2008 Maybach 57

More than Mere Transportation

The Maybach 57 is the epitome of automotive opulence, with an interior that is more comfortable than most living rooms.

For those who find most luxury cars too common, select Mercedes-Benz dealers offer the Maybach line of ultra-posh sedans. There are just two models, the 57 and the 62, with the shorter 57 being the “driver’s car,” and the larger 62 built with the chauffeured set in mind.

The Maybach 57 borrows engineering from Mercedes-Benz models and offers every conceivable luxury, from auto-shutting rear doors to a champagne chiller and silver champagne flutes.

The Maybach 57 comes powered by a hand-built, twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces over 500 horsepower. The upgraded 57 S model (the S stands for Special) is infused with 100 horsepower more and also provides sharper handling thanks to a sport suspension. In both versions, the V12 engine has an electronically limited top speed of 172 miles per hour.

The only available transmission is a five-speed automatic with manual-shift capability and a choice of Sport or Comfort modes. Many less expensive Mercedes models have a seven-speed automatic, but the Maybach is so powerful that it can easily make do with fewer gears. It’s also able to adapt its shift patterns according to driving style.

The Maybach 57 offers a standard air suspension with driver-selectable ride-height control and a sport mode that improves handling, although a large, heavy car such as this will never feel particularly agile. A sophisticated electronic antilock braking system controls brake pressure at each wheel in response to changing road conditions; it also includes a “Soft Stop” feature that takes the jolt out of abrupt low-speed stops, such as those in stop-and-go traffic.

During a brief test-drive of the Maybach 57, what stood out the most was how quiet and luxurious the car is. Considering its size and weight, the 57's speed and agility are also arresting.

Slamming the accelerator to blast past legal speed limits and then stabbing the brakes hard to quickly reduce speed create little drama. Only when snaking through a series of tight turns does the car's girth start to get in the way.

But most owners are more likely to admire the Maybach 57 from the back seat, rather than the front. The roomy and opulently equipped cabin is richly appointed in leather, wood and chrome, and affords ample comfort.

An outrageously long list of standard amenities includes front massaging seats, fully reclining rear seats, a refrigerator built into the center console and airbags. An available Business Package turns the vehicle into an office on wheels and includes a wireless dual-port router that can connect to the Internet via a cell phone network.

Besides the power boost, the 57 S is distinguished by larger wheels and performance tires, a recalibrated sport suspension, and adjustments to the car’s stability and traction control systems that afford tighter handling.

Available in silver, black or Antigua White exterior colors, the 57 S sports an exclusive front grille and fascia, with dual rectangular stainless steel exhaust tips at the rear. Interior updates include carbon fiber and piano-black lacquer trim. Seats can be upholstered in white or black leather with contrasting stitching.

For added exclusivity, customers may opt to commission a custom-built Maybach to their own specifications. With a daily output of just two cars, the factory takes about five months  to build each vehicle. If you need that new ride ASAP, then look elsewhere, or just drive a Mercedes S-Class until your Maybach is ready.

Is the Maybach 57 for You?

Buy the 57 if	"Mainstream" flagship sedans aren’t luxurious or exclusive enough; you prefer comfort over sport.
Keep Looking if	Fuel economy is a concern; you prefer more distinctive styling, in which case the Bentley Arnage or Rolls-Royce Phantom are worth considering.
Who Fits?	Four adults will find the Maybach 57 more than sufficiently spacious and comfortable; a fifth occupant can fit in the back with an optional three-place rear seat, but you’ll lose the standard refrigerator, bottle holder, champagne flute holder and upper storage compartment.
Closest Competitors	Bentley Arnage Rolls-Royce Phantom
Did You Know?	The Maybach name honors Wilhelm Maybach, who worked with Gottlieb Daimler in the late 19th century to build the first cars with internal combustion engines. Wilhelm's son Karl was an engineer who developed and put the Maybach brand name on 1,800 of the company's custom-built luxury cars from 1921 to 1941.