The Maybach 57 S, produced from 2005 to 2010, represented the pinnacle of ultra-luxury sedans following the revival of the Maybach brand by DaimlerChrysler. Positioned as the high-performance variant of the 57 model line, the “S” denoted a sportier driving experience without sacrificing the brand’s commitment to opulent comfort. Built on the W240 platform, the 57 S aimed to compete with the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Continental Flying Spur, offering a unique blend of German engineering and bespoke luxury. This particular configuration, featuring the 6.0-liter V12 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, was the sole powertrain option for the 57 S, emphasizing its focus on effortless power and refined performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Maybach |
| Model | 57 S |
| Generation | 57 S (W240) |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V12 (612 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 24.6 l/100 km (9.6 US mpg, 11.5 UK mpg, 4.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 16.4 l/100 km (14.3 US mpg, 17.2 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 390 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 15.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 275 km/h (170.88 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.3 kg/Hp, 230.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 375.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 612 Hp @ 4800-5100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1000 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm (737.56 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6100 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 285.980 |
| Engine displacement | 5980 cm3 (364.92 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 17 l (17.96 US qt | 14.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2660 kg (5864.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3260 kg (7187.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 605 l (21.37 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 110 l (29.06 US gal | 24.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 5728 mm (225.51 in.) |
| Width | 1980 mm (77.95 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2134 mm (84.02 in.) |
| Height | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3390 mm (133.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1675 mm (65.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1014 mm (39.92 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1324 mm (52.13 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 141 mm (5.55 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.38 m (43.9 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 275/45 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Maybach 57 S is the M285.980 6.0-liter V12 engine, a twin-turbocharged masterpiece derived from Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance engine family. This engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design per cylinder bank, operating with a relatively modest 9:1 compression ratio. Fuel is delivered via multi-port fuel injection, and the engine benefits from two turbochargers with intercooling, boosting output to a formidable 612 horsepower and 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The 5-speed automatic transmission, while robust, is a point of criticism in retrospect, as newer transmissions offer smoother shifts and more gear ratios for optimized fuel efficiency. However, it was considered adequate for the intended grand touring experience at the time of its release.
Driving Characteristics
Despite its substantial weight, the Maybach 57 S delivers surprisingly agile performance. The 612 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque provide effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.8 seconds. The automatic transmission, while not the most modern, provides smooth, if not always lightning-fast, gear changes. The air suspension contributes to a remarkably comfortable ride, effectively isolating passengers from road imperfections. Compared to the standard 57, the “S” model featured a slightly stiffer suspension setup and recalibrated steering for a more engaging driving experience. However, it still prioritized comfort over outright sportiness. The 5-speed automatic’s gear ratios are spaced to favor mid-range acceleration and cruising, rather than maximizing fuel economy or offering aggressive downshifts.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Maybach 57 S came standard with an extensive list of luxury features. Interior appointments included premium leather upholstery, wood veneer trim (customers could select from a variety of wood types), and a bespoke sound system. Rear passengers enjoyed individual, reclining seats with massage functions, along with a rear entertainment system featuring dual screens. Standard equipment also included a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and a host of safety features. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles to an extraordinary degree. These included custom paint colors, bespoke interior designs, and even champagne coolers integrated into the rear center console.
Chassis & Braking
The Maybach 57 S utilized a robust chassis with double wishbone suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, both incorporating air suspension for a supremely comfortable ride. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The steering system employed a cone worm with recirculation balls and hydraulic power assistance. The car’s substantial weight necessitated a well-engineered suspension and braking system to maintain control and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Maybach 57 S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its luxurious interior, powerful engine, and comfortable ride. However, the car’s high price tag and relatively dated technology (particularly the 5-speed automatic transmission) were points of criticism. Compared to the standard 57, the “S” model offered a more engaging driving experience, but at the expense of some ride comfort. Fuel economy was predictably poor, reflecting the car’s large engine and substantial weight. The 57 S’s primary competitors, the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Continental Flying Spur, offered similar levels of luxury and performance, but with different brand identities and driving characteristics.
Legacy
The Maybach 57 S, while not a commercial success on the scale of its British rivals, remains a highly sought-after luxury car among collectors and enthusiasts. The 6.0-liter V12 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission, while not without their quirks, have proven to be relatively reliable. Maintenance costs, however, are substantial, reflecting the car’s complex engineering and exclusive parts. Today, well-maintained examples of the 57 S command high prices in the used car market, representing a unique and opulent chapter in automotive history. The car stands as a testament to DaimlerChrysler’s ambition to revive the Maybach brand and create a truly world-class luxury sedan.
