The year 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, a milestone celebrated alongside the debut of its modern successor: the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman. This second model under the Mercedes-Maybach banner firmly established itself at the pinnacle of automotive luxury, inheriting the Pullman legacy of unparalleled spaciousness, opulent features, and regal presence. Synonymous with heads of state, royalty, and discerning clientele, the Mercedes S Pullman continues to represent the ultimate in chauffeur-driven extravagance.
Unrivaled Space and Supreme Comfort
Measuring an impressive 21.3 feet (6.50 meters) in length, the Mercedes S Pullman immediately signals its exceptional status. This substantial size translates directly into an expansive and lavishly appointed rear cabin, designed as a mobile club lounge. Every detail caters to the comfort and convenience of VIP passengers, setting a new benchmark for exclusivity and luxury in modern automobiles.
The rear compartment of the Mercedes S Pullman is configured with two standard executive seats facing forward, offering segment-leading legroom and effortless ingress and egress. True to its Pullman heritage, the layout accommodates four passengers in a vis-à-vis arrangement, facilitated by an electrically operated partition window that ensures privacy and exclusivity.
Priced starting at approximately half a million euros for unarmored versions (in 2015), the Mercedes S Pullman is a statement of ultimate prestige. Deliveries commenced in early 2016, offering clients extensive opportunities for bespoke customization, ensuring each vehicle is as unique as its owner.
A Legacy of Stateliness and Style
For decades, Mercedes-Benz Pullman sedans have been the preferred choice for governments, dignitaries, and royal families worldwide, embodying stateliness and sophistication befitting their esteemed occupants. The new Mercedes S Pullman reinforces this distinguished position in the luxury segment.
Ola Källenius, a Daimler AG Management Board member, aptly summarized the Pullman’s essence: “Quite apart from providing stately and stylish seating for high-ranking passengers in the comfort and spaciousness for which it is famed, the new Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is of course the embodiment of exclusivity at its highest level. One can sense the significance and greatness of it in every detail.”
The Mercedes S Pullman showcases meticulous craftsmanship and offers unparalleled personalization options. From multi-layered Maybach paint finishes to bespoke interior appointments, every aspect can be tailored to individual preferences.
Dimensions Exceeding Expectations
Extending 3.5 feet (1053 mm) longer than the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Mercedes S Pullman boasts a length of 21.3 feet (6499 mm). Its wheelbase is a remarkable 14.5 feet (4418 mm). Furthermore, the Pullman’s height of 5.2 feet (1598 mm), exceeding a standard Mercedes S-Class by over 3.9 inches (100 mm), provides significantly enhanced headroom within the cabin.
The flagship model, the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman S 600, is powered by a potent V12 biturbo engine producing 390 kW (523 U.S. SAE hp). With a displacement of 5980 cc, it delivers a peak torque of 612 lb-ft (830 Nm) from 1900 rpm, ensuring effortless performance and commanding presence.
Pullman: A Name Synonymous with Luxury
The term “Pullman” originates from the luxurious railway carriages of the American Pullman Palace Car Company, known for their opulent open-plan compartments. Mercedes-Benz adopted this designation for its own extended wheelbase vehicles offering generously sized passenger areas. Characterized by a partition separating the driver from the rear compartment, these Pullman models historically featured four individual seats facing each other, providing a regal and private environment.
Exquisite Interior and Unparalleled Features
As the name suggests, the Mercedes S Pullman retains the vis-à-vis seating arrangement in the rear. Owner and VIP guests are seated facing forward on standard executive seats, while optional fold-down seats accommodate additional passengers facing rearward. An exclusive configuration without the additional seats is also available upon request.
The executive seats are engineered for exceptional comfort, featuring unique adjustment kinematics where the backrest adjusts independently, while the footwell and seat reference point remain constant. The cushion offers separate inclination and horizontal adjustments. With a maximum backrest angle of 43.5 degrees and an upright working position of 19 degrees, the seats cater to both relaxation and productivity. Reclining seats include adjustable calf supports, and luxury head restraints with extra cushions are standard. Rear passengers in the Mercedes S Pullman enjoy the most generous legroom in the segment, along with an additional 2.4 inches (60 millimeters) of headroom compared to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Accessibility is enhanced in the new Pullman design. Larger rear doors and the repositioned executive seats, set further back, improve entry and exit, especially beneficial for dignitaries and heads of state for whom protocol dictates specific seating arrangements. This design also enhances privacy, as the rear roof pillar obscures a significant portion of the occupants.
The interior of the Mercedes S Pullman is lavishly appointed with leather throughout as standard. This includes the roof liner, door frames, and seat consoles, all crafted from high-quality leather. Staying true to Maybach tradition, three analog instruments in the roof liner display outside temperature, speed, and time for rear passengers.
Privacy is paramount in the Mercedes S Pullman. An electric partition wall separating the rear and driver’s area features glass that can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button. Standard curtains for the rear windows further enhance privacy control. An electrically extendable 18.5-inch (47 cm) monitor in 16:9 format is integrated into the partition.
For audiophiles, the Mercedes S Pullman offers a choice of Burmester sound systems. The standard Burmester surround sound system delivers renowned high-end audio quality. Optionally, the Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System provides an unmatched auditory experience.
Mercedes-Maybach offers extensive individualization options for the Mercedes S Pullman, with dedicated key account managers at Maybach centers and Mercedes-Benz sales advisors ready to assist clients in creating their bespoke luxury limousine.
The Enduring Legacy of Pullman Limousines
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, the Mercedes 600 Pullman remains the most recognized Mercedes Pullman model. Mercedes-Benz first introduced this prestigious variant as a series-production vehicle in 1965. However, the Pullman tradition at Mercedes-Benz extends even further back.
In 1960, three special-design Pullman versions of the model 300, known as the “Adenauer Mercedes,” were produced. Following the W 100 series, Pullman versions were also offered for the S-Class 109 and 126 series (special production), as well as the 140 and 220 series (both standard production), cementing the Mercedes S Pullman lineage as the ultimate expression of automotive luxury and prestige.
