As the ultimate chauffeur-driven car

Five years after the prototype was unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the new Maybach finally appeared in Geneva.Maybachwere the "Maybach 57" and "Maybach 62." Initially, they were intended to be calledMercedes-BenzMaybach, but to position it as a brand that surpassed Mercedes, it was decided to develop it as an independent entity. However, its technology is supported by Mercedes and AMG.

The numbers in the name represent the overall length: 5728mm for the Maybach 57 and 6165mm for the Maybach 62. These dimensions far exceed those of Mercedes' top-tier sedan, the S-Class. The wheelbases are 3390mm and 3827mm, respectively. The Maybach 62, in particular, with its first-class seating and ample space, offers a supremely comfortable mobile environment for rear-seat passengers as the ultimate chauffeur-driven car.

The engine is a 5.5-liter V12 twin-turbo, based on the same fundamental design as the one powering the S600, but boasting an output 33ps higher and 70Nm more torque. In 2005, the 57S arrived, equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbo developed by AMG. This engine produces an even more formidable 612ps and 1000Nm. The 62S was added in 2006. The chassis incorporates Mercedes' latest technologies, such as the "AIRMATIC DC" air suspension system for comfort and the advanced SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) braking system.

Maybach 57/62

Body | Overall length 5728 (62: 6165) x Width 1980 x Height 1573mm
Engine | 5.5-liter V12 twin-turbo
Max Output | 405kW [550ps] / 5250rpm
Max Torque | 900Nm [91.8kgm] / 2200-3000rpm
Drivetrain | FR
Transmission | 5-speed automatic
Price | Left-hand drive: ¥44,415,000, Right-hand drive: ¥45,811,500
(62: Left-hand drive: ¥51,450,000, Right-hand drive: ¥52,846,500)
(As of May 26, 2008)

Maybach 57S/62S

Body | Overall length 5728 (62S: 6165) x Width 1980 x Height 1573mm
Engine | 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbo
Max Output | 450kW [612ps] / 4800-5100rpm
Max Torque | 1000Nm [102.0kgm] / 2000-4000rpm
Drivetrain | FR
Transmission | 5-speed automatic
Price | Left-hand drive: ¥50,085,000, Right-hand drive: ¥51,481,500
(62S: Left-hand drive: ¥58,485,000, Right-hand drive: ¥59,881,500)
(As of May 26, 2008)

BRAND HISTORY
For about 20 years from the 1920s until World War II, MAYBACH was a German ultra-luxury car manufacturer that produced around 1,800 luxury sedans, exemplified by the "Zeppelin." The models bearing its name reappeared before us in 2002. The brand's revival was spearheaded by Daimler, a company with deep ties to Maybach.

In the late 19th century, during the era when Gottlieb Daimler was intensely focused on developing the gasoline automobile, Wilhelm Maybach supported him as an engineer. While often overshadowed by Gottlieb and Karl Benz, it is no exaggeration to say that the history of Daimler-Benz and the automobile would not have begun without Wilhelm. Indeed, some refer to Wilhelm as the "king of design."

Wilhelm left Daimler in 1908 to establish his own engine development company. The engines for Germany's famous Zeppelin airships were also from this company. After World War I, Wilhelm's son, Karl Maybach, founded an automobile manufacturer. This was the Maybach in question. After the war, the company supplied diesel engines for ships and trains, but upon Karl's retirement, Daimler-Benz acquired the majority of its shares, bringing it under its umbrella.

In homage to this illustrious history, Maybach is being developed as a luxury brand that surpasses Mercedes. Currently, the lineup includes the "57" and "62," along with their high-performance variants, the "57S" and "62S."