swords from the Game of Thrones series, Mercedes-Maybach seems to think that the head that wears the crown should rest easy on the road, providing the head-of-state with excessive cabin room and seats that go beyond first class. The rear seats in the cabin feature backs that recline from 19 to 43.5 degrees, while leg rests let passengers become nearly recumbent. A long console runs down the center offering controls and cupholders. The Pullman includes two fold-down seats so that factotums can be in ready attendance for their master's voice, and a power-retracting glass divider keeps the driver's nose out of the owner's business.
The car, based on the Mercedes-Benz S-class, measures 3.5 feet (1 meter) longer than that mundane model, contributing significantly to rear cabin space, and Mercedes-Maybach raised the roof by almost 4 inches (10cm) to allow easier access through the enlarged doors.
Although Mercedes-Maybach will offer some of the same engines that can be found in the S-class, the top-of-the-line model will be the Pullman S 600, with twin turbocharged 6-liter V-12 engine making over 500 horsepower and over 600 pound-feet of torque. The name 600 finds its roots in Mercedes-Benz history, with the Mercedes 600, an extended wheelbase model that was favored by royalty.
In its press release, Mercedes-Maybach refers to the standard Burmester audio system, along with an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. Although other electronics are not specified in this initial release, at this level, the buyer can likely specify anything from a flat screen television to a drone control center.
Most tellingly for the intended buyer, Mercedes-Maybach notes that "unarmored models start at around half a million euros." No price is given for armored versions.
The Mercedes-Maybach Pullman will receive its world debut during the upcoming Geneva auto show. CNET's coverage of the Geneva auto show begins on March 3.
