TRIALS will soon begin on the prototypes of the super-luxury Mercedes-Benz Maybach saloon - which will become the world's ultimate luxury car.

The Maybach, which at more than 19ft long, is two feet longer than the Mercedes S-Class, will be powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine and ride on air suspension specially developed to offer maximum comfort. Customers will be able to design elements to meet their own personal requirements. Production will start in 2002 in a new unit at the company's Sindelfingen plant, near Stuttgart. The first right-hand versions for the UK will be built in 2003, and expect a price tag to reflect its exclusivity, starting at £200,000.