The Gumball 3000 supercar event has attracted enthusiasts from around the globe since its inception 25 years ago. This multi-day rally, which can last up to ten days, covers a distance of 3,000 miles.
In 2024, the 25th Gumball 3000 took place in the ASEAN region, spanning five countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Interestingly, while there were two cars with Vietnamese license plates, only one local millionaire participated, joined by three Vietnamese expatriates.
Initially, Mr. Sang and his companion planned to travel in a Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup truck. However, upon surveying the route, they realized that quick charging stations for their vehicle might not be available across the five ASEAN countries included in the rally. As a result, they decided to change their ride.
Fortunately, a friend lent them a luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S450 4Matic, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for the world’s most prominent supercar event. The borrowed car, with the license plate 51G-959.59, is well-known among Vietnamese car enthusiasts as it belongs to one of the most active members of the Gia Lai Team.
The Mercedes-Maybach S450 4Matic participating in the Gumball rally boasts a sleek black exterior with chrome accents on the grille, front bumper, door sills, side trim, and dual exhaust pipes. The interior features cream-colored leather upholstery, Multibeam LED headlights, and a redesigned front bumper and air intakes compared to the Mercedes-Maybach S400 4Matic.
Inside, the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S450 4Matic offers a host of high-end features, including rear business seats that recline up to 43.5 degrees, calf supports, memory functions, and massage functionality. The interior trim is adorned with Designo wood, the type used in the manufacture of pianos.
Between the two business-class seats is a collection of fine accessories, including a silver champagne flute set crafted by Robbe & Berking, an elegant glass holder, an 8.5-liter cooler, a folding table, and an entertainment system with a Blu-Ray player—perfect for the Gumball 3000 2024 journey.
This older-model Mercedes-Maybach S450 4Matic is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 367 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
