Measures 5453mm

A Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been filmed in a parking lot ahead of the model's market launch scheduled for next month.

It takes a keen eye to spot the visual differences between the regular S-Class and its Maybach sibling but the latter does come with 66mm shorter rear doors while the third side windows are positioned after the doors to create the "feeling of exceptional privacy and exclusivity." Compared to a LWB S-Class, the Maybach model is 200mm longer (at 5453mm) and all the added length can be seen in the stretched wheelbase which now stands at 3365mm. Other exterior changes include Maybach-specific alloy wheels, the compulsory badging & lettering along with a slightly reworked front grille.

Most of the changes have occurred inside the cabin, specifically in the back where passengers are pampered with an enormous amount of legroom and standard executive seats. These have backrests and cushions individually adjustable while the standard chauffeur package adds 77mm more legroom to the rear seat occupant on the front passenger side. If this isn't enough, the front passenger seat can be folded forward to grant an extended reclining position of the rear seat.

As a reminder, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is billed as being the "quietest car in the world" and will be initially available in the S600 specification with a V12 twin-turbo 6.0-liter outputting 530 HP & 830 Nm. Shortly after its market introduction, the range-topping S-Class will also be offered as an S500 model with a V8 4.7-liter bi-turbo generating 455 HP & 700 Nm along with a lesser S400 4MATIC packing a V6 3.0-liter with 333 HP & 480 Nm. Don't hold your breath for AMG versions as Daimler has excluded this possibility.

Spotted in Ireland

A WCF reader has sent us an image with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class prototype testing some sort of autonomous driving technology.

The vehicle wearing German plates was spotted in the evening at a gas station in west of Ireland near Galway and featured a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the roof. The hardware is capable of measuring and mapping the distance and can also capture the objects in its path. In other words, LIDAR maps the car's surroundings using laser light to illuminate the targets and after that it creates a high resolution image.

Like it or not, autonomous vehicles will arrive sooner or later and Audi has already announced the next generation A8 will boast such a system. It will be an optional semi-autonomous setup programmed to arrive by the end of 2016 and will allow the flagship sedan reach speeds of up to 37 mph (60 km/h) on its own. It is believed the A8 will also be able to find an open space and park itself.

BMW is showcasing these days at CES in Las Vegas an i3 equipped with self-parking and collision avoidance systems so we won't be too surprised if the upcoming 7-Series will get them during its lifespan.