2009 Maybach 57
- 2008 Maybach 57
in Exotic Cars
Based on analysis of 18 57 reviews and test drives.
Maybach 57 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Maybach 57 ranks 2 out of 4 Exotic Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 18 published reviews and test drives of the Maybach 57, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
There are no poorly made, underwhelming cars among the small number of hand-built, customized premium ultra-luxury sedans. In this rarified class, the Maybach 57 competes comfortably. It is extraordinarily powerful, supremely comfortable and tailored to the individual buyer's order. Forced to differentiate the Maybach from similar cars built by Rolls-Royce or Bentley, one might complain that the 57 shares too much in common with the less-exclusive Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz resurrected the long-dead Maybach name in 2001, attaching the moniker to a small number of ultra-exclusive sedans sold through selected Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Criticism of Maybach products since that time centered around two themes.
One criticism is that Maybach products share too many parts and attributes with the 1990's edition of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, on which this car is based. Even the S-Class has been updated -- twice -- since the Maybach was last redesigned. That critique remains -- reviewers say the S-Class DNA is evident in the Maybach 57. Few automotive experts, however, consider that a significant complaint. The 57 remains one of the most exclusive and extraordinary cars built. Choosing between a Maybach and a Bentley, most say, is a simple matter of taste.
The other critique was that the brand itself lacked prestige. However, that criticism is losing force. The Maybach badge has been gaining familiarity and esteem. In the 2008 edition of the Luxury Brand Status Index, individuals with a net worth of more than $5 million ranked the Maybach brand ahead of Rolls-Royce and Bentley for automotive prestige.
This car is available as the Maybach 57, or the more powerful 57 S. For 2009, a limited run of Maybach 57 Zeppelins is available. They feature unique paint and trim combinations and an available perfume diffuser, a $5,000 option.
A longer-wheelbase Maybach 62 is reviewed separately.
- "The 2009 Maybach 57, with overwhelming power and over-the-top opulence, is a more modern take on the ultra-luxurious sedan. However, it lacks the overwhelming character and panache of its only competitor, the Rolls-Royce Phantom." -- Edmunds
- "One company official wanted to make sure we understood that comparing the price of this car to that of 18 Toyota Corollas is helpful to no one. He reliably informed us that folks rich enough to buy this competitor to the new Rolls-Royce Phantom would not likely consider buying a fleet of economy cars instead. We had no intention of doing so, of course. Mostly because you can actually get 22 Corollas for the price of our test car. Or you could buy 2.5 Mercedes S600s for the same money." -- Car and Driver
- "So is the 57 S enough to lure you from your Phantom? Maybach likes to point out that its chief competition is a luxury yacht or that vacation condo in Aspen, but, come on: Fact is, the car that might easily have been called a 600 or Pullman (if it were badged a Benz) competes directly with Rollers and Bentleys. 57 S is the most interesting car in the line for enthusiasts, but it feels like an 11/10ths-scale AMG S-Class. For the industry titans and hip-hop stars who can afford one, the sportified Maybach is impressive -- but also further muddles a confusing identity." -- Motor Trend
- "While not as visually extreme as the Landaulet, the new Maybach 57 and 62 Zeppelin models, which debut at the Geneva motor show, will turn heads with what's under the hood. The 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine enjoys an additional 28 hp for a total of 640 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque to make the Zeppelin the most powerful Maybach model to date." -- AutoWeek
57 Performance - 9.3 (Excellent)
The Maybach 57 is available with a choice of two 12-cylinder engines, both of which, reviewers say, move the car with astonishing speed. Despite a curb weight of more than 6,000 pounds (the equivalent of two midsize cars), the 57 S accelerates from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds. Modern engineering, however, cannot make such a car truly nimble. Reviewers say the Maybach handles well for such a heavy car, but the driver feels its entire weight. Read More
57 Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)
The sheetmetal of the 2009 Maybach 57 bears a distinct resemblance to that of the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The car has great presence, with its enormous bulk and two-tone color scheme. But the look is growing dated -- even the S-Class has been redesigned more recently than the 57. Read More
57 Interior - 9.0 (Excellent)
"Every visible hard surface is hand-rubbed to a deep luster, every soft surface is creamy leather, and everything that moves does so silently and precisely," writes Car and Driver. The Maybach 57 is among the world's most luxurious cars -- particularly for rear-seat-passengers. Some auto writers, however, wonder why a buyer would be interested in this model rather than the longer-wheelbase Maybach 62, which is nearly identical but offers more passenger space. Read More
57 Safety - NA
The 57 has not yet been crash-tested by the federal government or insurance industry. It includes nearly every modern safety amenity as standard equipment, and boasts a braking system that stuns reviewers with its immense capability. Read More
57 Reliability - NA
Maybach owners are provided with an unlimited-mileage warranty. Each owner is assigned to a Personal Liaison Manager, who represents only a small number of owners, and acts as a concierge to oversee maintenance, service and repair needs. Read More