The top model is the Maybach 62 which is an extended version of the 57 sedan - one of the most expensive and opulent cars on Earth. It offers every conceivable luxury and some extra unthinkable things.

2006 Maybach 62

Specifications
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  • Model: 2006 Maybach 62
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Founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl, Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH was a German manufacturer of engines for zeppelins and later, large and luxurious automobiles. The history of this company begins with the involvement of W. Maybach in the Deimler Motor Company (technical director). Now, the brand is owned by DaimlerChrysler and based in Stuttgart. The company produced different classic opulent vehicles between 1921 and 1940.

During World War II, design and production was redirected to military applications, Maybach starting to design and produce the engines of many German military vehicles and German armored fighting vehicles such as the PzKpfw IV, Tiger I and the Panther. Heavy duty diesel engines for marine and rail purposes were also built by the same company. The famous German V200 and British Rail Class 52 “Westerns” included the Maybach engine.

In 1960, Daimler-Benz acquired a majority shareholder status. Six years later, Maybach-Motorenbau formed a new company with the heavy duty engine arm of Daimler-Benz, Maybach Mercedes-Benz Motorenbau GmbH. These became MTU Friedrichshafen in 1969.

In 1997, Mercedes-Benz presented at the Tokyo Motorshow an ultra-luxury concept car under the name Mercedes-Benz Maybach (V12, 5987 cc, 394 hp). The concept was quite successful and it was decided to develop it. Mercedes homework decided to market the car under the sole brand of Maybach.

Maybach was accordingly revived as a brand in the early 2000s, with the production of the new model in 2 sizes – the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62(the numbers are equal to the length of the cars in decimetres). The prices range from $305,000 to $357,000; they are priced to compete with the top-of-the-range Bentley and Rolls Royce automobiles. The new 57S, sporting a more powerful engine (6.0L V12 bi-turbo, producing 604bhp and 737lb.ft. of torque) and cosmetic touches that provides a sporty image, was added in 2005. The customers can go to Sindelfingen, the marque’s headquarters, to specify every and any detail they desire. With a hand-crafted finish quality, and over 2 million equipment options, it is unlikely that two identical cars will ever leave the factory.

Inside the 62, opulence takes center stage. Every single surface is high-grade leather, wood, chrome or some other soft-touch material. The best place to sit in a Maybach 62 is the backseat, where’s a twin bucket arrangement with a console in between that houses a DVD player, a separate CD changer for use in the back and even a refrigerated compartment to keep cold refreshments at the ready. If the passenger wants to relax, there is a nubuck-upholstered pillow attached to the front of each head restraint.

The most obvious competitor for 62 is the Rolls-Royce Phantom. For these situations, personal taste and preferences are much more important than feature lists or hard stats. Each car is fully capable of providing an otherworldly luxury experience.

Maybach is Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxury brand intended to compete with Bentley and Rolls-Royce

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Features

All 2006 Maybach models now come with a standard parking-assist system that combines sonar proximity sensors with a rear-mounted video camera that shows the view from the trunk-lid handle on the vehicle’s dashboard display. A newly optional business package can turn the vehicle into an office on wheels and includes a wireless dual-port router that can connect to the Internet via a cell phone network. A built-in color printer with Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also available.

The list of standard features also include an Airmatic DC suspension, adaptive cruise control, 19-inch wheels, power-closing doors from the fully open position, a 21-speaker, surround-sound Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens. Among the many optional features are special wheels, three-person rear seating, a glass partition and intercom for owners planning on using a chauffeur and upgraded entertainment choices. The customers have the opportunity to select custom exterior paint colors and interior trims and make request for other features above and beyond the factory option list.

Powertrain and Performance

A hand-build 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine generates 543 hp and 664 lb.ft. of torque, which enables the enormous Maybach 62 to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph – this despite its 6,340-pound curb weight. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability and a choice of Sport and Comfort modes is standard. The Maybach 62 gets 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.

Safety

The 62 offers a large group of advanced chassis-control systems, such as stability and traction control. The air suspension, which is standard, includes driver-selectable ride-height control and a sport mode that favors slightly improved handling over ultimate ride comfort. The antilock brakes are electronically controlled rather than by a conventional mechanical linkage. The electronic brake system recognizes the early signs of an emergency situation and preloads the brakes to help ensure shorter stops. Moreover, the system sets quick, undetectable pulses to remove any water film from the brake disks if the windshield wipers are on for some time. Thus, the brake operation remains fast and consistent in the rain.

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Interior Design

Most of the 62 surface is covered with fine-quality leather and wood, and seat comfort is exceptional whether you’re driving or riding. Rear-seats are adjustable and the head restrains are covered by suede-textured down pillows. Maybach claims that this substance is the best vibration-damping material in the world. The instrumentation and controls are the same in a Mercedes.

Driving impressions

The driving experience itself is similar to that of the 57’s. The V12 provides plenty of thrust and the brakes are up to the task of effortlessly scrubbing off speed. As the 62 is mainly meant for those intending to have a chauffer take the wheel, one’s focus should mainly be on ride quality, where the 62 does well in this regard.

Competitors to Maybach

comparing Maybach and Audi A8, the A8 has more advantages. It costs $267,060 less, all-wheel drive is standard, it has a 6-speed automatic transmission, OnStar System and Child Safety Locks are standard, and it has a better highway mileage. Maybach has 93 more horsepower and a standard Sunroof/Moonroof.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur is $220,260 less than the 62 and it has a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD is standard, when the Maybach has a 5-speed automatic transmission. But on Maybach the Theft-Tracking System and DVD Player are standard.

Mercedes-Benz S600 costs $245,350 less, while Maybach 62 has 33 more Horsepower and has a DVD Player and Sunroof/Moonroof standard.

The 62’s most obvious competitor is Rolls-Royce Phantom. The Phantom costs $56,500 less, it has a 6-speed automatic transmission, Child Safety Locks is standard and it has a larger engine than the 62 (6.7L vs. 5.5L). Maybach 62 has 90 more horsepower, and standard Theft-Tracking System, DVD Player and Sunroof/Moonroof.