1999 Mercedes-benz Clk320 Base Convertible Black On Black, Leather. on 2040-cars

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Mercedes rolls out the long red carpet for new Maybach S600 Pullman [w/video]

Remember when the S-Class was the S-Class and that was it? The pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, at least as far as sedans were concerned. But those days are long behind us. Now there's a coupe as well (bringing the former CL back into the fold), a convertible on its way, the uber-luxe Maybach limo and this: the new Pullman. The creme de la creme of the Silver Star range, His Excellency Field Marshall Dr. Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Dada – as it's known in full, at least with the twelve-cylinder engine – is... well, it's enormous. It's bigger than the old Maybach 62 it essentially replaces and bigger even than an extended-wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantom. And why would you need a vehicle so large? Well, you wouldn't. And neither would we. But there are some, shall we call them "unelected heads of state" who would accept no less. They're the customers who favored the original, and 50 years later, they're the ones who'll be snapping up the new one. (The little wavy flags on the front fenders are optional.)

Five reasons to love, or hate, the culture of German cars

A few months back, we took a 500-foot view of the culture of American cars, dissecting prides and prejudices on our way to the conclusion that automotive allegiances can be simultaneously embraced and derided. We had so much fun with the narrative that we decided to do it again, this time taking a look at Germany and its world-renowned lineup of automakers, including the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen, among others. Join us below as we discuss the points and counterpoints that make or have made the German auto industry what it is today. And remember, Germany did pretty much invent the automobile, after all... The V12 Engine If America is known for the proliferation of the V8 engine, an argument could be made that Germany owns the V12. Yes, of course, other companies have created V12 engines – Ferrari, Jaguar and Lamborghini immediately come to mind – but the big 12-cylinder powerplants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in particular, have proven to be some of the most effortless, luxurious and downright over-built engines the world has ever seen. These days, having 12 cylinders is more a case of wretched excess than ever before, and yet, you can still stroll into your local BMW or Mercedes dealership and get a brand-new 760i, S600 or even an over-the-top G65 AMG, efficiency be damned. Best of all, since the majority of these German powerhouses depreciate as fast as an anchor sinks, nearly any auto enthusiast who dreams of a dozen cylinders can satisfy their carnal desires. Current Star: 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 View 28 Photos Diesel Engines Remember how we talked about those glorious V12 engines? Well, you can even get one from Audi that runs on diesel. If your compression-ignition fantasies err more on the side of fuel savings, that's no problem, either. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen have got you covered, with engines starting as small as 800 cubic centimeters (Smart Fortwo). If you want something a little more practical, it's hard to argue with a VW Golf TDI, which will provide plenty of space for you and three of your best friends, plus a fair bit of luggage, all while returning 50-ish miles per gallon. For the purposes of this discussion, we'd rather focus on the asinine levels of torque provided by Germany's high-end diesel engines than the lower-end fuel sippers.

Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid promises 20 miles EV range, 5.9 seconds to 60

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its first hybrid C-Class to the US market with the new C350 Plug-In Hybrid. Despite its fuel-saving purpose, though, this C is not short on firepower. MB paired a 208-horsepower, 258-pound-foot, turbocharged four-cylinder with a 80-hp, 251-lb-ft electric motor for a potent overall output of 275 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. That translates a 0-60 time of just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 miles per hour. For those that aren't interested in such frivolous numbers, though, the C-Class can still impress in more environmentally friendly ways. It can cover 20 miles to a charge and will hit speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (although not likely at the same time). Naturally, fuel economy figures aren't available at this early stage. Beyond those powertrain changes, the C350 Plug-In is still the same relaxed, luxurious baby S-Class, with a class-leading interior that should really benefit from the quiet ride provided by an electric powertrain. Take a look at our full gallery of live images of the new C-Class hybrid, straight from the Detroit's Cobo Hall. Featured Gallery 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid: Detroit 2015 View 12 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Green Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Luxury 2015 Detroit Auto Show mercedes c350 plug-in hybrid