- Maybach unveiled slightly reworked versions of its luxury cars at the Beijing show.
- New exterior bits and interior trim are part of the updates.
- Output from Maybach S models has been increased to 621 horsepower.
BEIJING — Will a modest face-lift, a bit more power and additional high-end features be enough to rescue Daimler's flagging Maybach super-luxury brand? Let's just say that it's no coincidence that the German automaker unveiled its face-lifted Maybach 57 and long-wheelbase 62 sedan at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. Virtually every European premium brand is unveiling one or more special models here this year.
In the case of Daimler, this may be the last gasp for the struggling Maybach brand.
The cars get a modest touchup, with oversize chrome grilles and mildly reworked bumper, hood, mirrors and taillamps. The 57 and 62 feature new 19-inch wheels, while the sportier 57S and 62S are fitted with standard 20-inch wheels.
Daimler has bumped engine output on the S models to 621 hp.
New creature comforts include a 19-inch video screen, a custom perfume flask and fancy seat piping that can be ordered with hand-braiding or Swarovski crystals. Customers can order the cabin trimmed in a variety of accents, including dark bird's-eye maple, brilliant porcelain piano lacquer and carbon fiber.
Inside Line says: Still the homeliest luxury car on the road — with the minimal sales to prove it. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
nwng says:
11:31 AM, 04/28/2010
guy1974,
the cars you mentioned are cars you would be the driver, you'll have someone else drive for you if you own a maybach.
calspecial68 says:
05:07 PM, 04/27/2010
Heresy! Not a single interior shot one the world's most luxurious cars???
Cmon. Thats really what we all wanna see anyway.
@ luxurycarlover:
i know youre very right but there oughta be a photo of it for us to see its glory.
luxurycarlover says:
01:10 PM, 04/27/2010
the exterior may be bland, but the interior is amazing, lets be honest here.
guy1974 says:
12:20 PM, 04/27/2010
A Rolls Royce Phantom has just as much presence and is just as expensive and luxurious inside but at least it looks a dman sight better. The person who owns it does see the exterioor everytime they get in or out of it.
I would rather be thought of as a rich person with taste ansd style (ie Rolls Royce) than a rich person with no taste or style (Maybach).
pontneuf2503 says:
11:43 AM, 04/27/2010
Further proof that wealth doesn't buy taste. God this thing's hideous. What a hilarious waste of money.
throwback says:
11:38 AM, 04/27/2010
sgude I agree. I also followed one on I95 thru Delaware and the car has presence. The Grosser benz description is very apt, I suspect that is what they where going for. I think the front end needs a redesign, I like rear fine.
sgude says:
09:07 AM, 04/27/2010
Although the car is what I would not call "pretty," it does have a weird presence. I followed an all-black 57 on I-85 in North Carolina (with a state trooper escort!) and I couldn't stop checking it out. It was really like one of the old school grosser Benzes in that it had an aura of command.
Maybe it's just because it costs so much money, but whatever. I couldn't stop looking at it. If I had the money (say, a $250 mil lottery win), I'd probably get one.
compressor says:
08:48 AM, 04/27/2010
Custom perfume flask. Finally! Where do i sign.
Honestly, I don't think buyers of these cars really care about the exterior looks to any great degree. These are for people that don't need to show their wealth and just want the nicest interior to be driven around in. If they want a nice looking car, I am sure they can afford to have a second car.
Any car with a wheelbase on par with either Maybach versions will be ugly. They are not proportional. A Rolls Royce is nicer looking, but I am not sure if they compete on back seat size, especially on the Maybach 62 version.
guy1974 says:
08:29 AM, 04/27/2010
This looks appalling. It is ugly. If people really want/need to spend a huge sum on a car buy a Rolls Royce or a Bentley. Below that there are the more than competent and large S series, A8, 7 series, Aston Marton Rapide or Porsche Panamera. The Maybach was a misguided attempt by Mercedes to reserecute a long dead brand to compete with Rolls Royce all becuase BMW owns RR.