Bentley Eyes Jay-Z, Samuel L. Jackson and Other High-Profile Maybach Customers

After Daimler announced that it is killing off its failed Maybach brand to concentrate on the next Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Bentley immediately started eyeing up Maybach's customers such as music singer/producer Jay-Z (who, incidentally, destroyed one in a video), King of Spain Juan Carlos, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and the Sultan of Brunei.

“The withdrawal of Maybach is a business opportunity for us and we’re going to use it," Bentley CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer told Reuters during the Detroit Motor Show

Duerheimer added that he would invite current Maybach owners for VIP tours in Bentley’s Crewe factory as he wants to create “a specific welcome zone” inside the brand.

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Are 2011 Luxury Car Brand Record Sales a Good Sign for the U.S. Economy?

Bentley saw its global sales increase by a whopping 30 percent worldwide last year. while Rolls-Royce, helped by the launch of the Ghost, sold 3,500 cars in North America, smashing its 2010 record of 2,711 deliveries.

The first thing that comes to mind is that, in the midst of a recession, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

Bentley’s North American president Christopher Georges, however, sees things from a different perspective, in that booming sales of uber-luxurious cars are reflecting a confidence in the economy.

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Coachbuilt Maybach 57S Cruisero Coupe Caught on Video

With Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler ready to pull the plug on its Maybach brand less than a decade after its resurrection, Xenatec's plans to build a total of 100 units of the Maybach 57S-based Cruisero Coupe may be seriously compromised.

However, the German coachbuilder has already built some examples of its Maybach-endorsed coupe, one of which was filmed on the road by YouTube user Marchettino, and which you can watch in the video after the break.

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Auf Wiedersehen: Daimler to Pull the Plug on Maybach Brand

During the past decade or so, many carmakers have looked into their past to shape their future: the BMW Group's new Mini, the Fiat Group's 500 and the Volkswagen Group's Beetle are among the most well-known examples. But as Mercedes-Benz found out the hard way, not all second comings prove successful.

And now, only a decade after resuscitating Maybach, Daimler is ready to accept defeat and stop producing the $350,000 luxury limousine when the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class hits the market in 2013.

“It would not make sense to develop a successor model”, Daimler Dieter Zetsche said in an interview with German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “The coming S-Class is in such a way a superior vehicle that it can replace the Maybach.”

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2009 Maybach Landaulet

The new Maybach Landaulet revives the legend of the classic luxury landaulets, a feature that is only the driver area is closed. An extra-large folding roof opens to the pampered rear-seat passengers when required, leaving no barrier between them and the blue sky above. The Maybach Landaulet thus offers a majestic open-air experience currently unmatched by any other cars. With a certain romantic quality and allowing its passengers the opportunity to experience the closeness to nature, this exceptional vehicle also the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication and as such sets a new standard for luxury sedans world's most exclusive.

Maybach Landaulet Review

In November 2007, Maybach had revived the aura of the cars of yesteryear, with its Landaulet study. The European premiere of this sparkling white one time the study was carried out in the Geneva Motor Show 78th. Beforehand, however, the public response to this masterpiece was overwhelming, so much so that Maybach decided to offer Landaulet based exclusively handmade to customer specifications. Maybach Landaulet Maybach car is one of the most desirable consumers like its predecessor, the Maybach Exelero.

A limited number of vehicles will be built in the Manufactured workshops Sindelfingenover a limited period. The best materials are carefully handcrafted by select specialists to meet the needs of most demanding customers - such as discerning Maybach clientele would expect. According to the index of the status of the latest luxury brand (LBSI), a survey of 531 recently voted most prestigious cars USmillionaires Maybach luxury brand.

Maybach is the name of the high-end luxury cars. It means more than easy to automotive engineering at the highest level, timeless elegance and style, precision and craftsmanship. Since about two-thirds of Maybach customers wish to customize the car exactly to your tastes and ideas, Maybach is constantly expanding its wide range of customization options.

The Maybach Landaulet was prompted by the clientele of Maybach. Experts know landaulet to be a car, the first section has a fixed roof, but the back has a hood to allow passengers to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Landaulet was formerly often used as parade cars in which the occupants could present themselves to the people on the roads. However, security considerations greatly relieved landaulet this function today.

Of course, this did not affect the legends surrounding the Maybach Landaulet car. Cars with driver, by nature, even today, remains one of the finest art products of the manufacturers. This applies to a particular degree of the Maybach Landaulet: innovative engineering, high quality, exceptional comfort and a luxurious ambience clearly place this Landaulet a cut above even the segment of luxury cars. As part of select materials and high quality, large numbers of specialists that are incorporated into the Maybach Landaulet with meticulous attention to detail and skill of the craftsmen. Genevacomes exposed in the vehicle with white Grand Nappa leather of high quality and exquisite black granite as well as glossy piano lacquer for trim elements.

The new Maybach Landaulet can be compared to super-luxury yachts - masterpieces of exquisite beauty and precious that combine advanced technology and exotic materials with an experience close to nature, addressing all the senses, and to take their owners far from conventional.

In technical terms the Maybach Landaulet is based on the Maybach 62 S - which can claim to be the world's most powerful series-production sedan driver. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls were reinforced with invisible steel tubular structure integral. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the interior with reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closing the hood black Maybach Landaulet is based on the framework and the wind and weather. When asked by passengers, the driver has a switch on the center console. Fully automatic, electric motors then open the two locks that secure the top of the frame to fold, the top is folded and gently laid on the shelf in the back, with its integral rear windscreen made of a layer single safety glass. A hydraulic cylinder each on the left and the right to open and close the top virtually noiselessly. The engine power required is provided by an electro-hydraulic motor hidden in the side of the shoe. The opening and closing of the roof are choreographed to take place in less than 20 seconds. Of course, even with the top down the luggage compartment is always fully accessible Until now Maybach is one of the most popular cars and compete with the 2012 Ford Escape.

The driver is able to attach the folded roof with a fine leather case barrel, which hides both the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance. The hood has the same color as the inside of the rear compartment, creating a harmonious, organic link with the outside. A logo reading "Maybach Landaulet" in the color specified by the customer is embroidered on the cover, where it is visible to following traffic. The model was shown sporting elegant and discreet white-on-white logo: after all, not Maybach sedans do not want their effect with superficial stylistic features, but rather with the distinguished air of a first-class butler.

The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes with its own exciting, but distinguished, authentic style. The color scheme in the sample in Geneva another point, which shows that the Maybach Landaulet is designed as a chauffeured car. The spacious cabin in the rear of the vehicle is a white space tasteful style, while the driver is totally black. While this makes quite clear the respective roles, the seat behind the wheel of the Maybach Landaulet should certainly be one of the most coveted job for a driver. For here too, the material of exceptionally high quality are used.

Driver Zone is a model of success for the Maybach 62 S, but has been updated in several important ways. Center console and all the inserts are black piano lacquer surfaces. And a large leather appointments Maybach uses an exclusive, smooth black leather.

Passengers in the back of its optional contrasting color to enjoy the place in the sun. Theytravel is a well-heeled heels Nappa leather seats with all the luxury and exquisite style Grand Maximum. The basis for excellent comfort for rear passenger compartment, generous space, a Maybach Landaulet Maybach 62 S adopts the same two seats perfectly comfortable individual positively invite the rear passengers to sit back and relax. Such as stress, elegant individual rear seats allow even tall passengers to enjoy a comfortable reclining position, where passengers normally expect to find only the upper part of the modern airplane. Rear passengers can call the pre-set reclined position of a button, when the backrest smoothly tilts backwards to 47 degrees, while at the same time, the leg support and footrest extend.

This means that residents can enjoy a relaxing walk in a very skewed. Of course, the seat is easily adjustable for each passenger has their own, in particular comfort needs.

Seat comfort is further enhanced by pneumatically adjustable air cushions in the backrest and a program-controlled massage function. Pressing the "Pulse" button inflates and deflates the central air cushion in the lumbar region with precisely defined intervals and with varying intensity. As confirmed by orthopedic experts, this pulsating action relieves stress in the back muscles and increases the metabolism of the intervertebral discs. Each relaxing back massage lasts for five minutes and can be repeated as often as necessary.

Highly skilled labor, infallible taste, the use of unique materials and highest quality standards have been instrumental in the design of the back, and produced an outstanding result. Maybach Manufaktur has fitted the passenger compartment of the vehicle in the program almost completely in exquisite Seychelles White Nappa leather.

A contrast is provided in the car on the screen when you insert and decorative trim in black. But the white and black is not the only theme: warm and cool contrasts also help create an atmosphere. Some surfaces in the rear seats have shiny black piano lacquer, while many elements are in Star Galaxy granite from India. This rare stone is deep black in color, with many warm, gold inclusions. The standard specification of the new Maybach Landaulet comes with a choice of three options for meeting leather, and a choice of two trim element finishes - black piano lacquer combined with carbon fiber trim in anthracite poplar or a fine.

To show its exceptional customer focus, Maybach also meets many special Landaulet requirements at no additional cost to the customer. For instance, Maybach Landaulet clients can choose the individual appointments for their vehicles in the paint finish of all Maybach, leather and cutting element range at no extra cost. A surcharge only applies to highly exclusive requirements such as special paint finishes based on customer-specific specifications, select leather colors, natural stone facings or electro-transparent partition.

The 2009 Maybach Landaulet is powered by an upgraded V12 engine that Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with specialists from Mercedes-AMG. With two turbo intercooler and water, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimeters. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

Maybach Exelero Review

The Maybach Exelero is a high performance sports car designed and built by German manufacturer of luxury Maybach car, it was presented in May 2005 in Berlin, Germany. Commissioned by Fulda Tire Company, the Maybach Exelero is a cut-down two-seater coupe, but it is more than just a show car - in tests on oval Nardo high speed, the prototype reached a speed of 218.38 mph, despite a weight of 2.66 tonnes.

Maybach Exelero Review

Maybach Exelero is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Fulda Maybach Exelero use as a reference tool to test a new generation of wide tires. German manufacturer of luxury cars created a unique model of the Maybach Exelero as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined sports car from the 1930s. Since its initial introduction in 2005, the Maybach Exelero for sale only claimed one owner.

There are few vehicles on the road today can match the raw performance and first class design of the Maybach Exelero. The Bentley Azure is another super-luxury car. It is one of Britain's most beautiful cars on the market today. Mention of Rolls Royce and an image of luxury and opulence comes to mind at the top of the line is the Rolls Royce Phantom. However, for buyers of luxury cars, they really want to raise the stakes of competition, the Maybach Exelero other drivers in fear of their presence on the road.

With the handling, acceleration and top design, the Maybach Exelero is unsurpassed. Under the hood of the Maybach Exelero is a twin-turbo 5.9L V12 pumping 700 horses. All that is necessary to move the Maybach Exelero wild driving a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 218 mph. If this is not impressive enough, only one Maybach Exelero in the world. The price is about 8 million Maybach Exelero dollars, and a rap music producer Birdman recently said the only example of super retro.

Given that Forbes lists the richest rapper Birdman fourth and is also the proud owner of a Bugatti Veyron and Maybach Landaulet, the Maybach Exelero last purchase should not surprise anyone. The car is now known as the Maybach Exelero Birdman. Latest information we have is Birdman has changed his mind or the money from your old CD does not come as fast as he wants to, as the rapper still has to pay for the Maybach Exelero.

According to a representative of European entrepreneurs, Arnaud Massartic (the current owner of the Maybach Exelero) Birdman has to pay for the Maybach. That means that all this is that anyone with a spare $ 8,000,000 can still take the car and pull a Jay-Z Maybach Exelero offered makeover that Jay-Z - Lost One video.

Maybach Exelero is without doubt the greatest vehicle ever had the Maybach line-up, but one unit of the world is currently owned by André A. Jackson (who paid like $ 8 million to get it). So why are people afraid to even a replica of Maybach Exelero? Simple, because no one in this world would do anything, even to drive the Maybach Exelero.

Maybach Exelero sales increased from year to year, it is possible to achieve remarkable sales figures like the legendary cars Ford Model T and Chevrolet Impala.

Maybach Exelero currently listed on the cost of $ 687.335. Copy Maybach Exelero is based Dodge Viper sports car and is powered by a 8.3L V10 engine 800 hp (instead of 700HP V12 engine as the original), indoor and outdoor spaces can be completely customized to the desires of each client.

Hollywood Aroma for 2011 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Concepts

For the past eight years, the LA Auto Show has been playing host to a design contest aimed at automaker design studios. Each year, a new Design Challenge theme is chosen with the studios showcasing their conceptual ideas during the press days of the show.

For 2011, the motorshow organizers are asking six automotive design studios from around the world, including Honda, Hyundai, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach to come up with Hollywood’s next hottest movie car.

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Frankfurt: 2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! Review

In the year of the 125th anniversary of the automobile Maybach is displaying the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This unusual one-off piece presents exquisite new possibilities for individually styling the high-end saloons.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo -

The highlights include contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif featuring the double-M in a curved triangle in the front armrest. The wide-ranging new individualisation options perfectly complement the confident air of the legendary Maybach saloons.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

Maybach is constantly expanding its portfolio of high-quality equipment and appointments options. In the 125th anniversary year of the automobile the luxury brand is exhibiting a special one-off model, the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in honour of the ingenious designer Wilhelm Maybach. This high-end luxury saloon displays many familiar and new individualisation options which only Maybach customers can select. Highlights of the saloon painted in the newly created special colours Tahiti Black/ Patagonia Silver are lavish contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif in the front armrest, which represents the alluring double-M in a curved triangle illuminated from inside. The other new features include a glove compartment lid embroidered with the signature of Wilhelm Maybach, silver-coloured topstitching, trim in silver carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, matt black 20-inch wheels with high-sheen spokes plus a newly styled radiator grille.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

All the current Maybach saloons have a confident, superior appearance and are strikingly radiant. The exceptional status enjoyed by the high-end luxury saloons finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

Interior – superb craftsmanship

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5‑inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

As one would expect, the Maybach Manufaktur showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

2012 Maybach 57 S Edition 125! photo

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Kanye West and Jay-Z Destroy $300,000 Maybach in their New Music Video Just for Fun

It’s no secret that rappers like to show off their expensive and usually over the top blinged-up luxury cars in their music videos as a means to prove their status. However, world-famous artists Kanye West and Jay-Z may have gone a little too far in their new “Otis” music video.

The two rappers obviously wanted to do something different than just flaunt their ultra-expensive sets of wheels, so they grabbed a welding torch and a metal cutting saw and obliterated a $300,000 Maybach.

Who knows, maybe they thought it looked better that way... You can watch the video after the jump.

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2011 Maybach Xenatec Coupe Review with Pictures

Maybach 57S Coupe by Xenatec model adjustable by Xenatec designer Fredrik Burchhardt and built exclusively for him. 2011 Maybach 57S Coupe by Xenatec has a special two-tone paint, satin finish is hand applied in multiple layers to create a unique effect. The main colors are separated by a thin gray line, as well as the Maybach limousine.

2011 Maybach 57S Coupe by Xenatec interior compartment of an exclusive contract, the lining of the half-dark brown buffalo skin, combined with nappa leather, all hand sewn. For legs, the owner reported Alcantara upholstery, while the headliner is finished in nappa leather. 2011 Maybach 57S Coupe by Xenatec looks like very expensive, and it would have a starting price for the longest in the world coupe (5.73 m) is set at € 675,000 (U.S. $ 929,000) before tax.

Under the long 2011 Maybach 57S Coupe by Xenatec bonnet is the same 6.0-liter V12 engine from the Maybach 57 S, 612-power (603 hp) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft of torque) to develop. The highest rate is linked to 275 km / h (171 mph) while average consumption is rated lt/100km 16.4 (14.8 mpg).

Daimler Puts a Third Option on the Table: Turn Maybach into a Sub-Brand for Mercedes

The future of the ailing Maybach brand will be decided, according to reports, until the end of July. Up until now, the German firm’s parent company, Daimler, was faced with two options: either axe the brand entirely, or work with another carmaker, preferably Aston Martin, to share the development and manufacturing costs to the successors of to its not-so-well received uber-sedans.

Now, according to Automotive News, it seems that a third option is on the table: that Maybach will become a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz.

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Mercedes-Benz’s Parent Company Nearing a Decision on the Fate of Maybach

It’s no secret that for quite some time now, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler has just about had it with Maybach and is looking to either shut down the über luxury car brand and call it a day or partner up with British sports carmaker Aston Martin on the development of a new model.

According to a report from Autoweek, the time has come for the German carmaker to make a final decision with the fate of Maybach to be decided by July 1. At a recent press event in Stuttgart, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche told journalist that "there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision" for Maybach if the company can find a partner. Up until now, the only automaker that has showed interest in working with Daimler on Maybach is Aston Martin.

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Maybach Sets the Standards for the High-End Luxury Class with the Highest Levels of Luxury and Comfort

• Superb craftsmanship and state-of-the-art automotive technology to satisfy the most discerning customers
• Highly advanced technical solutions provide exemplary safety and outstanding comfort
• Pioneering Mercedes-Benz innovations fitted as standard
• Extensive range of luxury appointments to meet individual customer requirements

Maybach 52 S, Maybach 62 and Maybach 57

The Maybach brand name epitomises the high-end luxury automotive class. It is synonymous with highly advanced automotive technology, timelessly stylish elegance and precision craftsmanship.

As early as the 1920s and 30s, Maybach – together with Mercedes-Benz – was part of the elite of the automotive sector, not just in Germany but at global level, too. The great Maybach tradition was revived in 2002 when the brand launched its 57 and 62 models. These were followed in 2005 by the Maybach 57 S, a high-performance saloon for customers who like to indulge their passion for driving by taking the wheel themselves. One year later, the 62 S set new standards as the world's fastest chauffeur-driven saloon. The saloons are powered by a twelve-cylinder engine specially developed for Maybach with an output of 405 kW/550 hp in the 57 and 62 or 450 kW/612 hp in the 57 S and 62 S. This power plant represents one of the greatest achievements in the field of engine technology and thus also reinforces the luxury brand's claim to the high end of the car market.

The model designations are a reference to the impressive lengths of these unique vehicles: the Maybach 62 and 62 S flagship models measure 6.17 metres while the Maybach 57 and 57 S are 5.73 metres long.

Innovative technology from the sister brand, Mercedes-Benz

All Maybach saloons are designed with meticulous attention to detail and built in a state-of-the-art "Manufaktur". Moreover, these contemporary luxury saloons feature the most advanced automotive technology which makes travelling in a Maybach as pleasant and as safe as possible. As a result, they have set new standards for outstanding equipment and superb craftsmanship at the very top of the passenger car market. At the same time, these luxury vehicles reflect the expertise of DaimlerChrysler as the world's oldest and most innovative car maker and reap the benefits of the vast experience of Maybach's sister brand Mercedes-Benz in the development and production of high-quality models in the luxury car segment.

As a consequence, key Mercedes-Benz innovations have been further developed for the Maybach saloons and are fitted as standard. These include the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension, LINGUATRONIC voice controlled operation and the COMAND APS control and display system.

Design: aesthetically pleasing and elegant

The Maybach models combine impressive technological leadership with unsurpassed aesthetics, flawless quality and captivating elegance. These high-end luxury saloons have an impressive presence which is both prestigious and extremely stylish; it is the perfect balance of the classic and the avant-garde that gives their styling its special allure. Forms, colours and materials harmonise perfectly to give the Maybach models an unmistakable identity and to enhance their majestic character.

Both the exterior and the interior are designed to have enduring aesthetic appeal. A range of exquisite materials, including more than 100 masterfully designed and hand-crafted fine wood trim elements, adorn the inside of the car, the design of which was driven by one aim in particular: to provide the greatest possible comfort for all the car's occupants.

Maybach 57 S: a luxury saloon with a high-performance character

The "S" in the designation of the Maybach 57 S model, which joined the range in 2005, stands for "Special" and reflects the fact that Maybach has implemented many of the wishes of its highly discerning customers – especially those who wish to drive the vehicle themselves – in this high-performance model which offers a symbiosis of luxurious comfort and a distinctly sporty character. The 57 S owes the latter to its enhanced Mercedes-AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine with an output of 450 kW/612 hp and peak torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) as well as a tauter suspension set-up. This combination reconciles the highest levels of luxury and dynamic handling in the Maybach 57 S and makes it the ideal high-end luxury saloon for owner-drivers who expect the very latest high-performance technology and the perfection typical of the Maybach brand.

Characteristic exterior features of the Maybach 57 S comprise the powerfully styled radiator grille, redesigned light units, distinctive 20-inch spoked wheels and a single-tone paint finish in black or silver which is exclusive to the 57 S and 67S models. Customers can also specify the new shimmering white special paint finish as an option. Inside, newly designed leather appointments are complemented by the carefully coordinated trim elements in fine piano lacquer and sporty carbon to create a dynamic ambience which is both striking and tasteful.

Maybach 62 S: the world's most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon

The Maybach 62 S, which joined the Maybach range as its fourth and most recent member in 2006, offers not only an exceptionally high level of travelling comfort (especially for the passengers in the extremely spacious rear compartment), but also prodigious power output. Like the Maybach 57 S, it is equipped with the enhanced 450 kW/612 hp twelve cylinder engine and thus ranks as the world's most powerful series-production chauffeur-driven saloon. The Maybach 62 S is, therefore, primarily designed to be chauffeur-driven and meets the very highest of standards in terms of space and comfort – for a truly relaxing ride – and dynamism for saving that most precious of commodities: time. Precisely what is needed in these increasingly frenetic times.

The Maybach 62 S can be distinguished from the 62 model by eye-catching exterior features. As with the 57 S, the most striking of these are the modified front end with its distinctive and powerful new radiator design, attractive 20-inch spoked wheels and redesigned light units. And, like the 57 S model, the Maybach 62 S has a single-tone paint finish.

The contemporary Maybach interpretation of lavish luxury and outstanding comfort is also reflected with consummate skill in the interior of the 62 S. Here, high-grade materials have been hand-finished to perfection for a deliberately distinctive and particularly exclusive look, all in inimitable Maybach style. Carefully coordinated trim elements in exquisite piano lacquer and sporty carbon create an atmosphere of exclusive elegance. Newly designed, high-grade leather appointments tastefully accentuate this overall impression.

In contrast to the sportier configuration of the 57 S owner-driver model which features a stiffer chassis, the Maybach engineers have retained the full spring travel for the 62 S in order to achieve an outstanding – indeed, probably unsurpassable – level of ride comfort. Although the chassis marks the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering in terms of comfort, it also has excellent dynamic characteristics for reliably transferring the power to the road at all times. The fact that these two very different requirements have been reconciled so harmoniously testifies to the skill of the Maybach development team.

Superbly spacious accommodation and first-class comfort

The superbly spacious accommodation offered by the 2.25/2.68-metre-long interior forms the basis of the exceptionally high level of comfort provided by these prestigious saloons. Rear passengers, in particular, are given the VIP treatment and are able to enjoy the wonderful opulence of what is effectively a luxurious lounge on wheels. Two superbly comfortable individual seats positively invite the rear passengers to sit back and relax.

Unique to the Maybach 62 and Maybach 62 S models, the elegant individual rear seats allow even tall passengers to enjoy a comfortable reclining position which travellers would normally expect to find only in the first-class sections of modern passenger jets. All the rear passenger has to do is call up a pre-programmed reclining position at the touch of a button and the backrest slowly tilts backwards by up to 47 degrees. At the same time, a lower leg support and a footrest fold out to the front. This means that rear passengers can enjoy the journey in an extremely relaxing reclined position. Of course, the seat can easily be adjusted to each passenger's own particular comfort needs.

The following individual settings are possible:

* The fore/aft position of the rear seat can be adjusted by up to 135 mm.
* Depending on the individual settings, the backrest can be inclined at an angle of between 25 and 47 degrees.
* The head restraint is adjustable for height (by 115 mm), fore/aft position (by 60 mm) and angle (by 25 degrees). Its side bolsters are also individually adjustable in order to improve lateral support for the head when the seat is reclined.
* If required, the seat cushion can be extended by up to 60 mm when the seat is in the upright position, while its inclination can be varied from 14 to 24 degrees.
* The fore/aft position of the thigh support has an adjustment range of 85 mm.
* The lower-leg support features a two-stage telescopic arm that allows the fore/aft position to be adjusted by up to 240 mm. The inclination of the lower-leg support can be adjusted by up to 75 degrees.
* The angle of the footrest can be individually adjusted up to 110 degrees.

This technological masterpiece is operated by seven electric motors – three of which can function simultaneously, depending on the commands given by the occupant. An electronic control unit monitors the complex series of movements and controls the logical sequence. The kinematics of the individual seat components are programmed to ensure that the occupant's body – including the lower legs and feet – is fully supported at all times, even in intermediate positions between the normal upright position and the maximum reclined position.

Adjustment of the comfortable reclining seats is made easier by a memory function that is capable of storing five individual sitting positions. A mere push of a button is then all that is required to move the seat to the position in which the occupant feels most comfortable.

Sophisticated integral system with crash-responsive backrest for outstanding safety

As well as being exceptionally comfortable, the reclining seats in the Maybach 62 and 62 S offer an outstanding level of safety – in any position. The restraint system incorporating the belt tensioner, belt-force limiter and sidebag is integrated in the backrest, meaning that the rear passengers can enjoy optimal protection even when the seats are fully reclined. Further safety features include a crash-responsive backrest which is moved into an upright position in the event of a frontal impact and the tensioners on the belt buckles which also tension the lap belt in the event of an accident.

Multicontour backrest for a relaxing back massage at the push of a button

Seat comfort in the Maybach saloons is further enhanced by pneumatically adjustable air cushions in the backrest and a program-controlled massage function. Pressing the "Pulse" button inflates and deflates the central air cushion in the lumbar region at precisely defined intervals and with varying intensity. As confirmed by orthopaedic experts, this pulsating action relieves stress in the back muscles and boosts the metabolism of the intervertebral discs. Each relaxing back massage lasts for eight minutes and can be repeated as often as required.

On request, Maybach can also equip the reclining seats with an active ventilation system. Eight miniature fans in each of the two rear seats cause air to flow evenly through the perforations in the seat surface. Thanks to a special system of air ducts, the airflow cools the contact areas between the passenger and the seat in order to enhance seating comfort. Three airflow speeds can be selected.

Alternative rear seat configuration

For customers who require space for up to three passengers in the rear, Maybach offers an alternative seat configuration option featuring a third seat in the centre of the rear compartment. If this arrangement is specified, the two luxurious individual seats are retained, while an additional seat is added in place of the standard-fit centre console. The back of this third seat is designed to ensure that all three rear passengers are seated comfortably at all times. If three rear seats are ordered, the controls for the curtain, the lights and the entertainment systems – usually housed in the centre console – are integrated in the centre console drawer unit.

A robust work surface with a fine wood finish

In addition to enjoying the benefits of a prestigious and comfortable luxury saloon, a Maybach owner may also need to use it as a mobile office from time to time. With this in mind the Maybach engineers in Sindelfingen drew on the know-how of their colleagues in the aircraft industry and developed a folding table made from aluminium cut from the solid for each of the two rear seats. The two-piece table surfaces are finished in fine wood or carbon on top and trimmed with nappa leather on the underside. Both folding tables (standard in the Maybach 62 and 62 S) are infinitely adjustable for fore/aft position and inclination and are suitable for use as a storage area, a desk or a support for a laptop. To save space, they are housed in special compartments on either side of the rear centre console and can be pulled out and unfolded quickly and easily using a leather loop.

State-of-the-art entertainment and communication technology

The rear console is the centrepiece of the entertainment and communications package in all Maybach models. Numerous storage compartments enable the rear passengers to easily stow large and small items alike. The exquisitely designed interior door panels alone house ten stowage compartments (eight in the Maybach 57 and 57 S), complete with flap-style lids and a smooth opening action triggered at the push of a button. However, it is the multifunctional centre console between the seats that forms the heart of the stowage concept in the rear of the luxury saloon.

This is where the Maybach engineers have incorporated all that is needed for the rear passengers' entertainment and enjoyment, including a DVD player, six-disc CD changer, up to two telephone systems, a refrigerator box with its own compressor and an intelligent system which holds glasses and champagne bottles securely in position. The champagne flutes – specifically designed for the Maybach using high-grade sterling silver – are held by clips that automatically grip them above the base when they are put down. The clips are released as soon as the rear passenger picks up the flute again.

In addition, the rear centre console contains a range of storage compartments and a keypad with controls for the central locking, interior lighting, intercom system (if the Maybach 62 or 62 S is specified with a partition) and the curtains on the rear windscreen and rear side windows. Sockets for connecting a camcorder, an MP3 player or a games console are also provided.

Rear passengers can also keep a constant eye on the current road speed, outside temperature and time as the engineers have developed three elegant, circular dials which are mounted in an overhead panel in the luxury high-end saloon. Similarly, the rear passengers can monitor and control the navigation system, which offers extremely accurate positioning courtesy of state-of-the-art receiver technology, from the luxurious comfort of their seats.

A transparent panoramic roof at the push of a button

A further special attraction and highlight in the rear compartment of the Maybach 62 and 62 S is unquestionably the unique electrotransparent panoramic roof, available as an option. Featuring an elegant cassette-type structure, it spans the rear section like a glass dome and offers the passengers an impressive range of options for adjusting the amount of light that enters the interior. Whereas the roof normally provides a view of the sky outside, it can be made opaque at the push of a button, in which case it filters the light to create a pleasant, diffused lustre. This effect is possible thanks to a layer of liquid crystal film made from electrically conductive polymer material, which is integrated in the glass and whose crystals rearrange themselves when an alternating current is applied, thus making the glass transparent so that its entire surface allows daylight to pass into the rear compartment of the Maybach 62 and 62 S. As soon as the electrical supply is switched off, the liquid crystals lose their clear-glass arrangement and distribute the light in all directions, causing the glass surface to become opaque.

At the front of the panoramic roof, an area of around half a square metre is covered with 30 solar cells which convert sunlight into electrical energy, generating up to 63 watts for powering the ventilation blower of the climate control system in the Maybach 62 and 62 S. Power generated in this way starts flowing as soon as the luxury saloon is parked and ensures a constant supply of fresh air for the vehicle interior. This feature is available as an option for all other roof variants.

Light as a design element

The designers have also used light as an interior design element in the Maybach models. In addition to the numerous lights which come on automatically when the doors are opened or which can be used as reading lights at the touch of a button, a ceiling spot provides ambient lighting. This pleasant, diffuse light source remains active even when on the move in the dark in order to create a special ambience aboard.

However, without doubt the main attraction of this sophisticated lighting concept is the electrically operated sliding section in the roof lining of the optional panoramic roof for the Maybach 62 and 62 S. When the sliding section is closed, a touch of a button activates its electro-luminescent membrane, causing it to emit a pleasant, diffuse light over its entire surface. A potentiometer in the rear console allows the rear passengers to adjust the light emitted to any level.

Partition with electric transparency control

Designed from the outset as chauffeur-driven saloons, the Maybach 62 and 62 S models can be equipped with an optional partition. Needless to say, the unique spaciousness of the rear compartment is not compromised if this option is specified.

The lower section of the partition consists of an aluminium sandwich structure, trimmed with leather and fine wood or carbon elements, while the upper section comprises a laminated glass panel that can be lowered by electric motor. Furthermore, this glass has the same electro-transparent functionality as the panoramic roof. Thanks to a liquid crystal film embedded in the glass, the partition can be made opaque at the touch of a button.

And so that the rear passengers and the chauffeur can still communicate, even when the partition is closed, luxury saloons fitted with a partition also feature an intercom system.

Two separate systems for a perfect climate all round

Driving enjoyment of the very highest calibre – thanks to the luxurious ambience and extremely spacious accommodation – is further enhanced by low noise levels and highly efficient climate control.

To provide effective climate control in the spacious interior, Maybach goes to exceptional lengths by fitting a system comprising two of the most sophisticated automatic air-conditioning units currently available – one for the front compartment and one especially for the rear compartment. The rear climate control system can also be operated by the chauffeur using a control unit in the front centre console.

Thanks to its high performance capability and intelligent control set-up, the system allows the two front passengers as well as the two occupants in the luxurious rear seats to adjust and program the climate control system individually. In automatic mode, the system controls the four climate zones and ensures that the desired temperature is maintained at each individual seat with minimal draught effects. The individual climate control settings for the driver and the three passengers are automatically assigned to and stored in the Maybach's electronic ignition key.

Both systems are sensor controlled and operate based on temperature, air humidity, insolation and pollutant levels in the outside air; and both units can circulate up to 750 cubic metres of fresh air per hour in the luxury saloon's interior – an outstanding technical achievement for a passenger-car climate-control system.

If the Maybach 62 or 62 S is equipped with a partition, the air outlets in the B-pillars and the rear roof lining sections are fitted with additional blowers in order to ensure that a comfortable climate is also maintained in the rear when the partition is closed.

Silence is golden

The peace and quiet which the occupants of a Maybach are able to enjoy in all driving situations help to make travelling restful and relaxing. This is because, when it comes to low noise levels, the high-end luxury saloons deliver yet another stunning performance, achieved thanks to the painstaking measures taken by the highly skilled engineering team. By way of example, sophisticated sealing systems at the joints between the body components effectively reduce wind noise, even at high speeds. Furthermore, extensive soundproofing measures – including the sealing sections around the doors and additional sealing of the front wings and the roof pillars – prevent any wind noise from penetrating through into the interior.

Another major factor behind the low noise levels is the sophisticated glass technology used: the side windows of the high-end luxury saloons are made from a special laminated glass developed exclusively for Maybach. One of the four plastic films incorporated in the intermediate layer has acoustical properties which help to reduce noise in the interior substantially.

The glass in the side windows of the Maybach saloons is 7.2 mm thick – 2.2 mm thicker than conventional laminated glass. One positive side effect of this sophisticated glazing is the better protection it offers against break-ins: the laminated glass makes it much more difficult to smash the windows by force. The front and rear windscreen, each 6.2 millimetres thick, also contain acoustical plastic films. The result of all these measures is a sublime level of calm – unquestionably an added bonus given the frantic nature of the modern world.

Safety: occupant protection with ten airbags

In addition to a sophisticated body structure, the exemplary safety technology of these high-end luxury cars includes a total of ten airbags – two adaptive airbags with two-stage gas generators for the front seat occupants, four sidebags and two large windowbags for each side of the interior. The three-point inertia-reel seat belts with automatic comfort-fit feature, high-performance belt tensioners and belt force limiters are integrated into the seats, and are therefore able to carry out their full protective function in any position.

Source: DaimlerChrysler

The new Maybach 62 S

The new flagship model in the Maybach line-up is the Maybach 62 S. The engineers in the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingen have built the high-end Saloon for the most discerning requirements. And it’s a philosophy shared by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. “You shouldn’t take small steps if you want to achieve something great”, says the world’s fourth-richest man. For him luxury is an important aspect of his lifestyle. The streets and bazaars of the rich desert city
therefore provide the perfect backdrop to experience first-hand the new Maybach 62 S and its characteristics.

The "S" in the model designation stands for "Special" and draws attention to the fact that Maybach has incorporated many features requested by their highly discerning customers into the 62 S model. The result is a new dimension in travelling comfort, especially for the passengers in the generously proportioned rear compartment of the new high-end luxury saloon. Not to mention a prodigious power output thanks to the enhanced potency of the twelve-cylinder engine developing 450 kW/612 hp, making the new Maybach 62 S model the world''s most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon in series production.

Following the immense success of the Maybach 57 S – which blends luxurious comfort with a sporty temperament and, on account of its dynamic sports car-like handling, is favoured by highly discerning customers who harbour a profound passion for motoring and a desire to drive the Maybach themselves – the Maybach 62 S is the fourth and latest model to join the Maybach range of luxury saloons. It is primarily designed to be chauffeur-driven and meets the very highest of standards in terms of space and comfort – for a truly relaxing ride – and dynamism for saving that most precious of commodities: time. Precisely what is needed in these increasingly frenetic times.

Armed with this ideal combination of attributes, the Maybach 62 S sets new standards at the high end of the passenger car industry and also continues the tradition of the legendary Maybach saloons which represented the elite in German and international carmaking circles back in the 1920s and 1930s. Even then, many Maybach cars were built and equipped to be chauffeur-driven.

Dynamic elegance further emphasised by the exterior

Eye-catching exterior features accentuate the dynamic presence of the new Maybach 62 S and clearly distinguish it from the 62 model. These include a modified front end with a strikingly redesigned radiator grille as well as new, distinctive 20-inch spoked wheels and a modified light-cluster design. Like the 57 S model, the new Maybach 62 S boasts lavish single-tone paintwork in black or silver, both of which are available exclusively for the "S" models. Alternatively, customers can now specify a special paint finish in shimmering white. Discreet "62 S" lettering adorns the front wings beneath the A pillars and the boot lid, while a modified rear apron with two integral, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes hints strongly at the immense performance potential of the 62 S. Even when the car is at a standstill, the dynamic and elegant appearance puts the Maybach 62 S in a league of its own when it comes to luxurious chauffeur-driven cars.

Further enhance the interior

The contemporary Maybach interpretation of lavish luxury and consummate comfort and superlative dynamism is also reflected in the interior of the 62 S. Here high-grade materials are hand-finished to perfection for an intentionally distinctive and particularly exclusive look, all in inimitable Maybach style. Carefully coordinated applications of exquisite piano lacquer and sporty carbon create an atmosphere of exclusive elegance both in the rear compartment and in the driver''s direct field of vision and activity. Newly designed, high-grade leather upholstery tastefully accentuates this overall impression.

Twelve-cylinder powerplant and comfort-tuned chassis

Effortlessly superior performance in any situation comes courtesy of a Mercedes-AMG-enhanced V12 powerplant developing 45 kW/62 hp more than the engine specified for the Maybach 62. The twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 62 S has a displacement of six litres and an output of 450 kW/612 hp by virtue of a twin turbocharger and a water-type intercooler. The impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) is available over a wide engine speed range between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This provides even the most sportily inclined of Maybach drivers with effortless power reserves at all times. With acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds, the new Maybach 62 S impressively demonstrates its outstanding performance potential. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h in chauffeur-driven vehicles.

The exclusivity of the twelve-cylinder powerplant is underlined by a model plate on the cover bearing the personal signature of the Mercedes-AMG technician who assembled it by hand based on the now familiar "one man, one engine" principle.

In contrast to the sportier configuration of the 57 S models for owner-drivers, which features a stiffer chassis, the Maybach engineers decided to retain the full spring travel for the 62 S in order to achieve an outstanding, practically unsurpassed level of ride comfort? In terms of comfort, the chassis marks the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering. Yet it also offers a high degree of dynamic potential for reliably transferring the power to the road whatever the scenario. Hence the Maybach developers have succeeded in reconciling, to a near perfect degree, two very different requirements.