Used 2011 Maybach 57S Sedan Review & Ratings

The recently redesigned Maybach 57S gives those on the market for an ultra-luxury sedan an opportunity to buy a more powerful version of the Maybach 57. Compared to the 57, the 57S has a slightly lower center of gravity, a little more width, and a 620 horsepower V12 biturbo engine, thus making the 57S (which stands for "special") a sporty version of this luxury car and a better option for those who, despite having sufficient funds to buy this car, will opt to drive themselves. In addition to increased horsepower, the 57S offers greater stability and traction, thus making it a more maneuverable car than the 57 or 62.

Although the 2011 Maybach 57S is over three tons, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 5 seconds and reach speeds up to 172 MPH. This Maybach handles more nimbly than the 57, as well, and can navigate bends in the road with greater ease. With its chrome radiator grille and its 12-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels, this sedan makes quite a statement and is certain to attract a lot of attention. Despite a recent reduction in fuel consumption, the 57S gets only an average of 12 MPG, with 10 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway.

Built using German engineering and Daimler's money, the Maybach brand reentered the automotive scene about ten years ago. Unfortunately, Daimler recently announced that they will discontinue the Maybach brand in 2013. Without an ultra-luxury sedan on the market, Daimler will not have a car to compete with its chief rivals, BMW (which owns Rolls Royce) and Volkswagen (which owns Bentley). One of the biggest complaints about the 57 S is that, because it's built on the Mercedes S-class platform, it looks like a glorified version of a Mercedes. For several generations, the Rolls Royce and Bentley have been built in England and continue to appeal to prospective buyers whose money is even older than these two, prestigious automobile makers. The Maybach, on the other hand, tends to attract buyers whose money is a bit crisper and newer.

The Maybach 57 S offers a remarkable list of safety features, including 4-wheel ABS with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), electronic brakeforce distribution, front and rear airbags, front and rear side-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags, and rear parking sensors. To assist with parking this massive sedan, the 57 S also includes PARKTRONIC, a technology that uses a rearview camera, ultrasonic waves, and audible indicators.