Maybach, one of the world's most exquisite nameplates in the 1920s and ’30s, was founded by Karl Maybach – the son of Wilhelm Maybach, who developed the first Mercedes. The Maybach nameplate reappeared in the form of two closely related ultra-luxury sedans, each of which holds nearly every sort of comfort and convenience feature. Maybachs come in two sizes: the regular Type 57 and the extended-length Type 62. The model designation indicates the car’s length in meters: 5.73 for the Type 57 and 6.17 for the Type 62. Special features include electronic braking and an Airmatic Dual Control air suspension.
Maybach unveiled a Type 57 S at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, in September 2005. Its intercooled twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 generates 604hp, which is 54hp more than the regular Type 57 engine. Maybach styling balances classic and avant-garde features, with a goal to deliver an “entirely new definition of first class.” The doors, hood and fenders are made of aluminum. Bi-xenon headlights and a Parking Assist System are standard. The Type 57 S upgrades included a sport-tuned suspension, a modified front end and 20-inch wheels.
The Type 57 S offered here is a striking color combination of Baltic Black exterior with an Aspen White leather interior, accented with black piping, piano lacquer finishes and carbon-fiber elements. All four seats are heated and can recline, and a quad-zone climate control with two air-conditioning units keeps everyone comfortable. There’s no lack of entertainment with a 9.5-inch TFT flat-screen television, a DVD player, a refrigerated compartment, a cordless phone with two handsets and a 21-speaker Bose Dolby sound system. Each sedan also has Mercedes’ Tele Aid emergency communication system and COMAND integrated control system. Champagne flutes, umbrellas, a loading trunk sill protector and a Maybach battery trickle charger are just a few of the indulgences included. Only 15,000 miles from new, with the original Window Sticker showing a manufacturer’s suggested retail base price of $367,000. With its additional options – including rear-side curtains, retracting folding rear table for both left and right with solar module/solar power cabin ventilation – the total retail price came to $379,300. Ultimately, this is a remarkable, sophisticated ultra-luxury sedan with very few comparisons at this price.
