2003 Maybach 57 Pictures, Specifications, Information

The launch of the 57 along with the long-wheelbase 62 saw the rebirth of one of the world's most prestigious and elite car brands after an absence of over 60 years: Maybach. This name, which is steeped in tradition after becoming synonymous with impeccable quality, exclusive style and sophisticated engineering back in the 1920s and 30s, will now stage a comeback as the new luxury car brand from DaimlerChrysler.

Design: A Perfect Balance of Classic and Avant-Garde Features

In the new Maybach technological excellence is combined with equally unique elegance, aesthetics and design perfection. The harmonious interplay of form, colour and materials lends these high-end saloons a design quality which accentuates their serene character and gives them an unmistakable identity. The Maybach is a highly elegant embodiment of greatness; its special stylistic appeal derives from a perfect balance of classic and avantgarde features. The lines of the Maybach hold a timeless appeal � an ideal which applies to both the exterior and interior design. In every sense of the word this makes the new Maybach an automobile for life.

The highest quality materials � among them more than 100 exquisitely crafted and hand-fitted items of fine wood trim � embellish the interior, whose design was guided by one overriding objective: the greatest possible comfort and wellbeing for all the passengers. This is achieved not just by the capacious size of the interior, which has an overall length of 2.25/2.68 metres, but also by the sumptuous comfort of the seating and climate and by the virtual absence of noise, all of which adds up to a truly exceptional motoring experience.

Engine: Peak Values For Output and Torque

The newly developed engine reflects the long years of experience and great expertise of DaimlerChrysler in the development, design and production of twelve-cylinder power units. With a displacement of 5.5 litres, and with the help of twin turbocharging, the Maybach engine develops an output of 405 kW/550 hp, with a maximum torque of 900 Newton metres already available from 2300 rpm. This gives the "Type 12" power unit a higher output and more torque than any other standard-production saloon car engine in the world. Thanks to three-valve technology and highly efficient catalytic converters it already complies with the strict EU 4 exhaust emission limits which come into force in 2005.

These high output and torque values guarantee effortless Maybach performance in any situation: the Maybach 57 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, and thanks to the high torque a sprint from 60 to 120 km/h takes only 6.2 seconds.

Refinement: A New Dimension

In conjunction with this superlative amount of power, the Maybach goes beyond conventional automotive standards. The comfort offered by the suspension and the almost complete absence of engine and wind noise predestine the Maybach to be a chauffeur-driven car. Yet its surprising agility is in marked contrast to previous offerings in this segment. The interplay between the engine, with a scarcely detectable automatic transmission, the precise steering and the way the brakes respond when needed put it in a new dimension for driver and passengers alike.