Maybach 62. Icon of pretentiousness
The Maybach 62 is not just a luxury limousine, but a true piece of automotive art by DaimlerChrysler (2000-2007) and Daimler AG (2007-2012), one of the last cars from Maybach as a separate brand. It was produced until 2012. But its technical excellence and charisma still allow it to be considered the reflection of high social status of its owner. And no wonder, because the Maybach 62 is a real icon of pretentiousness. And its only competitor is the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
1st generation (January 2002 – December 2010)
The number ‘62’ means the length of the Maybach 62 in decimeters. Thus, this Maybach is quite long (6.2 meters) and will not fit in every parking lot. At the same time, it does not look heavy due to the perfectly balanced front and rear. With its smooth aerodynamic contours, the luxury sedan resembles a yacht, the expressly laconic exterior of which cannot fool anyone - this yacht is not affordable. The Maybach 62 is the longest sedan of its time. And these extra meters were only used to provide extra space and comfort in the rear. That is, the car ensures the maximum comfort for the rear passengers.
As for the interior, the Maybach creators claimed that there were more than two million possible interior combinations. This suggests that throughout the entire history of the model’s existence, only an insignificant part of these options have been used. It is clear that two identical Maybach 62 interiors did not exist in nature. But here’s what any 62 could offer:
- electric door;
- surround sound system;
- rear-seat entertainment system with two displays;
- fully reclining rear seats;
- four-zone climate control;
- tinted glass that reflects infrared radiation;
- rear roof trim gauges (that show speed, time and outside temperature);
- folding rear tables and hundreds of different options in additional trim levels…
Just like the Mercedes S 600, the Maybach 62 featured a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. But the Maybach weighed more, so the engineers boosted the engine to 543 hp. The engine was accompanied by a 5-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain easily accelerated the 2.8-ton 6.2-meter rear-wheel drive limousine to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The Maybach 62, based on the W140 Mercedes S-Class, was extremely robust and provided the highest level of safety. And, of course, the super-luxury car had all modern safety options:
- side airbags along the entire length;
- anti-lock braking system;
- traction control system;
- electronically controlled stability control and much more.
Restyling (January 2010 – December 2012)
The 2010 Maybach 62 is an ultra-luxury sedan offered in three trim levels: 62, 62 S and 62 Zeppelin, as well as a limited edition Laundaulet. The standard options for the restyled Maybach 62 included:
- 19-inch wheels;
- active self-leveling suspension;
- adaptive cruise control;
- hatches in the front and rear of the passenger compartment;
- 10-way power, heated, massage and memory front seats;
- telescopic steering wheel with adjustable tilt;
- reclining rear seats with heating and memory functions, leg supports;
- folding rear picnic tables;
- electronic rear door closers;
- four-zone climate control with an active air filter;
- refrigerator and much more.
The list of standard equipment included front and rear Bluetooth controls, a navigation system, a rearview camera, an audio video entertainment system, and more.
After restyling, the engine was the same 5.5-liter V12 with 543 hp. The Maybach 62 S version received a 6-liter V12 engine with an output of 604 hp. The Zeppelin version’s engine produced 631 hp. Apart from featuring a more powerful engine, the Maybach 62 S also had 20-inch wheels, more efficient tires, had a slightly lower ground clearance and a sportier suspension. The Zeppelin version had unique 20-inch wheels specially designed for it, an essential perfume dispenser and a special Zeppelin badge.
The restyled Maybach 62 had a comprehensive list of safety elements that included side airbags for front and rear passengers, full-length side airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
