2006 Maybach 57 Test Drive

Three Tons of Fun

Maybach sharpens its massive luxury cruiser for those who like to drive a little, rather than just be chauffeured around.

Exterior

The 57 S is only subtly different visually than the standard 57. It has larger wheels, special bumpers that incorporate round fog lights up front, large chrome exhaust tips and a different grille. Their combined effect does add a sporty flair.

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The goal of Maybach’s designers was “to create a vehicle that projects the highest level of elegance, opulence and sophistication without falling into ostentation or faddishness.” The shape of the Maybach 57 S is decidedly European, with a slight resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz sedan family.

On profile, gently arcing lines delineate a long hood, a tall roofline and a short rear deck, both for aerodynamics and a classic look. It’s a long car by contemporary American standards, though not by historical ones. It's also visually imposing, with individual features that are quite large: the lights, the grille, each door, body panel and the S model’s 20-inch wheels dwarf those on other cars.

Fit and finish and attention to detail are exquisite, as would be expected on a car at this price point. Beyond the large grille and double “M” hood emblem, chrome is used sparingly. Two strips run the length of the sides, delineating where the second color would be on a two-tone model.

Maybach offers 17 colors that can be paired together on the same car, but the 57 S is only available in understated solid Nevada Silver or Baltic Black. Our black test car found a few knowing admirers on Chicago’s tony Lake Shore Drive, yet elsewhere it passed many unrecognized.