Maybach · 2002–2013

Maybach 57 and 62

The Maybach 57 (W240) and 62 (V240) were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since its revival by Mercedes-Benz Group AG. They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. Both concept models were based on a heavily reengineered version of the Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class platform and were developed as ultra-luxury flagships positioned above the S-Class. Conceived as the most luxurious automobiles of their era, the Maybach 57 and 62 emphasized rear-seat comfort. The Luxury Brand Status Index 2008 placed the Maybach in first place, ahead of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. It marked the continuation of the brand’s ultra-luxury, top of the line model after a hiatus of over two decades since the previous model, the Mercedes-Benz 600. The revived Maybach brand was intended to symbolize technical excellence, status, and uncompromising luxury at the highest level of the automotive market like the Mercedes-Benz 600.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz 600 · Successor: Mercedes-Benz W222

All Maybach 57 and 62 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

History

Wilhelm Maybach was an engineer who worked with Gottlieb Daimler to design combustion engines. The first Daimler-Maybach automobile was built in 1889. Over the years, the Maybach name developed into a brand name for automobiles that were typically very large, powerful, and luxurious. For example, the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8 Cabriolet built in 1929 had side sections that could be lowered completely to allow it to be used as a parade car. In 1998, DaimlerChrysler AG's competitor, BMW AG, purchased the brand Rolls-Royce. The Maybach brand name was reintroduced in 2002 to be a direct challenger to BMW's top vehicle, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, even though the Maybach conquered an even larger price bracket. The Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 were developed as the successors to the Mercedes-Benz 600, a model that had represented the pinnacle of luxury, engineering, and prestige during its time.

Design

Both Maybach models are variants of the same ultra-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. Features. Standard features of all models include, but are not limited to: a navigation system with voice recognition; power rear sunshade; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; interior air filter; front and rear seat massage; 21-speaker Bose premium sound system; power tilt/telescopic heated leather-wrapped-wood steering wheel with radio and climate controls; power trunk open/close; voice-activated AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer; keyless start; heated front and rear seats; cooled front seats; adaptive cruise control; premium leather upholstery; 18-way power front seats; 14-way power rear seats; heated cupholders; rear beverage refrigerator; rear pop-out folding table trays; rearview camera; pneumatic soft close doors; iPod adapter; wireless cell phone link; outside-temperature indicator; universal garage door opener. Every Maybach has 2 climate control systems – one for the front compartment and one for the rear. Each can be programmed and operated independently, producing four-zone climate control. An upgraded version of the Mercedes air suspension system called AirMatic Dual Control is standard, featuring air springs complemented by an additional spring-rate adjustment system with adaptive damping. Options for the Maybach 62 and 62S include: 18-way power rear seats (replacing 14-way); power side sunshades; cooled rear seats; wireless headphones; electrochromic power panoramic sunroof (replacing power sunroof); steering wheel mounted navigation controls. The company offered various options for customers to person

Introduction

On 26 June 2002 a Maybach 62 enclosed in a glass case on the Queen Elizabeth 2 departed from Southampton, England, en route to New York City, with the media and company officials staying in the luxury suites on board. The ship arrived in New York on 2 July, welcomed by geysering fireboats and a motor boat. A helicopter lifted the car off the liner and onto a dock. It was then driven to the Regent Hotel, Wall Street.

Variants

=== Maybach 57 === The Maybach 57 is the base designation. A total of 1,104 units were produced. Maybach 57 S. Daimler revealed the Maybach 57 S at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, with the S standing for Spezial. It uses a 6.0-liter version of the V12 engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG. Power output is 450 kW (612 PS; 604 hp) and torque 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft), providing a sub-five second acceleration to 60 mph (97 km/h). It also rides 0.5 in (13 mm) lower on 20-inch wheels. The North American unveiling was at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. A total of 503 of the pre-facelift and 164 of the 2010 facelifted version were produced. The facelifted version produced 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp). Maybach 57 and 62 "Zeppelin". Maybach revealed the "Zeppelin" nameplate at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as an additional luxury package that could be ordered on both the Maybach 57 and 62. The name "Zeppelin" had been used for the pre-war Maybach models DS7 and DS8. A total of 100 units were built. The package consists of special California beige leather with Stromboli-black stitching, piano black lacquer finishes, and silver "Zeppelin" champagne glasses. In addition to the interior changes, the exterior has exclusive 20-inch chrome wheels and dark-red taillights. The engine is a 6.0-L V12 Twin-Turbo with 471 kW (640 PS; 631 hp), which is 21 kW (28 PS; 28 hp) more than the S versions. The word "ZEPPELIN" is also incorporated into the triangular Maybach hood ornament. Maybach 62. The Maybach 62 included as standard features such as fully reclining rear seats, Maybach four-zone climate control, tinted windows, infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round, AirMATIC dual-control air suspension, display instruments in rear roof liner (showing speed, time, and outside temperature), folding

Sales

Initially, Daimler-Chrysler predicted annual sales of 2,000 global units with 50% coming from the United States; however, such lofty sales expectations never materialized. In 2007, Mercedes bought back 29 US dealers, reducing the total from 71 to 42.

2013 cessation

With poor sales expectations and heavy impact of 2008 financial crises, Daimler AG undertook a review of the whole Maybach division. This included talks with Aston Martin to engineer and style the next generation of Maybach models along with the next generation of Lagonda models. However, on 25 November 2011, Daimler announced that sales of all Maybach models and the brand would cease in 2013. Before the announcement, only 3000 Maybach vehicles had been sold, with estimated loss of €330,000 for each car sold. While it was originally planned to produce it into mid-2013, very slow sales convinced Daimler to pull the plug earlier and the last car left the Sindelfingen production line on 17 December 2012. Other sources claim that production ceased in February 2013. A special 62 S Landaulet model was still being completed by January 2013 on a singular stand while the production line was being dismantled. The line was replaced by Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman models. An executive told a Frankfurt newspaper that Daimler "came to the conclusion that the sales chances for the Mercedes brand were better than that of Maybach." One suggestion for Maybach's struggles was that parent Daimler had failed to differentiate it from its Mercedes-Benz brand. While all three ultra-luxury brands share platforms and engines with other luxury brands from their parent auto company, Maybachs are built alongside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan, whereas Rolls-Royce and Bentley are assembled in England (separate from the rest of BMW and Volkswagen Group's production plants), and thus are regarded as being more "exclusive". Furthermore, the Maybach's pedigree was virtually unknown outside Germany, unlike its British rivals which have long enjoyed renown worldwide; indeed the 2006 Rolls-Royce

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Maybach 57/62 (W240/V240)
Manufacturer: DaimlerChrysler (2002–2007), Daimler AG (2007–2013)
Production: April 2002 – February 2013, 3,321 produced
Model years: 2003–2013
Assembly: Germany: Sindelfingen
Designer: Olivier Boulay, Shuichi Yamashita, Anthony Lo (1996)
Class: Ultra-luxury car (F)
Body style: 4-door sedan, 4-door landaulet
Related: Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140, Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Engine: 5.5 L M285 twin-turbo V12, 6.0 L M285 twin-turbo V12
Transmission: 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic
Wheelbase: 57: 3390 mm, 62: 3827 mm
Length: 2002–2010 57: 5728 mm, 2010–2013 57: 5734 mm, 2002–2010 62: 6165 mm, 2010–2013 62: 6171 mm
Width: 1980 mm
Height: 61.3-62.0 in
Kerb weight: 2735 kg (57), 2805 kg (62)
Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz 600 (1963–1981)
Successor: Mercedes-Maybach (indirect)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1073673CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maybach_57_and_62CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1374971572 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes_Maybach_57_and_62.jpgPublic domain · Photo: Tribalninja · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.