Fraser

With 3yr old Maybach 57s selling for S600 money has anyone considered the big barge over the S600?

Has the fact the Maybach is based on the W220 put you off, or the fact it is second hand, or that is primarily for chauffeuring around so perhaps not so well looked after from a driver's standpoint?

http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/maybach-overview

nkole

Has some nice wood bits on the inside, but overall reminds me too much of my old 2001 S430. I'd much rather have a new 221 with all the technology and other improvements.

cjf_moraga

Yeah, it looks nowhere near as fun/satisfying to drive as an S600... (not that I have ever driven a Maybach ...same V12 engine albeit a bit more powerful but with a heavier weight to lug around) ...but then actually driving it does not seem the point of this car... not as up to date in its technology either...

And my neighbors would fall about laughing....

Chris

trumpet1

Chris said pretty much exactly what I was going to say. I've never had the opportunity to drive one and I'm sure it would be a very smooth ride , but like Chris said, in most situations, I'd be laughed at for driving such a car in my area. These cars are definitely for those who can , and desire to, make a statement. My S600 already gets too much attention everywhere I go as it is. I can't imagine how many smirky comments I'd get if I had a Maybach in my driveway.

That being said, the W221 is 10 times prettier than a Maybach especially on the outside. I've never liked the exterior looks of a Maybach. The interior is beautiful though.

Red Marko

Agree with trumpet and cjf.
That depends on your driving preferences.
Do you like to drive on the outside of your car, or inside
Are you a showoff or an enthusiast.
Used Maybach owner, to me, is someone who likes to wear a spur but can't afford a shoe.
(Is this a proper translation?)
Here is my 2 ...you know what.
Mark.

Fraser

Why is the Maybach different to anyone buying a used car in that respect?

trumpet1

Probably no different really. I did come close to test driving one a few months ago at a price of around $180K. Since the color of it was awful and I didn't have any real intentions of trading off my S600, I passed on the test drive (I hate to waste a salesman's time just like I don't like someone wasting mine).
I just now got a chance to look at the hyperlink you provided and there were a couple of them that looked pretty darn good. If a Maybach is was you want , then get one. Nothing at all wrong with that of course. If you do, we expect to see pix and see you posting on the maybach forum which is usually very quiet. Heck, I feel you would fit right in here with us on the W221 if you get bored.....we love these barges no matter which one you pick!

For the prices they are going for right now, it would be a great deal (bargain) and certainly would be a terrific ride on those big wheels. I think the biggest thing I don't like is the waterfall style grille. I like the horizontal placed louvers better than vertical. Just my opinion and it isn't something to cancel the deal over if I were in the market.

Fraser

I'm not in the market for one, or a W221 at this stage, was just curious...hope that doesn't make me one of those timewasters you refer to

trumpet1

Not at all my friend, not at all.

AustinGuy

Maybach 57


2007 Lincoln Town Car



You tell me the difference.......

Here's a clue: Both are quite ugly

WingFlex

IMO, there's nothing wrong picking up a used car and same goes if it's a Maybach. Different people have different values so to each of its own.

I'm an S-Class kind of guy (and have always been since young due to childhood experiences) and the S Class will continue to be the automobile of choice to be driven in or to drive (as a daily driver).

However, if it's a vehicle that I'm buying strictly to be driven in, I may consider the Maybach 62 and less Maybach 57 since the gains in the comfort dept are not much more than a S600. When you are sitting in the back, the technology of the W221 platform may not matter much. But the solar sunroof, window blinds and (optional) privacy divider in the Maybach 62 makes it a whole different vehicle to be chauffeured in, the privacy divider alone is worth it, giving you privacy from your chauffeur (when you're on the phone or chatting with your business partner). Furthermore, a Maybach does not shout for attention like a RR or Bentley would. Granted, those who know will still know what a Maybach is (and often have negative things to say about the owner) but that's just the materialistic world we live in shall I say.

I think the question for me (and maybe many others) is: is it worth the extra $$ to be driven in a Maybach 62 versus 'just' a fully loaded S600, or even S500 or S350 for that matter? Do note the price differences of vehicles in Asia (not including the Middle East).

Hence for those who wants the attention, might as well just consider a Bentley Flying Spur since it'll draw big enough attention on Asian roads (and arguably more than a Maybach which often just looks like an S Class to many). Or they can go all the way with a RR Phantom.

Those that truly want the comfort and do not want unnecessary attention blends in with the traffic/seas of S Classes.

Quadcammer

just a note on the "used car" discussion.

The 1st and 2nd year depreciation on big dollar Mercedes is so horrific, even if you can afford a new one, you can save $20, $30, even $40k if you pick up a low mileage pre-owned vehicle. Most s-class owners take reasonably good care of their vehicle, and as such, you get a great car for 65% of the MSRP.

I will most likely never buy a brand new high dollar MB for that very reason. While I'd like to be the first one to sit in the seat, that feeling is not worth $40k to me.


Now, as to the Maybach, when I took my car in for service there were two sitting there.

1. They are a bit bulbous, especially around the trunk. I think the front looks pretty nice and the headlights certainly are unique.

2. There is no value in driving this type of car to me. Its simply something to be driven around in. The back seat is the best seat in that house.

Nice car, but have no need for a chauffeur right now.

trumpet1

Most likely my next car will be a 2010 model S65 that will be bought in the year 2012 (2 year old car at that time). The 40-50% markdown will be the way to go.

Fraser

Having been in the back of a extended wheelbase Phantom a few times I'm in no doubt that if I was to buy a car to be driven in it'd be a Phantom. Tons of space, the ride was like silk, if it hadn't been for looking out the window I probably wouldn't have noticed we were moving.

Admittedly I've not been in a Maybach which probably makes it rather an unfair comparison but when you've tried something feels so right you just know it.

WingFlex

Actually, most people would even put the RR in a totally different league and many, including myself, would agree that RR is more of a different vehicle than a Maybach.

One thing about owning a RR (to me) is that it attracts too much attention, certainly not a good thing when you want to keep a low profile, esp in certain countries here in Asia. Heck, come to think of it, an RR anywhere in the world will be too much attention to be comfortable for me to be seen walking into/out of a RR.

For that reason, and the fact that I prefer the appointments and amenities available in the rear seat of the Maybach 62, the Maybach 62 will be my choice of car in that category. Maybe one day, when the justification can be sought to fork out the extra $$ to move on from 'just' an S Class. For now and at this point for me, the S600/S65 is the most I'll seek for from a car to drive/be driven in. I truly think an S600/S65 is the ultimate sedan available in the market today.

Fraser

Agree 100%. The Maybach certainly offers the mobile office setup and the S600/S65 really does offer a great mix of driving experience, luxury and comfort.

AustinGuy

I know this is all about personal opinions so I hope I'm not rubbing some of you Maybach lovers the wrong way.......

That being said, does anybody not agree with me that Maybach's are uuuugggglllyyy? I mean, those cars looks like they're created exclusivly for 65 yr. old multi millionaires who love to sit in the back seat and sip aged fine wine.....

AsianML

I must be an old fart then...

Red Marko

Here we go,
You said it...

but on the serious note, do you really like it (Maybach, that is)?

Red Marko

Austin,

funny but so true pic comparison. Good eye.
Both study cases - Fugly, IMO.

I can almost feel the pain of all Maybach owners

AsianML

To me the Maybach isn't particularly good looking. Not as much as the W221 or even the W220. The side view of the Maybach just looks proportionally wrong on both the 57 and 62. The rear end is kind of boring. The front end of the S versions are really the only ones that I like.

The interior is what blows me away though. I've had the pleasure of seeing and feeling up the interior of one before.

cjf_moraga

Yep - I am with you. A proper Mercedes should be visually elegant... timeless... considered... The Maybach is not elegant... it is brutal...

Even thinking about driving one gives me an inescapable urge to invade Russia...

Chris

WingFlex

I'll somewhat agree that the exterior of the Maybach is not the best especially compared to the W221. However, I also note that the Flying Spur/Arnage/RR Phantom/etc are not the best looking cars. They have a wow factor, and some of them have heritage and prestige, but if you are talking about beauty, the prize would go to the likes of the W221 and the new Aston Martin Rapide.

But are these beauty contest winners in the same level as the Maybach? I would say no. The Maybach's focus and strength to me is the interior and then the ride. To me, the RR Phantom (Maybach's closest rival if you will) loses out in the interior department.

Bottom line is, the Maybach may look somewhat not proportional and sometimes uneasy on the eye. But overall, there's some subtlety to it, some understatement that some owners may like. To a certain extent, it isn't as 'loud' as the W221. The Maybach looks more like the W220, which to me is still elegant but not always the best looking in its time.

I have to add that I guess those that think like me are a small population in this world, proven by the sales numbers of Maybachs vs Phantoms. Those that can afford a vehicle of this price tag, usually want more than just an understated last generation S Class looking limo. Clearly, the presence and loudness of the Phantom are preferred by most.

MBNUT1

If you are going to buy a Maybach why not go for the real deal and buy a vintage Grand 600 and really make a statement. I remember years ago my dad came home telling how he amused himself by using his 180 ponton to "escort" a 600 he had come across on the highway. It would have made I nice picture I imagine.

benzmodz

I really dont understand this question. The Maybach is the type of car you dont drive. You sit in the back seat.