Maybach 57 / 62 History

DaimlerChrysler relaunched the Maybach name in 2002 after an absence of more than six decades, positioning it against Rolls-Royce and Bentley at the absolute top of the luxury market. Two body lengths were offered: the Maybach 57 (5.73 m), intended for owner-drivers, and the Maybach 62 (6.17 m), tailored for chauffeur use — both names reflecting their lengths in decimetres.

Both models shared a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V12 engine producing 550 PS (542 hp) with 900 Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic. The 57S and 62S performance variants, introduced in 2005–2006, used a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 producing 612 PS and 1,000 Nm. A Landaulet convertible-roof version of the 62 was produced in tiny numbers — just 22 units — for state and ceremonial use.

Despite lavish specifications, Maybach fell far short of Daimler's target of 2,000 sales per year; total production across the entire model run was 3,321 units. Estimated losses reached €330,000 per car. Daimler announced the brand's discontinuation in November 2011; the final car left Sindelfingen on 17 December 2012.