|
|
MaybachWith a highly focused lineup that consists of just two incredibly sumptuous touring sedans, Maybach creates luxury cars that are as exclusive as they are expensive. The automaker's vehicles are custom-built to each customer's taste. A long list of options, colors and interior furnishings can be applied to any vehicle, but you won't find a selection of popularly equipped Maybachs waiting on dealer lots. Instead, you must order your vehicle by visiting a Maybach dealer's "Commissioning Studio," housed within a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
The company's name comes from Wilhelm Maybach, one of Germany's first automotive engineers. He designed the first car that bore a Mercedes badge in 1901 and later collaborated with Graf Zeppelin to design and produce engines for the airships known as Zeppelins. With his engineer son Karl by his side, the automaker crafted the very first Maybach in 1919. Based on a Mercedes-Benz chassis, the Type W1 was an experimental project designed to give Maybach the opportunity to test-drive a few of his favorite engineering concepts. A couple of years later, the engineer evolved this prototype into a vehicle intended for public use — the Maybach Type W3, which made its debut at the Berlin Motor Show in 1921.
Other models followed. Unveiled in 1929, the Type Zeppelin DS 8 was one of the best-known Maybachs, and exhibited remarkable timelessness and durability. The car was powered by a 200-horsepower V12 and was capable of reaching a top speed of 93 mph. The company's 1936 limousine, the Type SW 38, offered luxurious seating for seven via five standard seats and two folding seats. As a brand, Maybach's epoch was short-lived, however. By 1941, production of Maybach automobiles ceased as the company shifted its focus to manufacturing engines for military, marine and rail purposes.
With considerable effort from Daimler-Benz, the Maybach brand was resurrected in 2003 with a lineup consisting of a pair of luxury sedan models, the 57 and the similar but longer 62. Today's Maybachs are hand-made in Germany, made to order according to customer requests. As in the past, supremely luxurious interiors and extremely powerful and smooth power plants (in this case twin-turbo V12 engines) are the hallmarks of the marque. A price tag well into six-figure territory means that these are luxury cars solely for those with mountains of money to spend, but the lucky few able to afford this luxury will find themselves cocooned in vehicles that offer the ultimate in automotive extravagance.
Revival
In 1997, Mercedes-Benz presented at the Tokyo Motorshow an ultra-luxury concept car under the name Mercedes-Benz Maybach (V12, 5987 cc, 550 hp). The concept was quite successful and it was decided to develop it. Mercedes however took the decision to market the car under the sole brand Maybach.
Maybach was therefore revived as a brand in the early 2000s, with the production of the new model in two sizes — the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62 (the numbers are equal to the lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the longer 62 allows rear occupants to recline fully in their seats). The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000. In 2005, the new 57S was added, sporting a more powerful engine (6.0L V12 bi-turbo, producing 604bhp and 737lbft of torque) and cosmetic touches that provides a sporty image.
When customers decide to order a Maybach they can go to Sindelfingen, the marque’s headquarters, (or meet over a video conference centre at a dealer in their own country) to specify every and any detail they desire. Many customers will personalise their cars with their initials or coats of arms. Maybach executives liken the experience to ordering a custom-built yacht or a personalized jet aircraft. Also, with a hand-crafted finish quality, and over two million equipment options, it is unlikely that two identical cars will ever leave the factory.
Their main competition is Rolls-Royce. Considering the fact that most owners will sit in the back being driven rather than driving themselves, Maybach owners appreciate the Maybach's infintely adjustable rear seats with seat warmers, seat coolers, and massage features, none of which can be found in the Rolls Royce. Some have noted that Maybach's superior focus on occupant comfort highlights the difference between their respective creators, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with BMW being more driver focused, and Mercedes being more comfort/luxury focused.
Future models
Three new models are expected, a 4-seat coupe derived from the Maybach 57, an ultra-luxury crossover SUV derived from the GL-Class, and a smaller sedan, which would be sold for $250,000
|
|
