Maybach 57 (03 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 23 March 2009
Maybach is a name that won't gain the recognition that other super-luxury cars such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley do. However, this sister-company to Mercedes-Benz has just as much heritage of building bespoke cars for the wealthy. Between 1921 and 1941 a handful of exclusive Maybach cars were produced to meet the needs of their elite group of clients. In 2002 DaimlerChrysler resurrected the Maybach brand for a range of hand-built luxury saloons. While the proportions may be similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Maybach is a completely different proposition. Two versions are available, the 57 and the 62 - named after their lengths (the 57 is just over 5.7 metres long). Customers can choose a broad range of options to individualise their Maybach and the car is built to the highest standards. It's astoundingly expensive though with prices starting at more than £250,000.
4 out of 5

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2 out of 5

Buying new

With prices starting at more than £250,000 you'd expect the best customer service possible and Maybach certainly aims to achieve that. Customers (or their representatives) can visit an exclusive suite at Mercedes-Benz World, to discuss requirements with one of Maybach's 'personal liaison managers'. People too busy to visit the facility can be visited by at a more convenient venue. The suite at Mercedes-Benz World is private and is accessed by its own VIP entrance and lift. Customers are able to inspect a display vehicle and look at paint colours (displayed on large metal panels), wood trim and leather upholstery finishes on the 'commissioning wall', and decide which they would prefer before looking at the car configurator to assess how the finished vehicle might look.

2 out of 5

Buying used

Bear in mind there will be very few available and you will be looking at a car specified to the first owner's requirements. The 57 is marginally more common than the 62 but there are still only usually a handful on the second hand market. It will always be incredibly expensive too.

  • Interior Maybach 57 (03 on)

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2.5 out of 5

Selling

Lack of awareness would be the biggest barrier against selling a used Maybach. However, people who know the marque will be keen and Maybach would probably offer to buy back your car in any case.