Vehicle Overview
Aside from a few revised options, changes are few for the 2008 Maybach Type 57, a high-end luxury car designed to compete with the Rolls-Royces and Bentleys of the world.
Maybach was one of the world’s most exquisite nameplates in the 1920s and ’30s. The original company was founded by Karl Maybach — the son of Wilhelm Maybach, who developed the first Mercedes. The Maybach nameplate reappeared in 2003 in the form of two closely related ultraluxury sedans, each of which holds nearly every sort of comfort and convenience feature.
Maybachs come in two sizes: the regular Type 57 and the extended-length Type 62, which is covered separately in Cars.com’s Research section. The model designation indicates the car’s length in meters: 5.73 for the Type 57 and 6.17 for the Type 62. Special features include electronic braking and an Airmatic Dual Control air suspension. Mercedes-Benz dealers must sign separate agreements to sell the Maybach brand.
The Type 57 offers a 550-horsepower V-12, while the Type 57 S ups the ante with a larger, 604-hp V-12.
Exterior
According to the manufacturer, Maybach styling balances classic and avant-garde features. The doors, hood and fenders are made of aluminum. Maybach says a primary goal was to deliver an “entirely new definition of first class.”
Twelve body colors are available and two-tone paint schemes can be specified. Bi-xenon headlights are standard. The Type 57 is 225.3 inches long overall, has a 133.5-inch wheelbase and rides on 19-inch tires. A standard power-closing feature pulls the door shut from the first detent position.
The Type 57 S gets a firmer suspension, a modified front end and 20-inch wheels.
Interior
Available accessories include a luggage set, a sterling silver champagne goblet, a humidor and a golf bag, among other amenities. Buyers can choose from six Grand Nappa leather colors and three types of wood. All four seats are heated, and active seat ventilation is available. An available Business Package adds wireless internet and other corner-office features.
Occupants can luxuriate in reclining rear seats. A television with a 9.5-inch TFT flat screen includes a DVD player. Interior features include four-zone climate control with two air-conditioning units, a refrigerated compartment, a cordless phone with two handsets, and a 21-speaker Bose Dolby sound system. Each sedan also has Mercedes’ Tele Aid emergency communication system and Comand integrated control system. Piano lacquer finish and carbon fiber elements decorate the interior of the Type 57 S sedan.
Many custom options are available, including replacing the wood trim with granite. Gold — real gold, not some plastic knockoff — is also available as an interior trim option. Maybach says its facility in Sindelfingen, Germany, is able to meet almost any special request.
Under the Hood
Equipped with twin turbochargers, the Type 57’s 5.5-liter V-12 produces 550 hp and 663 pounds-feet of torque. It teams with a five-speed automatic transmission. Maybach says the Type 57 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. A 604-hp, twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 powers the Type 57 S. That engine generates 604 hp and a stupefying 738 pounds-feet of torque. It also uses a five-speed automatic.
Safety
Two adaptive front airbags, four side-impact airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags are standard, as are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.