A toast to affluence

Let's make a toast to affluence...........

Sit back in those ultra cozy, baby bottom soft, fully reclining, Nappa leather seats. You know, those heated and cooled ones, with the calf massaging feature. Now that is luxury. And while those calves are getting that oh, so soothing massage, pick up the pad on the rear console and from this lap of luxury use it to control EVERY feature in your chauffeur driven land yacht.

What is this luxo barge, that has these wonderful features, that mere mortals like myself can never even hope to aspire to, unless those lotto tickets, that I refuse to buy, finally ring my bell?

Ah yes, that ultimate of Mercedes, the Maybach......

About twenty years ago, Mercedes decided to dredge up the famous old Maybach name, last used in the 1930's for an impressive ride, that stood out in the Black Forest and among the castles along the Rhine. Yes sir, it fit right in.........

In the early 2000's Benz slapped that name on a hoped for Rolls-Royce rival. Problem? While the Rolls had the look, the Maybach had styling so subtle, that even the most informed car person could miss it in an empty parking lot. Sales were as dismal as one might expect. Finally it was given the axe. 

Realizing that the actual name Maybach, still had some sort of cache', Benz decided to  bring it back as a ne plus ultra version of the S Class, itself a pretty impressive carriage. Make some changes, like a longer wheelbase to give those back seat owners tons of leg room. Add those valued extras like a thirty(!) speaker sound system, massaging calf seats and power rear doors (opening and closing the door yourself is so yesterday). Jack the price up into Bentley territory (slightly under $300k) and give it a go. It worked!

Add a few exclusive colours, ten two tones and then stand back and take orders. Oh, one thing before you open that order book. Be sure to let your wealthy clientele know, that those very nice two tones will add $15,000 CDN to their bill. Who cares, you ask? Probably no one considering this model.

Not a sedan buyer? Be patient as this GLS based suv is also coming soon........

Same thing applies to this model as the sedan, if you have to ask the coin needed for the entrance fee, then please don't slam the door as you leave the dealership.

Sure the Maybach is subtle. Watch out for that front end, also a longer looking S Class body. If all else fails, read the dam name on the back.........

.......and know how your fellow driver spends their money.

Until next time.........