2008 Maybach 62

Over the Top of the Line

The flagship Maybach 62 is a decadent sedan designed for those who'd rather leave the driving to someone else.

The Maybach 62 is the ultra-luxury automaker’s top model — an extended version of the 57 sedan — and is among the most opulent and expensive cars on the planet. It is designed for the chauffeured set and thus has an extremely roomy back seat adorned with every conceivable luxury (plus some you wouldn't think of, like clamps on the center console that hold the included solid-silver champagne flutes so their bubbly contents won’t spill). And don’t worry, it’s easy to keep the champagne chilled in the included in-car refrigerator.

The Maybach 62 is powered by a hand-built, 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that generates more than 500 horsepower. The only available gearbox is a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability and a choice of Sport or Comfort modes. It adapts shift patterns to driving style.

The 62 offers several advanced chassis control systems, such as stability and traction control. Its standard air suspension includes driver-selectable ride-height control and a sport mode that favors improved agility over ride comfort. A sophisticated electronic antilock braking system controls brake pressure at each wheel in response to changing road conditions. The brakes also include a “Soft Stop” feature that takes the jolt out of abrupt low-speed stops, such as those in stop-and-go traffic.

A long list of standard amenities includes front massaging seats, power door closers, fully reclining rear seats, a refrigerator built into the center console, power side-window curtains and ten airbags. An even more outrageous list of options includes a glass roof with an integrated solar-powered ventilation system and electro-luminescent technology that makes the glass transparent or opaque. An available Business Package turns the vehicle into an office on wheels and includes a wireless dual-port router that connects to the Internet via a cell phone network.

Because there are some affluent motorists in the world for whom too much is just not enough, Maybach also offers a racier 62 S (the S stands for Special), which provides added thrust and exclusivity. Here, an AMG-modified version of the base model’s twin-turbocharged V12 engine generates more than 600 hp, which the automaker says makes it the most powerful chauffeur-driven production car in the world.

Distinguishing exterior elements on the 62 S include modified front- and rear-end treatments with a fresh grille design, new headlights and integrated trapezoidal exhaust tips, along with unique 20-inch wheels. The interior is bedecked in even higher-quality leather, and buyers can specify wood and interior trim. The S is offered in exclusive white, black or silver exterior finishes.

However, unlike the 57 S, the Maybach 62 S does not include a stiffer and lower sport suspension. As a chauffeur’s car, it emphasizes ride comfort over handling.

For added exclusivity, customers can commission a Maybach to their own specifications. With a daily output of just two cars, it takes about five months for the factory to build each vehicle, so those in a hurry to obtain their one-of-a-kind Maybach may find that money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t speed up time.

Is the Maybach 62 for You?

Buy the 62 if	You’re looking for an exceptionally spacious, plush and exclusive ultra-luxury car in which to be driven.
Keep Looking if	You had to let the chauffeur go for financial reasons; you prefer more distinctive styling, in which case the Bentley Arnage RL and Rolls-Royce Phantom are worth considering; you care about fuel economy.
Who Fits?	Four adults will find the Maybach 62 more than sufficiently spacious and comfortable; a fifth occupant can fit in the back with the three-place rear seating option, but you’ll have to lose the otherwise-standard refrigerator, bottle holder, champagne flute holder and upper storage compartment.
Closest Competitors	Bentley Arnage RL 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.