Jason ClarkMaybach 57 and Maybach 62
Automotive masterpieces with a new dimension in luxury and comfort.
Trailblazing technical innovations by Mercedes-Benz as standard.
From standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds with a 550 hp biturbo engine.
Ten airbags and the SBC™ braking system for exemplary safety.
( Original text from Stuttgart, Oct 22, 2002)
Around four months after their acclaimed world premiere in New York, the high-end Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 saloons are making their debut on Europe’s roads.
Equipped with the automotive technology of the 21st century, crafted in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and designed with scrupulous attention to detail, the new Maybach saloons reflect the expertise of DaimlerChrysler as the world’s most innovative and tradition-steeped vehicle manufacturer, while benefiting from the technical leadership, know-how and unique experience of its sister-brand Mercedes-Benz in the worldwide luxury car segment.
The Maybach defines the standards at the very peak of the passenger car market, at the same time continuing the tradition of the legendary Maybach automobiles which were among the elite in German and international automotive engineering together with Mercedes-Benz during the 1920s and 1930s.
The model designations denote the respective lengths of these unique, super-luxury vehicles: 6.17 meters in the case of the Maybach 62 and 5.73 meters in the case of the Maybach 57.
Trailblazing innovations so far uniquely available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles have undergone further development for the Maybach and are included in the standard equipment: the electrohydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™), the electronically controlled air suspension system AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control), LINGUATRONIC voice control, the operating and display system COMAND APS and the automatic emergency call system TELEAID.
These are complemented by further masterpieces of automotive engineering which were specifically developed for the Maybach and substantiate its claim to the high-end position in the luxury car segment: the “Type 12” engine (405 kW/550 hp), which delivers more power and torque than any other standard-production saloon car engine in the world, a 600 Watt sound system with Dolby surround sound at every seat, a highly efficient four-zone climate control system with two separate air conditioners and – exclusive to the Maybach 62 – innovative and comfortable fully-reclining seats in the rear.
Design: A Perfect Balance of Classic And Avant-Garde Features
In the new Maybach technological excellence is combined with equally unique elegance, aesthetics, and design perfection.
The harmonious interplay of form, color, and materials lends these high-end saloons a design quality which accentuates their serene character and gives them an unmistakable identity.
The Maybach is a highly elegant embodiment of greatness; its special stylistic appeal derives from a perfect balance of classic and avant-garde features.
The lines of the Maybach hold a timeless appeal – an ideal which applies to both the exterior and interior design.
In every sense of the word, this makes the new Maybach an automobile for life.
The highest quality materials – among them more than 100 exquisitely crafted and hand-fitted items of fine wood trim – embellish the interior, whose design was guided by one overriding objective: the greatest possible comfort and wellbeing for all the passengers.
This is achieved not just by the capacious size of the interior, which has an overall length of 2.25/2.68 meters, but also by the sumptuous comfort of the seating and climate and by the virtual absence of noise, all of which adds up to a truly exceptional motoring experience.
Individuality: Over 2 Million Permutations
Everything which even the most demanding travelers might require in the way of entertainment, communication, and sheer pleasure during a journey in the Maybach is included as standard: from a DVD player to a TV receiver, from a refrigerated compartment to a cordless telephone with two handsets.
At the same time the extensive range of standard equipment leaves plenty of scope for individuality – another way in which the luxury brand is following the tradition of the legendary Maybach cars of earlier years:
The extensive range of standard and optional equipment gives Maybach customers over two million ways of equipping their high-end luxury car to their personal taste.
All this can also be complemented with high-quality accessory items which have been specifically developed for the Maybach – from custom-made luggage set to a champagne goblet of sterling silver, from a humidor to a golf bag and from floor mats of the finest velour to a fluffy travel rug.
Maybach customers have a choice of six Grand Nappa leather colors and three types of fine wood.
A range of 17 paint finishes is available for the exterior, and as a further elegant feature of the Maybach, these may be combined to produce a two-tone color scheme.
Approximately two dozen additional extras are available as technical equipment to satisfy personal requests or requirements.
These include further, exclusive Mercedes innovations for even greater comfort and traveling enjoyment – for example, the proximity control system DISTRONIC, the access, and locking system KEYLESS-GO or active seat ventilation.
Because the Maybach is made in the modern “Manufaktur” – a manufacturing facility in which craftsmanship plays a major part – and in very small numbers averaging five vehicles per day, it is possible to meet further individual customer requirements and thereby make each of these luxury cars unique in its own way.
Engine: Peak Values For Output And Torque
The newly developed engine reflects the long years of experience and great expertise of DaimlerChrysler in the development, design, and production of twelve-cylinder power units.
With a displacement of 5.5 liters, and with the help of twin turbocharging, the Maybach engine develops an output of 405 kW/550 hp, with a maximum torque of 900 Newton-meters already available from 2300 rpm.
This gives the “Type 12” power unit a higher output and more torque than any other standard-production saloon car engine in the world.
Thanks to three-valve technology and highly efficient catalytic converters it already complies with the strict EU 4 exhaust emission limits which come into force in 2005.
These high output and torque values guarantee effortless Maybach performance in any situation: the Maybach 57 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, and thanks to the high torque a sprint from 60 to 120 km/h take only 6.2 seconds.
Safety: Occupant Protection With Ten Airbags
In addition to a highly sophisticated body structure, the exemplary safety technology of this high-end luxury motor car includes a total of ten airbags – two adaptive airbags with two-stage gas generators for the front occupants, four sidebags and two large windowbags on each side of the interior.
The automatic comfort-fit three-point seat belts, high-performance belt tensioners, and belt force limiters are integrated into the seats and can, therefore, develop their full protective action in any position.
By virtue of these sophisticated safety features, the new Maybach passes the stringent crash tests prescribed by the European and American NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) with flying colors.
The Maybach’s high level of active safety is assisted by the innovative Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking system developed by Mercedes-Benz, which features two central control units, two high-pressure reservoirs, and two hydraulic units in the case of the Maybach.
This means that these high-end cars are equipped with a total of eight braking circuits, while internally ventilated front disc brakes, each with two calipers, ensure deceleration drivers can really depend on.
Driving a Maybach 57 must be done in style and without compromise when it comes to the quality of spare parts. If you are curious to see accurate tire reviews and ratings, click here to go to our comparison of the best all-season tires for Maybach 57.
Furthermore, here you can find the best high mileage full synthetic oil that you can surely use on a Maybach 62 and if you are looking for a top of the line battery charger, read our top 8 comparison here.
Add comment