fbpx
Cars > Peek

Mercedes now has a Maybach to go with your yacht

A one-off S-Class inspired by a classic boat

This luxury car is based on a classic yacht. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

Have you ever struggled to pair your outfit for the day? Wondered what shoes to wear with what jacket? What pants best match your favorite shirt? Or what car to use while driving to your classic sailing boat?

At least for the latter conundrum, Mercedes-Benz now has something for you. A Mercedes-Maybach S-Class celebrating the 150th anniversary of yacht builder Robbe & Berking. You’d better be quick, though, as they only built one.

Pairing cars with other desirable objects makes sense for the brands involved, as it creates a mutual glamour force field that amplifies the message of luxury and makes clients feel even more special. Mercedes is no stranger to this, or to teaming up with a boat builder. In the past, the Germans already presented a speedboat to go with the AMG One.

Mercedes employed its best craftspeople to create this work of art. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

Now, the pace is a bit slower as Maybach has built a one-off S680 that celebrates the 150th anniversary of silver cutlery and yacht maker Robbe & Berking. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of the name. The fifth-generation family-run business was founded in northern Germany in 1874, and until recently solely specialized in manufacturing the finest silverware.

Then, in 2005, Oliver Berking came across a famous classic sailing yacht called Sphinx and decided to buy and restore the vessel that dates back to 1939. He seemingly liked doing that so much that he started a new company to restore classic boats and build replicas of those not around anymore. Someone at Mercedes must have seen that, and thought it would make a nice brand co-op, so that’s how we got here.

Who needs a tumbler when you have silverware like this? PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The restored 21.48m Sphinx is a pretty little thing, and does look rather dashing next to its new four-wheeled companion. The car has been painted to match the boat, and shines in a two-tone paint finish consisting of nautical blue metallic at the top and Patagonia red bright in the lower section. The project was handled by the Manufaktur division, which showcased its craftsmanship and capabilities to fulfill even unusual wishes for buyers (just as long as their wallets are big enough).

Hop inside and you are greeted by special Nappa leather finished in crystal white with diamond quilting. The material covers not just the seats but also the headliner, the door center panels, and even the storage compartment under the central display. A wood walnut trim with aluminum accents gives the interior a maritime feel, and the Orion gray decorative stitching in some areas is supposed to remind passengers of the sail of a ship.

Would you rather ride the car or the boat? PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

It’s fair to say that a trip in the Maybach will probably be a lot more comfortable than a journey on the Sphinx. There are no electric doors or silver champagne flutes on this racing yacht that belongs to the 12mR Class (or 12 Meter Class).

It was designed to participate in events like the famous America’s Cup, and even served as a training boat in the German navy for a few years. Now, its owner can park it next to a matching vehicle, and we’re already wondering what brand Mercedes will cooperate with next.



Frank Schuengel

Frank is a German e-commerce executive who loves his wife, a Filipina, so much he decided to base himself in Manila. He has interesting thoughts on Philippine motoring. He writes the aptly named ‘Frankly’ column.



Comments