The Maybach 57 - a Competitive Luxury Sedan

A four-door luxury sedan, the Maybach 57 is produced by Daimler Chrysler. The original Maybach came out in 2002, designed to be a direct competitor with the top Bentley and Rolls Royce vehicles, after Daimler Chrysler failed in their attempt to buy out the other company.

Models

There are two basic versions of the Maybach, the 57 and the 62. The numbers refer to the length of each model. The longer 62 version is designed for the rich, specifically made to be chauffeured, while the shorter 57 model is more likely to be driven by the actual owner. The luxury shows in the price, $332,500.

The Maybach 57 S debuted in 2005. The S stands for "special" and the vehicle does its best to stand up to that. This special version of the Maybach runs around $367,000.

Under the Hood

The Maybach 57 comes standard with a 5.5 L, V-12 turbo engine for some serious moving power. This extreme engine has 543 horsepower and gets just 12-17 miles to the gallon, depending on driving conditions.

A five-speed automatic transmission is the norm in this luxury sedan, with an overdrive feature built-in, which allows for better fuel economy while driving long stretches of highway.

Exterior Features

The exterior of this sleek luxury sedan blends completely with bumpers the same color as the body. It features a front air dam and a rear spoiler for added function and look. The Maybach 57 is available only in black, while the S model comes in black or silver.

Tinted break-resistant windows add to the Hollywood air that surrounds the Maybach 57. It comes with nineteen inch alloy wheels, a heater wiper wash system, plus the windshield wipers detect rain and snow and come on automatically. The headlights automatically switch on at dusk, as well, and there are automatic sunshades in the back.

Interior Features

Driving the Maybach 57 is a great experience for any driver. From the heated steering wheel and five position memory steering column to the trip computer designed to help with navigation, this vehicle is high end. The radio, phone and display controls are positioned for easy manipulation, right on the steering wheel itself.

The interior seating is upholstered in luxurious Napa leather. All four bucket seats offer heating, massages and reclining capability along with lumbar support and power memory positions.

Storage facilities include a lockable glove box and a refrigerated rear console. The Maybach 57 also features a DVD player with LCD screens on the backs of the front seats. Full audio control and headset plug-ins are available in the backseat, so the kids can listen to their music without bothering their parents. Who wouldn't want to stay in this car long after the trip is over?

Security

The security of both car and passenger was important to Daimler Chrysler. The list of anti-theft devices is astounding. They include selective locking and unlocking, valet lockout, a Smart-key card key, and alarm. Also, the car has an anti-lift sensor and engine immobilizer should anyone try to take it without permission.

Safety

Although the Maybach 57 has both front and side airbags, it goes a step further in protecting its occupants. The front airbags are deployed in two stages to prevent injury to the driver and passenger. Weight sensors prevent the release of airbags when a small child is present. Also, there are side airbags in the back seat and special head-cushioning curtain airbags.

Three-point seatbelts, along with seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters add another level of safety. As does the trunk, with it's special device to prevent anyone from being trapped in it.

The Maybach 57 offers Tele Aid, a system that remotely locates the vehicle, as well as provides a variety of services. If you are in an accident, Tele Aid will automatically notify authorities. It also tracks stolen vehicles for rapid recovery and offers an Emergency Response system among other services.

Users suffering from allergies need not worry inside this sedan. There is a built-in filter that keeps out pollen, charcoal and dust for an allergen-free interior.

Fame

The Maybach 57 has a loyal following among celebrities. Madonna and Samuel L. Jackson both share good taste with their Maybachs, while Simon Cowell not only owns one, he also openly bad-mouthed their competition, the Rolls Royce.