The Estate on Federal Hill proved to be the perfect venue to launch the new Maybach (All photos: Soophye & Daren Chong)
To say it has been an eventful few months for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia would be somewhat of an understatement. Hot on the heels of multiple launches that included the new S-Class, the C-Class and the all-electric EQA, at press time, the automotive leader also wasted no time in unveiling the most luxurious offering and what is hailed by connoisseurs as the world’s premier luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Maybach.
For a model whose name immediately conjures up images of tycoons, corporate chieftains and the 1%, the team at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia naturally pulled out all the stops. The Estate on Federal Hill, the city’s latest event space that spans eight acres and has a breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, was chosen as the venue. A very select group of guests attended the event held at the estate’s main building, known as the White House, surrounded by tropical jungle and even a small Musang King plantation.
“Mercedes-Maybach is the pinnacle of automotive excellence at Mercedes-Benz,” said Sagree Sardien, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. “As we celebrate 100 years of Maybach’s unique heritage at the forefront of the luxury experience, we remain passionate about driving the brand forward to set the highest standards in style, comfort and outstanding craftsmanship.”
_mg_8740.jpg
Those words indeed rang true as guests ooh-ed and aah-ed over the venue and the attention to detail. Every piece of furniture, including the priceless antiques, had been brought in especially for the occasion. Although a thunderstorm put a literal damper on the original plans of enjoying dinner in the garden, the expansive sky deck of the mansion proved an equally suitable venue.
As the torrential rain eventually gave way to a cool, clear night and guests could finally adjourn to the garden to get a closer look at the stunning new S 580 and GLS 600 on display, it was unanimously agreed that the entire evening echoed the ambition of father-and-son duo Wilhelm and Karl Maybach when they debuted the Maybach 22/70 HP W3 a century ago, in September 1921, “to present the best of the best”. Whoever said the best is yet to come certainly wasn’t in attendance.
The name:
The Mercedes-Maybach takes its name from German engine designer and industrialist Wilhelm Maybach (1846-1929). It was said that in the 1890s, he was hailed as “the king of designers” in France, then the centre of car production in the world.
The feast:
Guests were treated to a five-course feast by Chef Nathalie Arbefeuille, who served creative dishes with names like Tomato in Wonderland with Arugula Sorbet; Lobster Served Two Ways in Langoustine Broth; Stuffed Hokkaido Scallop and Seashells in Verbena Emulsion; their choice of French Sole with Jerusalem Artichoke, Black Truffles and Toasted Hazelnuts or Slow Cooked Veal with Parsnip Cremeux, Cocoa Veal Sauce and Crispy Buckwheat; and the Garden of Eden for dessert.
The drinks:
Light and refreshing glasses of Lillet paved the way, after which Chivas 25 whisky and the Royal Salute 21YO Richard Quinn Edition followed. The evening ended with flutes of Perrier-Jouët champagne in the garden.
maybach-030322_12.jpg
The setting:
Guests began with cocktails served in the main hall of the White House, surrounded by a King’s ransom of antiques, provided by Lucky Home Collection, one of the country’s main purveyors of refurbished antique furniture, oriental décor and Chinoiserie.
The elements:
Yellow tulips, showers of oncidium orchids, mandarin roses, baby’s breath and risqué candles jostled for attention on the long dinner tables.
The music:
Guests were treated to classical music and smooth jazz from the moment of arrival, beginning with delightful string music courtesy of Grace Tan on violin and Sierra Lum on cello, followed by Sharizan Borhan’s velvety vocals during the meal, and culminating with a virtuosic post-dinner performance by Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, who treated the crowd to well-loved songs, including The Prayer, O Sole Mio and Nessun Dorma from Puccini’s glorious final opera, Turandot.
Watch the video below:
The new Mercedes-Maybach is available in the S 580 and GLS 600 models and priced from RM1.92 million and RM1.78 million respectively. Editor’s note: Face masks were removed for photography purposes and during dinner.
This article first appeared on Mar 14, 2022 in The Edge Malaysia.
