Following its hugely successful world premier at the Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai last November, Maybach luxury brand is adding the Landaulet to its model line-up.

“Maybach revived the aura and era of the grand carriages with its Landaulet study shown for the first time in Dubai,” said Chris Vallance, regional sales manager, Maybach and SLR, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East and Levant. “The public response to this masterpiece was overwhelming and now Maybach will offer the hand-built Landaulet based exclusively on the customer's own specifications.”

The Maybach Landaulet offers a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile. Boasting a certain romantic quality and allowing its passengers the opportunity to savour a closeness to nature, this exceptional vehicle also features the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication and as such sets the new standard for the world's most exclusive luxury vehicles.

A limited number of vehicles will be built in the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingen. The finest materials are painstakingly handcrafted by select craftsmen to meet the customers' exacting requirements, just as the discerning Maybach clientele would expect, he said.

According to the latest Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI), a survey of 531 US millionaires recently voted Maybach the most prestigious luxury automobile brand.

The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes with its very own distinguished yet authentic style. While the chauffeur's workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer, the passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun. They travel on opulent reclining seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an environment of utmost luxury and exquisite style.

In technical terms the Maybach Landaulet is based on the Maybach 62 S, which can claim to be the world's most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon.

Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls have been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with reclining seats remain unchanged, said Vallance.

When closed, the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the roof frame formed by the longitudinal roof arches and is wind - and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. Fully automatically, the electro-hydraulic system then opens the roof, the top is folded and gently laid onto the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear windscreen made of safety glass.

The new Maybach Landaulet is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver in a sophisticated process that ensures the highest standards of quality. Clients can choose from three leather appointment options, and a choice of two trim element finishes - black piano lacquer combined with either carbon-fibre trim or fine anthracite poplar, he said.

The Maybach Landaulet is powered by an uprated V12 engine, developed for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. Thanks to twin turbochargers, the V12 engine develops 612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres.

The Maybach Landaulet will cost EUR 900,000 and the first customer vehicles are due to leave Maybach Manufaktur in the third quarter of 2008. –TradeArabia News Service