Cars have the power to evoke feeling and emotion. Mercedes-Benz has delivered some models that stir a range of feelings, from awe to a feeling of luxuriousness. The S600 is no different. But then, mention something like the S600 Pullman Guard or the Mercedes-Maybach S600, and it takes it to another level. Just have to look back at the 100 year history of Mercedes-Maybach.
The S600 has a long history, delivering models that turn heads, but that also attract leaders and celebrities. Some of these models certainly rank as the coolest luxury cars that came from the Mercedes-Maybach collaboration. Let's take a look at the S600 and some of those models that stir not only a feeling of sumptuousness, but also excite gearheads with their classy designs.
10 The S-Class
The S-Class is in a league of its own! In German, it is known as the 'Special Class' and the S600 underscores this fact. Its roots can be traced back to the fifties with the W/180 / W182 'Ponton'.
Debuting in the early seventies, the first generation S-Class was an innovative design, especially with its focus on safety, not to mention the use of ABS. Fast-forward to the W140, where the S600 showcased its extravagance with its opulent interior, including leather steering wheel and leather dashboard.
9 The Long History Of The S600
Turn back the clock to 1963 when the 600 arrived, also known as the W100. The 600 Grosser being an enormous luxury car. Grosser meaning 'Great'. It was the ride of stars and celebrities. Not forgetting that stars like Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley owned their own 600 Pullmans.
More than three decades later, the W220 S-Class came along with that S600 variant. We saw the S600 powered by a M137 engine, that V12 delivering 362 horsepower. The 2003 model featured that M275 that delivered even more power.
8 Driving Luxury
In 2014, Mercedes-Benz premiered its S600 at the Detroit Auto Show. Just looking at it, this S600 exudes sumptuousness. Even Mercedes-Benz describes it as "the Essence of Luxury".
Its 206.5-inch length and its 124.6-inch wheelbase reflect its grandeur. One of the defining features is the sensual curve of those lines. It makes the design not only romance the gearhead with style and sleekness, but reflects the aerodynamics that we have come to appreciate from the S-Class.
7 The Exquisite Interior
Look inside this S600 and you realize why the S600 name is associated with class and luxury. But then add in those extra little incentives, such as that touchpad and the head-up display, which Mercedes-Benz likens to a Jet Fighter, then it becomes even more enticing.
The evolution of the S600 gives us a clue as to how the interior has become so opulent in style. Turn the clock back to the start of the millennium, with the 2001 S600 and its leather upholstery and those seats that make you feel like royalty, heated, fully adjustable and designed for lumbar support. The S600 has a history of making you feel like a VIP.
6 Under The Hood
When the S600 premiered at the Detroit Auto Show, its 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo engine soon became a star of this S-Class. It was more powerful, delivering a massive 530 horsepower with the engine's displacement increasing to 5980cc.
To appreciate its power, take a journey back in its evolution, with the 2003 S600 model of the W220 having that 'M275' V12 bi-turbo engine which was praised at the time for pumping out 493 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque.
5 Those Other Features
It would be a crime not to mention some of those other features of this S600 which make it even more sumptuous. This 2015 S-Class model has MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension, active blind spot assist, and active lane-keeping assist.
Let's also remember that Mercedes-Benz lauded its fuel efficiency, touting that this flagship model was 21 percent lower than its predecessor. This S-Class S600 certainly boasts not only an extravagant ride and a powerful engine to match, but also promises that "essence of luxury."
4 Mercedes Maybach S600 - Opulence Plus
When we compare the standard S-Class with the Mercedes-Maybach, the standard model is certainly a classy ride, but the Mercedes-Maybach steps it up. Not only is the interior more opulent, but the grandeur of its longer wheelbase stuns even the casual pedestrian.
Take for example the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 with its 132.5 inch wheelbase and its 214.7 inch overall length, not to mention that twin-turbocharged V12, delivering 523 horsepower with 612 lb-ft of torque. And it certainly can move, reportedly being able to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
3 S600 Guard
Go back to 1930. The Japanese Emperor ordered several armored Model 770s, known as "the Great Mercedes". It has not been uncommon for world leaders to seek such cars for their own personal protection.
The S600 Guard is one such car, with its body reinforced with special steel, not forgetting the PE and aramid components that give that extra protection. The inside of the glass has been coated with polycarbonate for protection against splintering. It's powered by a V12 engine, delivering 530 horsepower.
2 S600 Pullman Guard
S600 Pullman Guard revives the Pullman limousine tradition that Mercedes-Benz was known for in the thirties. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard offers that protection that we saw in the S600 Guard, but that limousine with its long wheelbase turns heads.
It is powered by a twelve-cylinder bi-turbo engine, delivering 517 horsepower. Protection comes with that armor steel reinforcement to its chassis, offering resistance against even hand grenade fragments, not to mention the safety features within the cabin, such as front airbags, sidebags and NECK PRO luxury head restraints. The interior is the epitome of luxury with exquisite leather upholstery and fine wood touches that make this a choice ride for leaders, VVIPs, and celebrities.
1 The Price You Pay
Let's just say that the cost of luxury and protection is not cheap. The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman Guard was being offered for about $1.56 million. In 2020, the S600 once owned by Michael Jordan went under the hammer for $202,200.
Normally, Michael Jordan's 1996 model would have gone for much less, considering the miles clocked on the car. But of course, a famous name boosts the value. Bring A Trailer lists a 1996 S600 (without any celebrity status) being sold at auction for $32,500. Nonetheless, the S600 certainly boasts a presence that exudes that feeling of luxury.