Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet
The Zenith of open air touring
February 2017
We cover few new MB models preferring to let the cut and paste online entities push out the media releases from Daimler AG. However, if a new creation appears that is particularly extraordinary and/or a future collectible we will cover it.
Among the new models featured at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November was a stunning new hyper luxurious cabriolet from the Mercedes-Maybach union. It was impossible to walk by the zircon red S650 Cabriolet without being drawn in by this judiciously adorned and opulently trimmed 615 HP show stopper. Based on the Mercedes S600 Cabriolet, this Maybach edition raises sophistication and bespoke exclusivity to a (another) new level.
Is the S650 Cabriolet a future classic? Absolutely. With only 75 US models planned it just might make sense to put one away…
Only 75 of the 300 examples to be constructed will come to the US and and color/trim options are limited to three combinations:
- Zircon Red exterior paint with a Porcelain/Black interior Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines trim and a black soft top
- Cote d’Azur Blue exterior paint with a Porcelain/Saddle Brown interior, Magnolia Nut Brown trim and a beige soft top
- Designo Diamond White exterior paint with a Porcelain/Yacht Blue interior, Magnolia Nut Brown Flowing Lines trim and a dark blue soft top
Yacht-like interior
Taking design cues from the Mercedes-Benz Style “Arrow 460-Granturismo” yacht, the two ‘flowing lines’ trim offerings create ‘unique yacht ambience’ according to the press release. I wonder where this notion of creating a yacht-like experience in this ultra-premium segment arose from. The rather upright Rolls Phantom convertible also has yacht-like interior/coachwork embellishments. Must help owners who suffer yacht separation anxieties once back on land stay on an even keel emotionally.
Silent torrent of power
While the 650 type designation places the new convertible at the top of the entire passenger car range, it does not indicate a 6.5 liter V12. Twin turbos and 6.0 liters of 4-cam V12 technology suffices and results in 612 HP and wall – 738 ft/lbs – of torque. The power flows through the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and AIRMATIC suspension with steplessly variable damping control insures silky smooth handling and firmness only when required. Gorgeous 20″ Maybach alloys complete the look.
Styling momentum
Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener and his associates have created a stunner that continues the design momentum created by the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 which shocked the world at Pebble Beach in August 2016. I’ll take mine in Porcelain/Yacht Blue. Are we seeing an example of ‘peak extravagance’ as the expectations of the automobile evolve toward utility and autonomy? Perhaps. Is the S650 Cabriolet a future classic? Absolutely. With only 75 US models planned it just might make sense to put one away…
roy spencer/mercedesheritage
photography/daimler ag