Usually custom-built to a buyer’s specifications, Maybachs are for car buyers who think six-figure Mercedes-Benz S-Classes are for commoners. The Maybach Type 57 is a high-end luxury car designed to compete with the Bentley Arnage and Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.
New for 2012 There are no significant changes.
Exterior According to the manufacturer, Maybach styling balances classic and avant-garde features. The doors, hood and fenders are made of aluminum.
Many body colors are available, and two-tone paint schemes can be specified. The Type 57 is around the size of an Arnage or Phantom. A standard power-closing feature pulls the doors shut from the first detent position; a fully closing version is optional. The optional rear sunroof has integrated solar cells to keep the car cool while parked in the sun.
The Type 57 S gets a modified front end, 20-inch wheels and an exclusive black, silver or white paint job. Exterior features include:
19-inch wheels
Optional 20-inch wheels
Dual chrome tailpipes
Auto-dimming heated side mirrors
Front-row sunroof
Bi-xenon headlamps with automatic low/high beams
Heated washer fluid
Automatic rain-sensing wipers
Optional electronic rear-door closer
Optional rear sunroof with integrated solar cells
Interior The Type 57 comes standard in a four-occupant configuration, though the car can be built to hold five. The Type 57 is offered in a wide variety of interior trims: wood, stone or gold, with various leather upholsteries and exterior colors available.
Piano lacquer finish and carbon fiber elements decorate the interior of the Type 57 S sedan. An available Business Package adds wireless internet and other corner-office features. Interior features include:
Leather seats
Alcantara simulated suede headliner
Heated front and rear seats
Automatic quad-zone climate control
21-speaker, 600-watt Bose stereo
Rear refrigerator
TV/DVD entertainment system with remote control
Massaging front/rear seats
Navigation system
Optional picnic table
Optional cooled front/rear seats
Under the Hood Equipped with twin turbochargers, the Type 57’s 5.5-liter V-12 produces power ratings worthy of a Lamborghini or Ferrari. It teams with a five-speed automatic transmission. Maybach says the Type 57 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.68 seconds. The Type 57 S gets a firmer suspension and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.21 seconds. Mechanical features include:
543-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-12 with 664 pounds-feet of torque (Type 57)
620-hp, 6.0-liter V-12 with 738 pounds-feet of torque (Type 57 S)
Five-speed automatic transmission with auto-manual controls
Speed-sensitive steering
Adaptive air suspension
Safety The Type 57 comes standard with Mercedes’ Tele Aid emergency communication system, which includes features like remote vehicle recovery, route assistance and emergency services. Safety features include:
Front and rear side-impact airbags
Side curtain airbags
Daytime running lights
Four-wheel antilock brakes with traction control
Electronic stability system
Front and rear parking sensors with rear parking camera
