Mercedes-Maybach

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2021

100 Years of Maybach Automobiles in 1 Video

It all started back in 1921. For many, the name "Maybach" came around when the 57 and 62 models were unveiled in the late 1990s. These luxurious sedans were incredibly popular and were mentioned quite often in pop culture. However, Maybach has actually been around for 100 years as of 2021. It all started back in 1921 when Wilhelm Maybach, the technical director of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, and his son Karl Maybach, unveiled the 22/70 HP W 3. The W 3 was the first German car to have four wheels,, featured a planetary gearbox mated to a six=-cylinder engine, and had an interior replete with wood and leather. It was and still is a true luxury car. Now, in 2021, Maybach has become Mercedes-Maybach but the luxury is still there. "Mercedes-Maybach is the pinnacle of automotive excellence at Mercedes-Benz" says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes Benz AG responsible for Marketing and Sales. "As we celebrate 100 years of Maybach's unique heritage at the forefront of luxury experience, we remain passionate about driving the brand forward to set the highest standards in style, comfort and outstanding craftsmanship." In the video up above, you can se what Mercedes-Maybach truly stands for and how they have evolved over the past century. If you're interested in adding a Mercedes-Maybach to your collection, be sure to click the button below. See All Mercedes-Maybachs For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 10, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 Price Unveiled

The new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S 580's price has just dropped and, as expected, it's much more expensive than the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With a starting price tag of $184,900, it's actually quite a bit more expensive than your standard S-Class. But, that higher price comes with a litany of luxurious features that are expected from a Maybach model. This includes the 3D driver display, Burmester 4D surround sound system, a rear seating area filled with amenities, a 7-inch longer wheelbase and a lot more. The new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Sedan is set to land in U.S. dealerships around the middle of 2021, so keep your eyes out or contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealership. See All Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 18, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Teased Before Reveal

Just after the reveal of the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is getting ready for its premiere. This new model will take the technology and innovations found in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and combine it with the luxury and exclusivity that Maybachs are known for. For instance, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will have a seven-inch longer wheelbase which allows it to have a much more spacious cabin. This includes room for the standard executive seats and chauffeur features. While all we have now is a teaser photo and some basic info, the new luxury sedan will be revealed in its entirety tomorrow, November 19. So be sure to check back with us for more information when it's released. See All Mercedes-Maybach S650s For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2020

Discover The Luxurious Maybach Eyewear Collection

There is only one way to fight the strength of the sunlight when driving in any of the Mercedes-Maybach vehicles, and that is with the ultimate luxury eyewear collection by Maybach. The company is known for manufacturing some of the most luxurious automobiles also uses its resources to create handmade sunglasses from rare and precious materials. The Sun Collection by Maybach Eyewear features an array of classic and unique styles for both men as well as women. Each pair is handmade in Germany using modern and traditional design aspects as inspiration to create the perfect frame. The iconic Maybach has stamped on each pair, as well as the handcrafted leather cases that hold the sunglasses. There is an optical collection that is also presented by Maybach Eyewear. Shop the sun and optical collections from Maybach Eyewear by clicking the link below. Shop Maybach Eyewear Source: Maybach Eyewear

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS Pricing Announced - Most Expens...

The new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS price has been announced and it's now apparent that the new SUV will compete with the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Aston Martin DBX. When the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC hits US dealership in late 2020, it will carry a starting price of $160,500, excluding the $1,050 destination and delivery charge. That price tag makes it the most expensive Mercedes SUV out there, but that was expected. With a luxurious interior replete with fine materials, the latest technology and more, the new 2021 GLS will be an extraordinarily lavish ride. The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS can be taken even further in terms of luxury thanks to a long list of customization options and appointments available, including a refrigerator compartment with custom champagne flutes and built-in holders. Be sure to keep an eye out later this year for the new and stunning 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. See All Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2020

New 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Night Edition is VERY Lim...

The new Mercedes-Maybach S 650 night Edition has been unveiled as a very exclusive sedan that's limited to just 15 examples. What's more, it will only be available to the U.S. market. So what is this new special edition S 650? It starts with the Obsidian Black exterior that's paired with the shadow "smoked" 20-inch forged wheels, carbon fiber trim and Nappa Leather upholstery in Porcelain and Black. There are also Night Edition badges on the front fenders and in the interior. It also comes with a very long list of standard equipment that can be found below. As far as pricing goes, Mercedes has given it a price tag of $242,650. View All S 650s for Sale V12 radiator grille with MAYBACH lettering Executive seats in rear with 43-degree recline angle and power calf rests 64-color ambient loghting and extended interior ambient lighting in rear cabin Leather covered door sills and seat consoles Wood/leather steering wheel Dual 12.3” high-resolution displays merged beneath glass panel Frtont and rear seats with massage function Front and rear heated and ventilated seats Ambient lighting with 64 colors Head-Up Display LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System Driver Assistance Package Night View Assist Plus AIRMATIC® semi-active air suspension MAGIC BODY CONTROL®

By Andrew Nabors – June 01, 2020

Two (Of Only 99) Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulets For Sal...

A V6-powered SUV is more capable than a four-cylinder. And that is why your SUV needs twelve cylinders, twin turbos, and three locking differentials. Stretch the wheelbase and add a partition for the ultimate in private transportation. While you are at it, give both rear passengers heated and cooled seats, and a well-insulated convertible top. That is precisely what royalty dreams of, and it became a reality for a select few. When Mercedes-Benz engineers had the 2019 G-Class on the drawing board, they decided it would not need room for their venerable V12. That is why the teams at AMG and Maybach joined forces to send the original G-Class off in style. Mokkaschwarz Metallic For Sale Using the long wheelbase of the Mercedes-AMG 6x6, it allowed ample room for executive rear seats to fully recline. The center console hides leather tables for each, and controls for both 10" HD screens. The powered glass partition is sound-insulated and can turn opaque using the same elctrochromatic system as the SL's Magic Sky Roof. Thanks to 630 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, you will feel the wind in your hair if as the driver launches with locked differentials. You will be riding on the portal axles from the 4x4 Squared. Not only do they provide ample ground clearance, twin coil-over shocks at each corner soak up any rough pavement. Staying true to its name, the ultimate Geländewagen can cut its own path through the woods and fording creeks to get you out of trouble. No other executive transport has the ability to climb mountains or tackle a soupy swamp. When the concept was announced in 2017, orders came in from all corners of the world. But due to the hand-built perfection, Mercedes-Maybach limited production to 99 examples. Only a handful made it to the western hemisphere, so don't pass up this opportunity. This combination of power, agility, luxury, and history will never come your way again. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing Maybach models. Ocean Blue Metallic For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – October 09, 2015

Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Test Vehicle Spotted

Mercedes-Benz has been relatively quiet in public regarding the development and production of Mercedes-Maybach vehicles since February, but a new video shows that they are very much working on moving their newest model to production.A Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman test vehicle was spotted in a parking lot by German YouTuber walkoART♔♕♚Videos at the Brabus facility in Bottrop, and in a video walk around posted Oct. 8, we get a good look at this super-long Benz.(See Also: Brabus Refines the Mercedes-Maybach S600, Ups Power to 900 hp) It's difficult to see the interior in the rear because of tints and window curtains, but the parts of the front that are visible through the window are absoultely stunning. Plush diamond quilted leather coats the seats while rich, deep colors in the wood trim create an atmosphere of luxury. And, of course, most noticeable is just how long this Pullman is. Its length measures in at 6.5 meters, or approximately 21 feet, making it too long to even fit in the parking space it's occupying. Check it out in the video below, and when you're done, find a classic Maybach for your collection from our exclusive listings. Maybachs For Sale (Source: Mercedes-Benz, YouTube) See More Mercedes-Benz News

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