With a tradition that harks back to the 1930s, when special variants of the "Grosser Mercedes" were used by heads of state around the world, the longest and most luxurious version of the largest Mercedes-Benz model in its lineup has always been a special car. Since the second "Grosser Mercedes," aka the "600" or the "Dictator-mobile," entered production in 1964, every generation of the S-Class has also had at least one longer version sporting the "Pullman" moniker. With a wheelbase so long that it can accomodate 2+2 seats facing each other behind the two front passengers, not to mention the option of body armor, Pullman Mercedes’ have always been regarded as the cars of choice for heads of state, dignitaries and similar VIPs.

With the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class already filling a more luxurious niche above the "plebeian" 2015 S600, the German carmaker has unveiled an even longer and more luxurious version, bringing back the Pullman name. Since several pre-production prototypes of the new model have already been spied at or around Brabus’ headquarters in Bottrop, it seems that the ultra-long Mercedes-Maybach Pullman was developed and will probably be manufactured by the famed tuner.

Updated 03/03/2015: Mercedes unveiled the new Maybach S600 Pullman Limousine at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Limousine.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman
• Engine/Motor: V12
• Horsepower: 523
• Torque: 612 @ 1900
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Update History

Updated 02/18/2015: Mercedes unveiled the first official details on the new Maybach Pullman limousine. Click past the jump to learn more about this $570k limousine.

Why Brabus?

Apart from modifying Mercedes-Benz models, Brabus is not only a carmaker in its own right but also has a number of smaller but equally important departments, including one that caters to luxury boat or plane lovers. One of them is called Car Research and Development (CRD), which was founded back in 1984 to develop and manufacture special low-volume models for various carmakers around the world.

To give you an idea, brands like Jaguar,->ke39 Infiniti->ke36 and even SsangYong->ke1908 have contracted Brabus CRD over the years to build limited-edition versions of their models for certain occasions or markets. The upcoming S-Class Pullman will apparently be such a model, but don't expect to find any Brabus emblems anywhere on the car when it arrives. Every CRD-built car out there – whether it is a dealership edition or a market-dependent special model – has been made to adhere to the original manufacturer's specs and equipment, so they are not "tuner cars."

Exterior

The biggest design departure from a normal S-Class->ke359 is obviously the gargantuan size of the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman. Its length of over 23 feet makes it no less than 41.4 inches longer than the already elongated "regular" Mercedes-Maybach, with the overall side profile look being not much different than your average limousine. The new Pullman is also about four inches taller than the normal S-Class. A number of subtle design differences are also present, but nothing to completely change the look of the car.

Whether armored or not, the overall weight of the Pullman has been increased so much that the model needs reinforced tires, which also come with special rims. Harking back to the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (W100), whose 50th anniversary coincides with the launch of the new model, the greenhouse has a very similar design. The front doors are identical to the ones from the regular S-Class, but they are followed by a pair of extra side windows and then the downright gargantuan rear doors, which are the widest on any S-Class in history. Speaking of which, the side windows are entirely surrounded by a wide metal strip, giving the model an even more distinct appearance.

As with the now-defunct Maybach Manufaktur models, built until the end of 2012, the paint is added in several layers, and thousands of colors are available. It is not yet clear if the recent pre-production prototype with six door handles was simply a contrivance to keep people guessing about the final design, or if Mercedes-Benz is truly considering a six-door version. I’m leaning toward the first choice, as known German coachbuilder Binz already offers six-door versions of various Mercedes-Benz models.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

With around 2.4 inches of increased headroom compared with the normal Mercedes-Maybach and a wheelbase measuring a massive 173.7 inches, I think it is safe to say that none of the six passengers will feel cramped in any way. In the rear there are two executive-style seats which offer their passengers the greatest legroom in the segment, while two fold-down seats facing backward provide additional room for two more passengers. If requested, the model can be delivered without the additional jump seats.

As expected, the two reclining executive seats come with plenty of adjustments, with the maximum backrest angle being 43.5 degreees, while Mercedes-Benz also brags that the seating arrangement preserves the rear occupants' privacy thanks to their bodies being "hidden by the rear roof pillar." As expected, almost every touchable surface is upholstered in fine leather, while three analogue instruments inform the rear passengers of the car's speed, outside temperature and time, just like in the previous Maybach 57->ke1854 and 62->ke1113 models.

A Burmester surround sound system is also standard, but it can be upgraded to the so-called High-End 3D Surround Sound System, while the rear passengers are separated from the driver by glass partition that can be lowered electrically or change from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button. There is also a standard 18.5-inch monitor that can be extended electrically. Almost every area of the Pullman's interior can be further customized with the help of key account managers in Maybach centers throughout Europe.

Drivetrain

Not yet confirmed but bound to arrive at some point is a bulletproof Guard version of the S-Class Pullman. Set to sport ballistic glass and kevlar-reinforced body panels integrated into the chassis, the Pullman Guard will most likely be the most expensive S-Class ever, since it will offer a similar level of occupant protection as the President’s "Beast" limo. Whether armored or not, the Pullman will be the heaviest S-Class in the lineup, meaning that both the standard Airmatic suspension and the tires have been reinforced to handle the extra weight.

Keep in mind that most of the weight does not necessarily come from the extra seats and body panels. The middle part of the chassis needed to be reinforced in order to handle the forces acting on the body because of the increased wheelbase. Engine-wise, the twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter, V-12 from the S600 will be the only option, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite the massive weight, those 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque should be able to move the enormous sedan quickly enough to spill the champagne.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Mercedes-Benz says that the Pullman will start at around half a million euros (aprox. $570,000 as of 2/18/2015), but you should remember that since almost every detail of its interior is customizable, prices can easily climb closer to the 1 million mark. Some of you may remember that the former Maybach 62 started at a similar price. An armored "Guard" version of the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is likely to become the most expensive production Merc in history.

Competition

Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase

While not a direct rival for the S-Class Pullman per se, since it only offers room for two passengers in the back, the RR Phantom Extended Wheelbase offers similar luxury and interior amenities for its occupants – with a British twist. The lounge-like rear seats make for a private oasis of calm for its occupants, with just about every surface being either of soft semi-aniline leather or rare-wood veneer. Even the floormats are made from fluffy lamb's wool, so your feet will be as confortable as your bum.

Powered by a 6.75-liter V-12 with 75 percent of its torque delivered at just 1,000 rpm, the Phantom EWB is not exactly light on its feet, but never leaves the impression of running out of steam. Everything about the model, from its authoritative presence to the "gentlemen's club" style of its interior simply screams British oppulence.

Conclusion

Most of us will never see a Mercedes-Maybach Pullman on the road, since the special model will only be manufactured to order. Fantastically expensive and rare, but offering unparalleled interior space and appointments, the model should be enough to meet the demands of even the most flamboyant high-rollers out there, not necessarily because of its high price but also because of the model's image. I'm not entirely sure that the new ultra-luxury limousine will dethrone the Rolls-Royce Phantom EWP in terms of sales. Then again, fewer than 3,000 units of the Mercedes-Benz 600 "Grosser Mercedes" were sold between 1965 and 1981, yet that model didn't fail to leave a mark in automotive history.