If its price-tag doesnt tempt you to take a peek inside, then youd better stand back and let eager onlookers through at this years Seattle International Auto Show.
Velvet ropes are the only thing holding back the crowds coming to see the new Maybach 62.
This ultra-luxurious car, priced at $357,000, is a featured vehicle at the Auto Show.
The introduction of the Maybach (pronounced MY-bach) marks the beginning of a new era of super-luxury sedans. The Maybach 62 blends 21st-century technology and innovation with classic hand-craftsmanship and attention to detail in ways not possible in conventional mass production.
Maybach, a sister brand to Mercedes-Benz, plays a crucial role in the DaimlerChrysler Group by leading the automotive world in new luxury. It was designed to drive like a private luxury jet for the road.
There are two models, both powered by a 543-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V12 engine that produces 664 pound-feet of peak torque at only 2,300 rpm. Teamed to a five-speed electronic automatic transmission specially developed to handle this level of torque, the engine can rocket the Maybach 57 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds (5.4 seconds for the Maybach 62) in near-silence. Just as impressive, the Maybach will leap from 35 mph to 75 mph in only 6.5 seconds.
The private jet analogy also applies to the Maybach interior, where spaciousness, luxury and comfort have no peers within the automotive realm. The multifunction center console between the rear seats houses a DVD player, VHF TV tuner, six-disc CD changer, telephone system, a refrigerated compartment with its own compressor, even a sophisticated system that holds a champagne bottle and two flutes that come as standard equipment securely in place.
The exclusive concert-quality, 21-speaker Bose Everywhere Dolby sound system envelopes each occupant with concert-hall quality sound. In both Maybach models, rear passengers can watch television or DVD playback on two power-tilt-adjustable, high-resolution 9.5-inch LCD screens. The system features auxiliary inputs for camcorders, MP3 players or game consoles. Standard headphones in the rear enable the vehicle to play three separate entertainment programs simultaneously offering front and rear passengers a truly individualized entertainment experience. The Maybach also comes standard equipped with a Sirius satellite radio receiver including a lifetime subscription for the satellite broadcast service.
In the front cabin, the COMAND (COckpit MANagement and Data) system integrates controls for the standard navigation, audio and telephone systems. An in-car voice control system allows driver operation of commonly used phone and audio system features.
The interior is outfitted with the finest materials available, including a choice of three fine woods: cherry, amboyna or walnut. All four seats are heated, with active ventilated seats available. Power rear window curtains provide a measure of privacy for the occupants.
The power-adjustable front and rear seats include dynamic multicontour seatbacks with pneumatically adjustable lumbar, shoulder and side bolster air chambers. A massage function gently pulsates the central lumbar cushion to reduce muscle fatigue. The four-spoke multifunction steering wheel is heatable as standard equipment.
One hundred fine wood trim sections tastefully embellish most of the surfaces in the doors, center consoles and even the cabin ceiling. All are carefully handcrafted and individually selected by experienced specialists to ensure matching grain and shade.
All four doors of the Maybach feature an infinitely adjustable hydraulic retainer system that helps prevent the doors from knocking against obstructions in tight parking places. A standard power-closing feature pulls the door closed from the first detent position. Standard on the Maybach 62 (optional for the Maybach 57) is a full power door-pull feature that pulls the doors closed from fully open.
Ambient interior lighting creates a pleasant, diffused lighting effect that remains switched on even when the car is moving, providing a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere for passengers. he optionally available electro-transparent rear roof section for the Maybach 62 is lined with an electro-luminescent membrane that, when switched on, emits a pleasant, diffused light. Rear passengers can control the panels lighting intensity.
Rear seats in the Maybach 57 include power adjustments for seatback and cushion angle, plus head restraint height and angle. The Maybach 62 applies its extra length to what is undeniably the most luxurious automobile seating in the world today. Individual rear seat recliners provide full body support even for a tall passenger. Pressing the Pulse button provides an air-driven gentle back massage.
For the Maybach 62, an optional glass partition between the front and rear sections operates at the touch of a button to separate the front and rear sections of the vehicle. For added privacy, a curtain can be drawn across it. When so equipped, the Maybach 62 also includes an intercom to allow the rear passengers and the chauffeur to communicate. A classic touch in the rear compartment of both Maybach models is a binnacle between the B-pillars that houses an auxiliary speedometer, outside temperature gauge and clock.
The Maybach is equipped with two state-of-the-art automatic climate control systems one for the front section and one specifically for the rear. Both systems are sensor-controlled to take into account the temperature, humidity, the intensity of the sunshine and even the pollutant levels in the outside air. The system ensures that the set temperature remains constant and virtually draft-free for every seat. An available solar module on the roof converts sunlight into up to 63 Watts of electrical energy. The power runs a ventilation fan when the ignition is turned off to help keep the interior cool.
The Airmatic DC (Dual Control) air suspension system endows the Maybach with an uncanny combination of ride isolation and agility. The system combines an actively controllable air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II), allowing the Maybach to adapt to driving conditions and road surfaces. Rubber bellows filled with compressed air ensure comfortable springing, while ADS II regulates the shock absorber damping force depending on the road surface, driving style and vehicle load.
Double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension system are attached to subframes via special rubber bushings, and the subframes are mounted to the body structure via newly developed hydraulically damped bearings. This configuration provides the highest level of isolation from the road. Nineteen-inch cast light-alloy wheels accentuate the commanding appearance of the Maybach. The wheels measure eight inches wide with 275/50R-19 tires.
An adaptive restraint system helps provide the highest level of occupant protection and includes 10 airbags: two in front, a side airbag in each seatback, and front and rear head protection curtain airbags for each side. The driver and front passenger airbags automatically adapt to the severity of an accident. The adaptive airbag system takes front passenger weight into account and deploys with the appropriate power. In the Maybach 62, the rear seat recliners are designed to move to an upright position in the event of a collision.
The electronic braking system, also featured on some Mercedes-Benz vehicles, transmits the drivers brake commands electronically, rather than by conventional mechanical linkage. To help enhance stability, the system controls brake pressure at each wheel individually in response to driving and road conditions and can even increase brake pressure on just the outside wheels when braking in turns. A soft stop feature enhances comfort by easing the jolt out of sudden, low-speed stops such as in heavy traffic.
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