New Mercedes S650 Maybach is the most luxurious S‑Class of all

The most extravagant, and likely most expensive, Maybach yet is the S650 Cabriolet, a two-door, four-seater launched today at the Los Angeles Auto Show and due on sale from next spring. If you want one, and have the circa quarter of a million to hand, then get a move on because they are limiting production to 300 for the world.

It was only a year ago that Mercedes whipped the covers off its S-class Cabrio, reprising the idea of the open-top four-seater limo personified in the 1960s by the wonderful, now hugely valuable, W112 series of cars like the 280 SE. The new Maybach takes the idea to its ultimate conclusion.

But if you are expecting something bespoke along the lines of the sensationally huge and retro-looking Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept shown at Monterey Auto Week in the summer (see more on that here) then you may be disappointed. Structurally this is – new front bumper and 20-inch forged wheels aside – every inch a Mercedes S-class Cabrio under the added chrome glitz.

That means the standard wheelbase (unlike the longer Maybach version of the S-class sedan) and the gruntiest S-class motor available in the form of the 6.0-litre biturbo V12 with 630hp. The Maybach gets to 62mph in 4.1 seconds just like the equivalent AMG model. It also promises to keep you snug just like the AMG version, with vital options like heated armrests included.

Mercedes is going an extra mile to make Maybach owners feel special about buying an S650 Cabriolet. Apart from the lack of options – the only boxes to tick will be for the unique new Maybach colour and trim palette – there are plenty of special Maybach touches. Expect fitted luggage in leather to match the car’s, embroidered logos, deep-pile floormats, inlaid logos and numbered edition plaque. You even get a special car cover, a key ring made of the same nappa leather and a certificate signed by Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

All of which equates to what Mercedes says is the ultimate in open-air exclusivity. Maybe, but we know some British firms that might take issue with that…

We have to admit though that the interior design – the “flowing lines” patterns are  inspired by a waterfall and as used in the Mercedes-designed Silver Arrows motor yacht recently unveiled  – does make quite a statement…