Mercedes-Benz 600 W100 or brand-new Mercedes-Maybach? Luxury legend or state-of-the-art modern limo? The eternal dilemma. What would you choose if the prices are almost identical?
Launched in 1963 at the Frankfurt motor show, the Mercedes 600 W100’s production run ended in 1981, after 2.677 examples built, 428 of which were Pullmans, 2,190 short wheelbase models and 59, Landaulets. The six-seater stretch limousine was 6,24 meters long and came in closed and open-top (Landaulet) versions with its wheelbase measuring 3,90 meters. The W100 600 in question is the less popular shorter version which still featured a respectable length of 5,45 meters.
Codenamed W100, the Mercedes-Benz 600 has become famous for its popularity with movie stars and dictators, being the most exclusive and the most expensive luxury limo of its era. Don’t be afraid though. Now it can be yours for merely €178,000 or the equivalent of $193,885.
Coincidence or not, for the same amount of cash you can put on your driveway… ok, runway, the brand-new Mercedes-Maybach S 600. $189,350 to be more precise. A paragon of luxury and performance, it virtually pips its predecessor on almost every chapter, except road presence and exclusivity.
Specifically designed to be chauffeur-driven, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class benefits from an increase of 200 mm for both its overall length (5.453 mm) and wheelbase (3.365 mm) by comparison with the long wheelbase S-Class. Longer body aside, clients get a Driver Assistance Package (Intelligent Drive), MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist PLUS, a Warmth and Comfort Package with a heated windshield, head-up display, LED Intelligent Lighting System, Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system, Executive Rear Seat package, Rear Seat Entertainment System and the Air Balance package.
Engine-wise, the newer S-Class also wins hands down thanks to its V12 bi-turbo 6.0-liter engine delivering 530 hp and 830 Nm. In contrast, the old W100 was powered by a glorious, naturally aspirated, 6,3-liter V8 good for only 250 HP and 510 Nm. Clearly, there’s no replacement for displacement!
The verdict is nigh. Believe it or not, our recommendation sounds like this: choose the Mercedes-Benz 600 W100 if what you are looking for is sheer style and exclusivity. If substance and modern comfort is more of what you are after, then the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 was definitely crafted with you in mind.
