Mercedes-Benz recently confirmed one of the year’s worst-kept secrets: That its Maybach brand is making a return as a new “Mercedes-Maybach” sub-brand specializing in ultra-luxury, similar to how the existing Mercedes-AMG sub-brand specializes in performance. Now, the first Mercedes-Maybach product has been revealed, the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which is on show this week at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show (it’s also on display at the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show currently underway in China).

The version on show in L.A. is a Mercedes-Maybach S600, powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 shared with the regular Mercedes S600. The engine is rated at 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is available from just 1,900 rpm. Owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Additional powertrains will be available in the near future, including V-6 and V-8 options.

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Mercedes-Maybach likes to boast that the car benefits from the “perfection” of the S-Class as well as a new level of “exclusivity” conveyed by the Maybach tag. One form of exclusivity that the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class affords is a stretched wheelbase; we’re talking a full 8.1 inches here, all of which benefits those in the rear. Rear passengers also benefit from standard equipment that includes executive seats with reclining and massage functions, and the designers promise that the car has the quietest cabin of any car currently in production.

The stretched wheelbase means that the S-Class family now boasts four separate variants, with the others being the standard sedan, long-wheelbase model we get as standard here in the U.S., and the stylish coupe. Yet two more are still in the works: an upcoming convertible and an extra, extra-long version that’s expected to revive the Pullman name.

Mercedes-Maybach customers also have more personalization options to choose from, such as unique seats, additional comfort and convenience features, and ultra-luxurious trim elements. Some of the unique elements of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are trim parts in wood and chrome, leather at shoulder height in the door panels, chrome-plated tweeter grilles and fiber-optic cables for the ambient lighting system. There's also a unique perfume and top-of-the-range Burmester 3D sound system.

Sales of the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 are scheduled to commence in April of next year. Mercedes is keen to stress that Mercedes-Maybach is not an equipment line, but a sub-brand that in future will deliver additional models. One of these is expected to be an enhanced version of the GL-Class SUV.

For more 2014 L.A. Auto Show coverage, head to our dedicated hub.

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