Mercedes has lifted the covers off the new Maybach S-Class, transforming its flagship saloon into an opulent limousine.

It will be available with a choice of inline six, V8 or V12 petrol engines, though the V12 will be exclusive to “select countries” but the UK is understood not to be one of them.

Key changes include an enlarged, vertically slatted grille, in which the ‘Maybach’ wordmark is now lit.

The headlights, Mercedes star and Maybach logo are also finished in rose gold.

Inside, it gets extra insulation to help reduce unwanted noise, vibration and harshness. There is also a specific Maybach drive mode “entirely focused” on passenger comfort. And, for the first time, artificial leather and cloth upholstery can be had as optional extras.

“Our goal is for every client to say ‘Wow!’,” said Vjekoslav Crndic, a consultant at Mercedes-Maybach’s Centre of Excellence.

To that end, buyers can choose from more than 150 exterior paint colours and more than 400 interiors, as well as a new aerodisc-style wheel design composed entirely of Maybach logos.