In 2011, Daimler AG decided to put an end the Maybach brand. Apparently it was not a good idea, since only three years later the Stuttgart automaker decided to rescue a name that represents extreme luxury, something that Mercedes-Benz needed.

And so Maybach returns, but not as an independent firm, but as a label at the top of the Mercedes-Benz range, namely a surname for the most luxurious and exclusive models of the German brand. The expected return comes in the form of the new Mercedes S-Maybach, recently unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

As the name suggests, this version represents the top of the line of the S-Class, which is taken to the extreme in all its facets culminating with an irresistible limousine. Its dimensions surpass the usual size of the sedans in the F segment. With nearly 18 feet in length, the Maybach exceeds by more than 20 inches the wheelbase of the S-Class with more space especially for the rear seats.

In addition to the maximum convenience for travelers, there is also the exquisite equipment provided by Mercedes-Benz. For example, executive seats with twice the legroom and unique features such as massage; a precise and entirely individual air conditioning system capable of purifying the atmosphere with different fragrances, and a sunroof that, with the push of a button, regulates the flow of light into the vehicle.

But we shouldn’t underestimate the mechanical improvements of the S-Class deluxe, which comes in two versions: the Mercedes Maybach S500 with 8-cylinder engine in V and 4,663 cc; and the Mercedes Maybach S600, with a super-powerful 12-cylinder engine and 5,980 cc. The performance is amazing in both models, but what is particularly admirable is that the S600 now becomes the great Mercedes-Benz flagship. With its 530 maximum hp and 4,900 and 5,300 rpm, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, in addition to a speed electronically limited to 155 mph for all the series models.

It is a vehicle for outstanding performance, taking into account that this is a sedan of an exorbitant weight. Although the precise figure is still undisclosed, it is known that the S-Class long wheelbase weighs two tons.

The Mercedes-Maybach S, the ultra-luxurious model that brings back the legendary Maybach moniker, will hit the streets in the early months of 2015. The price? Never less than 250,000 dollars. ■