Maybach 57 and 62

The Maybach 57 (chassis no. W240) and 62 (chassis no. V240) were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since the brand's revival by DaimlerChrysler AG (now Daimler AG). They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. The concept car was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan. The Luxury Brand Status Index 2008 voted the Maybach 1st place, ahead of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

History

DaimlerChrysler AG attempted to buy the Rolls-Royce/Bentley marque when Vickers offered the company up for sale. When this attempt failed (they were outbid by Volkswagen, and BMW later exercised an option to acquire the Rolls-Royce car brand) they introduced the Maybach as a direct challenger in 2002. Both models are variants of the same ultra-luxurious automobile. The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The engine is a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, generating 405kilowatts (550.6PS; 543.1hp).

Introduction

On June 26, 2002, a Maybach 62 enclosed in a glass case on the Queen Elizabeth II departed from Southampton, England en route to New York with the media and company officials staying in the luxury suites on board.

The ship arrived in New York on July 2 along with geysering fireboats and a motor boat. A helicopter lifted the car off the liner and onto a dock. It was then driven to the Regent Hotel Wall Street.

Variants

Maybach 57

The Maybach 57 is the base designation and comes with 7spoke, 19inch wheels.

Luxury Amenities

Standard features for the Maybach 57 and 57 S include navigation system w/voice recognition, air conditioning w/4-zone climate controls, remote engine start, power sunroof, front massaging seats, power front and rear seats w/lumbar adjustment, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, rearview camera, premium sound system, 8-disc CD changer, power tilt/telescopic heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, and heated cupholders. The Maybach 62 and 62 S add on rear massaging seats, cooled rear seats, cooled cupholders, navigation controls on the steering wheel, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.