Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Maybach

Maybach is a name synonymous with ultimate automotive luxury, engineering excellence, and historical prestige. Originally a German engine manufacturer and later a luxury automobile brand, Maybach has a legacy intertwined with innovation, opulence, and elite clientele. While today it is part of the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, its independent history traces back over a century and includes some of the most refined automobiles ever built.

Origins: Wilhelm Maybach and Daimler

Wilhelm Maybach, a brilliant engineer and collaborator of Gottlieb Daimler, played a pivotal role in the early days of the internal combustion engine. He helped design some of the world’s first high-speed petrol engines, as well as the Mercedes 35 HP, the first modern automobile. His contributions laid the foundation for both Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Mercedes-Benz.

Founding of Maybach-Motorenbau (1909–1920)

In 1909, Wilhelm’s son Karl Maybach, under his father’s influence, founded Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The company initially focused on developing and manufacturing engines for Zeppelin airships and later for railcars and military vehicles.

Zeppelin Engine Success

Maybach’s reputation for precision and reliability quickly grew. Its engines powered German Zeppelins during World War I and later helped establish Maybach as a manufacturer of high-performance internal combustion engines for various applications.

Maybach’s Golden Era: Luxury Automobiles (1921–1940)

After the war, the Treaty of Versailles restricted aircraft production in Germany, prompting Maybach to pivot into luxury automobiles. Their first production car, the W3, debuted in 1921 and was one of Germany’s first cars with a four-wheel braking system and a planetary gearbox.

Maybach W3 and W5

The W3 was followed by the more advanced W5, which was known for its comfort and technical innovation. These models established Maybach as a builder of elite vehicles for aristocrats, industrialists, and heads of state.

DS7 and DS8 Zeppelin

Introduced in 1929, the Maybach Zeppelin DS7, and later the DS8, were among the most luxurious and powerful cars of their time. They featured massive 7.0L and 8.0L V12 engines and were favored by royalty and celebrities. Each car was hand-built and often custom-bodied by prestigious coachbuilders like Spohn, Erdmann & Rossi, and Hermann Graber.

World War II and Industrial Focus (1940–1945)

As with many German manufacturers during WWII, Maybach’s production shifted to serve military needs. The company supplied engines for German tanks, including the formidable Panther and Tiger tanks. Car production ceased during this period, and the focus remained on heavy machinery and diesel engines.

Post-War Decline and Dormancy (1945–1960s)

The destruction of World War II and Germany’s economic turmoil severely impacted Maybach. The demand for ultra-luxury cars evaporated, and the company was unable to resume car production. By the 1950s, Maybach had shifted entirely to manufacturing engines for trains, ships, and industrial use.

Absorption into Daimler-Benz

In the 1960s, Maybach-Motorenbau was acquired by Daimler-Benz. While the name persisted in industrial engine circles, it disappeared from public automotive consciousness until the late 20th century.

Revival: Maybach as a Daimler Luxury Brand (1997–2012)

With the resurgence of ultra-luxury cars in the 1990s and early 2000s, Daimler-Benz decided to revive the Maybach name to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The modern Maybach marque was formally introduced as a standalone ultra-luxury brand in 2002.

Maybach 57 and 62 (2002–2012)

Named after their lengths in decimeters, the Maybach 57 and 62 were hand-built limousines based on a modified Mercedes-Benz S-Class platform. They featured opulent interiors, V12 twin-turbocharged engines, and cutting-edge technology. Despite their exceptional quality, they struggled to gain market traction due to their similarity to less expensive Mercedes-Benz models.

Limited Editions and Special Models

Models like the Maybach 62S, the 62S Landaulet (a semi-convertible), and the Zeppelin editions added exclusivity and performance. However, high prices, economic recession, and lack of brand differentiation led to limited sales success.

End of Independent Maybach Brand (2012)

Due to underwhelming global sales and high production costs, Daimler discontinued the standalone Maybach brand in 2012. Fewer than 3,000 Maybach 57 and 62 models were produced in total, far short of Daimler’s expectations.

Rebirth as Mercedes-Maybach (2014–Present)

In 2014, Daimler reintroduced Maybach—not as an independent marque, but as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz. This strategy mirrored the approach of Mercedes-AMG, offering higher luxury versions of existing Mercedes models.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The flagship Mercedes-Maybach S600 and later S560/S680 featured extended wheelbases, bespoke interiors, exclusive paint finishes, and whisper-quiet refinement. These vehicles quickly became favorites among world leaders, celebrities, and business tycoons.

Expanding the Line

Mercedes-Maybach has since expanded to include ultra-luxury versions of SUVs like the GLS 600, and concept vehicles such as the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, showcasing future luxury design language with electric powertrains and autonomous features.

Design and Philosophy

Maybach has always symbolized meticulous craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and understated yet unmistakable opulence. Interior features like fine wood veneers, hand-stitched leather, crystal inlays, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems distinguish Maybach vehicles from their Mercedes counterparts.

Maybach in Pop Culture and Global Appeal

Modern Maybachs have been embraced by celebrities, musicians, and heads of state. In pop culture, the name “Maybach” has become synonymous with wealth and status, frequently referenced in hip-hop music and luxury lifestyle circles.

Legacy and Collector Value

Pre-war Maybach cars are among the most valuable and rare classic cars in existence. Original DS8 Zeppelins can command millions at auctions due to their rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance. Meanwhile, the Maybach 57 and 62 models, despite initial market struggles, are increasingly viewed as future classics.

Conclusion

Maybach’s journey from an aircraft engine pioneer to one of the most respected luxury automotive names is a story of innovation, resilience, and reinvention. While its original independent era may be long past, the Maybach spirit lives on through the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand, continuing to represent the pinnacle of luxury in the modern automotive world. With plans for electrified ultra-luxury vehicles in the near future, Maybach is set to remain a symbol of ultimate refinement for generations to come.