The 57 and 62 were the first Maybach brand models after the automobile brand's revival, produced by DaimlerChrysler.
Introduced in 2002, both are variants of the same super-luxurious automobile. The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000 (£240,000 to £250,000) - priced to directly compete with top-of-the-range Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles. What is also interesting is that after paying about a quarter of a million pounds for the new car, after three years it will be worth £105,000. This equates to a 64% drop in value.
Many are of the opinion that the new Maybach does not live up to its pre-revival predecessors in terms of styling or elegance; though, in terms of features and comfort there are very few vehicles (if any) that could compare. Sales have been poor, with annual sales projections adjusted downward from 1,500 to just 600 as of 2004.
Maybach 57 S
DaimlerChrysler revealed the Maybach 57 S at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It uses a 6.0 L version of the V12 engine massaged by AMG. Power output is 604 hp (450 kW) and 738 ft.lbf (1000 Nm), providing a sub-5 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h). It also rides 0.5 in (12.7 mm) lower on 20 in (508 mm) wheels.
Brabus Maybach
Legendary tuning firm Brabus, famous for high-performance and stylistic aftermarket modifications to Mercedes-Benz and Smart automobiles, have produced a version of the 57 / 62 in 2004 which adds significant performance, features and style to the models. Electronically limited to a 300 km/h speed limit, these large vehicles produce a staggering 1026 Nm of torque and accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
This makes the Brabus Maybach arguably the fastest super-luxurious motorcar in the world, a trend which was started in 1968 by the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3.
