The Maybach 57, Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62, Maybach 62 S respectively were the only production models of the Maybach automobile brand since DaimlerChrysler AG (today’s Mercedes-Benz Group) re-established this brand in 2002 for the most luxurious and expensive sedans of the group. The type designations refer to the vehicle lengths in decimeters (about 5.70 m and 6.20 m).

The last model was assembled on December 17, 2012. Originally, production was to continue until 2013, but this did not happen due to the ever decreasing demand.

The “Type 12” engine with 405 kW (550 hp) output, which was developed specifically for Maybach, was at the forefront. It was the world’s most powerful and torquey series-produced engine in a saloon. The Maybach models also offered a 600-watt sound system with Dolby Surround sound at every seat, powerful four-zone air conditioning based on two separate air conditioning systems for the front and rear. On request, Maybach equipped the high-end luxury sedans with a specially developed solar module, which was located in the front or rear section of the roof, depending on the model variant. Covering an area of around half a square meter, 30 solar cells converted sunlight into electrical energy and generated up to 63 watts of power. The solar power flowed as soon as the ignition was switched off and drove the ventilation fan of the front automatic climate control system. This meant that fresh air was constantly circulating through the interior. The effect: the instrument panel, seats and other interior parts heated up less in summer.

The Maybach 57 is the shorter of the two new models of the luxury brand reanimated by Daimler-Chrysler in 2002. The model designation is based on the luxury liner’s overall length of 5.72 meters. The short Maybach 57 is considered a self-driving version. As in its big sister model, a 550-hp 5.5-liter biturbo V12 engine provides propulsion. This makes the Maybach 57 250 km/h fast and guarantees a sprint time of 5.2 seconds.

By 2005, only half as many of the models costing between 300,000 and 500,000 euros had been sold as planned. In 2004, approximately 500 Maybach were sold worldwide, 41 of them in Germany. A total of 25 German registrations were recorded for 2005, and in 2006 this figure was increased only slightly to 32. This meant that the Maybach division was making losses. In 2007, Maybach cars accounted for 29 registrations in Germany, in 2008 26 and in 2009 31.

For these reasons, it was initially planned to discontinue Maybach production in mid-2013. Due to insufficient order intake, production of the 2013 model year was completely canceled and production ended as early as December 2012. In the final production year 2012, 234 models were delivered worldwide.