Maybach
The Pinnacle of Automotive Luxury: From Airships to Uncompromising Opulence
Introduction
Maybach’s story is one of unparalleled excellence and two dramatic revivals. Founded by Wilhelm Maybach, the ‘king of designers’ who worked with Gottlieb Daimler, the original company created some of the most exquisite, powerful, and technologically advanced luxury cars of the pre-war era, rivaling and even surpassing Rolls-Royce. After a long hiatus, the name was resurrected by DaimlerChrysler as a standalone ultra-luxury brand before being seamlessly integrated as the highest trim level of Mercedes-Benz, where it continues to represent the absolute apex of automotive luxury, comfort, and bespoke customization.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1909 (by Wilhelm Maybach) |
| Status | Defunct (1909-1941), Revived (2002-2013), Now a Mercedes sub-brand (2015-Present) |
| Parent Company | Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG) |
| First Car | Maybach W3 (1921) |
| Original Competitor | Rolls-Royce, Horch |
| Modern Role | Ultimate luxury trim level for Mercedes-Benz S-Class and GLS |
Iconic Maybach Engines
- Maybach V12 (2002-2013): The modern flagship. A massive 5.5L or 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 engine (badged as 57 and 62) providing immense, silent power for the standalone Maybach models.
- Mercedes-Benz M279 V12 (2015-Present): The current heart. A hand-built 6.0L twin-turbo V12 used in the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, offering sublime smoothness and power.
- Original Maybach Straight-8 & V12 (1920s-1940s): Pre-war engineering marvels. The DS7 and DS8 “Zeppelin” models featured enormous, complex inline-eight and V12 engines that were masterpieces of their time.
Legendary Maybach Models
- Maybach Zeppelin (DS7/DS8) (1930-1939): The pre-war zenith. The most luxurious and powerful Maybach of the era, featuring a 7.0L or 8.0L V12 engine and an opulent, coachbuilt body. The ultimate symbol of wealth before WWII.
- Maybach 57/62 (2002-2013): The modern revival. The standalone flagship sedans named after their lengths in decimeters (5.7m and 6.2m). They offered an incredible level of customization and luxury, competing directly with the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Mulsanne.
- Maybach Exelero (2005): The one-off hyper coupe. A unique, high-performance coupe built for Fulda tire company to test tires, showcasing a radical and powerful design.
- Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (2015-Present): The successful formula. A long-wheelbase, ultra-luxurious version of the Mercedes S-Class, offering rear-seat opulence that has become hugely popular globally, especially in markets like China.
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS (2020-Present): The ultimate luxury SUV. Applying the Maybach formula of exclusivity, comfort, and technology to a full-size SUV.
The Art of Bespoke Luxury
Maybach’s defining characteristic, in both its historical and modern forms, is the absolute commitment to bespoke customization. Historically, customers would choose a chassis and then have a custom body built by a coachbuilder like Spohn. In its modern revival, the Maybach 57 and 62 offered near-limitless options for paints, interior materials, wood trims, and electronic amenities, allowing owners to create a truly one-of-a-kind automobile. This ethos continues today under the Mercedes-Maybach brand, where personalization is key to achieving its unparalleled level of exclusivity.