Vehicle Overview
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 Type 57 is offered in a wide variety of interior trims: wood, stone or gold, with various leather upholsteries and exterior colors available.
Maybachs come in two sizes: the Type 57 and the extended-length Type 62. A new convertible edition — named Type 62 Landaulet — debuted this year. Both of those vehicles are covered separately in Cars.com’s Research section. The Maybach Type 57 is a high-end luxury car designed to compete with the Bentley Arnage and Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.
Changes for 2009
There are no significant changes for the 2009 Maybach Type 57.
Exterior
According to the manufacturer, Maybach styling balances classic and avant-garde features. The doors, hood and fenders are made of aluminum.
Seventeen body colors are available, and two-tone paint schemes can be specified. The Type 57 is 225.3 inches long overall, has a 133.5-inch wheelbase and is 78 inches wide, which puts it between the Arnage and Phantom in size. 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.
- 19-inch wheels
- 20-inch wheels (57 S)
- 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. Trunk space is 21.4 cubic feet, which is the best for this class.
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.
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.
- Leather seats
- Wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, stone or gold-plated trim
- Alcantara simulated suede headliner
- Heated front and rear seats
- Automatic quad-zone climate control
- 21-speaker, 600-watt Bose audio system
- 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.
- 543-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-12 with 664 pounds-feet of torque (Type 57)
- 604-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.
- 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