Used 2011 Maybach 57 Sedan Review & Ratings

After a 60-year absence from the automotive landscape, Maybach cars reentered the marketplace about a decade ago, thanks to Daimler. The Maybach 57 is part of an elite class of ultra-luxury sedan and therefore has very few rivals. In fact, it is so elite, most peole have never heard of it. With a tank-like 543 horsepower, V12 engine and amenities that rival those normally found in sprawling estates, riding in the Maybach 57 is like being in a luxury home. Fuel economy is extremely poor; however, given the astronomical price of the Maybach, those that can afford this vehicle aren't too concerned with gas prices.

Despite weighing in at over 6,000 pounds, the Maybach 57 can accelerate from zero to 60 MPH in about 5 seconds, and reach speeds up to 155 mph. This chrome-grilled, eye-catching vehicle will certainly stop traffic as it speeds by the plebeian masses. Although the 57 has surprisingly good pick-up for such a heavy car, the fuel mileage is environmentally offensive, as it returns only 10 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. The 57 does fine on a straightaway, but it does not handle curves very well, but given its size, you can't really expect it to. Considering Maybach owners are probably riding in the back of this sedan in the captain reclining seats as their chauffer drives them around, the handling of the vehicle is probably less important than how it rides.

The Maybeck 57 is powered by a 5.5-liter V12 engine that delivers 543 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. If for whatever reason that isn't enough power, the 57 S boosts performance to 620 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, due to its 6.0-liter V12 engine.

Daimler resuscitated the Maybach brand to contend with other luxury sedans made by its main competitors, which include BMW (owned by Rolls Royce) and Volkswagen (which owns Bentley). The Maybach 57 is built on the Mercedes Benz S-class chassis, while the Rolls and the Bentley have maintained the same platform since their inceptions; therefore, the Maybach 57 ends up looking like a longer, more extravagant version of the S-class. Compared to the flashy Maybach, the Bentley and Rolls appear understated and tasteful; a difficult feat for an ultra-luxury sedan.

The Maybach 57 offers an impressive list of safety features, including front and rear airbags, front and rear side-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS, Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), electronic brakeforce distribution and rear parking sensors. Additionally, the 57 includes PARKTRONIC, a technology that uses a rearview camera, ultrasonic waves, and audible indicators to assist the driver in parking this massive, 225.5-inch-long vehicle.