Used 2011 Maybach 62 Sedan Review & Ratings

At approximately 2 feet longer than the 57 and 57 S, the Maybach 62 is made to be driven - by a chauffeur. With its striking exterior and luxuriant interior, this extraordinary sedan offers owners the opportunity to ride in style. The Maybach 62 boasts a powerful, V12, 543 horsepower engine with a single overhead cam (SOHC) and accelerates quickly for such a heavy machine. Such speed and elegance has a very high price, however, and will appeal to those who want to add a prestigious car to their collection.

The 2011 Maybach 62 can accelerate to 60 MPH in approximately 5 seconds and reach speeds up to 155 MPH (an electronic regulator restricts the speed to 155 MPH). The 62 has a longer wheelbase than the 57 or 57 S, so managing a winding highway or twisting roadway becomes difficult, particularly as the car accelerates. The 62 has a more fuel-efficient engine with lower emissions, but still averages only 12 MPG, with 10 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. The Maybach 62 offers an even smoother ride, thanks to an improved chassis and the addition of double wishbone front suspension and Airmatic Dual Control (ADC) suspension.

Riding in the Maybach 62 is a multi-sensory experience and is more comfortable and appealing than most people's homes. In addition to a luxurious ride, the Maybach is well known for its striking appearance. Daimler bought the Maybach brand about ten years ago, and unfortunately, due to flagging sales, will retire the historic brand by 2013. Without the Maybach line, Daimler will no longer manufacture an ultra-luxury sedan to compete with its main rivals, BMW (which owns Rolls Royce) and Volkswagen (which owns Bentley). The main critique of the Maybach is that, because it's built on the Mercedes S-class chassis, it lacks a distinct character and instead seems like a longer, outrageously expensive Mercedes. Perhaps this overlap explains why Daimler will retire Maybach brand while Rolls Royce and Bentley continue to persevere.

The long list of safety features in (and the considerable weight of) the Maybach 62 should put prospective buyers at ease. The 4-wheel anti-lock brakes come with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) and the 62 comes standard with side airbags for the driver and passengers, side-curtain airbags, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which provides greater traction and stability. Finally, the 62 includes PARKTRONIC, technology that uses ultrasonic waves, a rearview camera, and audible indicators to make parking this 20-foot-long vehicle more manageable.