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Maybach

From Alfawiki
Maybach
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryAutomotive
Founded23 March 1909
FounderWilhelm Maybach, Karl Maybach
FateDiscontinued as independent brand in 2013; relaunched as Mercedes-Benz sub-brand in 2015
Headquarters
Friedrichshafen
,
Germany
Area served
Worldwide
OwnerMercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG)
ParentMercedes-Benz
Websitewww.mercedes-benz.com/maybach

Maybach (, ) represents a German luxury automobile marque, partially owned by Mercedes-Benz. Established in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach alongside his son Karl Maybach under the name Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH, it functioned as a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH until 1999.

In 1960, the brand was acquired by Daimler-Benz. It reappeared as an independent ultra-luxury label in 2002, sharing numerous components with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Due to sluggish market performance, Maybach discontinued its standalone operations in 2013 and transitioned into a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz by 2015. , Daimler manufactures ultra-luxury models under the Mercedes-Maybach designation, including the Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and the SL.

1909–1940: Early history

Wilhelm Maybach, formerly technical director at Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), founded Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH on 23 March 1909 with his son Karl serving as director. The company was renamed Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH in 1912 and initially specialized in producing diesel and petrol engines for German Zeppelin airships and railway vehicles. Its Maybach Mb.IVa engine powered German aircraft and dirigibles throughout World War I.

By 1919, Maybach developed a prototype automobile, with production models introduced by 1921. From 1921 until 1940, the company manufactured luxury automobiles now regarded as classics while continuing to produce heavy-duty diesel engines for marine and rail applications.

Additionally, Maybach operated a British branch called Maybach Gears Ltd., focusing on gearbox manufacturing. In 1938, it engineered the 'Merritt-Maybach' gearbox and steering mechanism for the Nuffield A.16E1 Cruiser tank project.

1940–1945

Throughout World War II, Maybach supplied engines for most of Nazi Germany's tanks and half-track vehicles. This included nearly all engines produced for the Panzer I, II, III, IV, V, as well as the heavy tanks Tiger I and II (Maybach HL230). The company also provided powerplants for half-tracks such as the Sd.Kfz. 251 personnel carrier and heavy prime movers like the Sd.Kfz. 9. Allied bombing raids targeted its engine factory in Friedrichshafen, prompting the construction of an underground facility codenamed "Richard I" beneath Radobýl mountain in Central Bohemia.

Following WWII, the factory shifted to repair operations but did not resume vehicle manufacturing. Approximately two decades later, Maybach was rebranded as MTU Friedrichshafen.

1960s

In 1960, Daimler-Benz acquired Maybach. Subsequently, the firm concentrated on producing special editions of Mercedes models within the W108 and W116 series, which were essentially handcrafted but carried Mercedes branding and serial numbers.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, produced commercial Maybach diesel engines under the MTU brand through its subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH.

1997–2013

At the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, Daimler unveiled a luxury concept car that led to two production variants: the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62, named after their lengths measured in decimetres. In 2005, the lineup expanded with the high-performance 57S featuring a 6.0 L V12 bi-turbo engine delivering increased power and torque along with refined styling enhancements.

To elevate brand visibility, Mercedes-Benz appointed ambassadors such as heir Ulrich Schmid-Maybach and professional golfer Nick Faldo.

Initially, Daimler-Chrysler projected annual global sales of approximately 2,000 units, expecting half from the U.S. market; however, these goals were not met. By 2007, Mercedes reduced its U.S. dealership network from 71 to 42 through buybacks of 29 locations.

By 2010, worldwide Maybach sales had declined to merely 157 units compared to Rolls-Royce's sales of 2,711 within a similar luxury segment. Since its revival in 2002, total sales reached roughly 3,000 vehicles.

In November 2011, Daimler announced plans to discontinue Maybach as an independent brand by 2013 due to insufficient sales; production concluded in December 2012.

Discontinuation

Facing sluggish sales amid the 2008 financial crisis, Daimler AG reevaluated the Maybach brand and enlisted Aston Martin to assist in developing future Maybach and Lagonda models. In the United States, only 44 Maybach units were sold during the first ten months of 2011, underscoring weak consumer interest.

According to Fortune, Mercedes-Benz had missed opportunities to acquire Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the 1990s and entered the ultra-luxury segment awkwardly. Unlike BMW’s Rolls-Royce or Volkswagen’s Bentley, early Maybach vehicles utilized an outdated S-Class chassis extended in length rather than a dedicated platform.

Maybach emphasized rear passenger comfort over driver-centric luxury, even limiting automotive journalists to rear-seat evaluations. Daimler’s inability to establish a clear distinction between Maybach and Mercedes-Benz hindered its market position. In contrast to Rolls-Royce and Bentley—manufactured independently in England—Maybach shared assembly lines with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, reducing its exclusivity. Furthermore, Maybach lacked the international brand prestige enjoyed by its British competitors. Its interior design also failed to convey a sense of heritage, unlike the 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom.

In November 2011, CEO Dieter Zetsche declared that Maybach production would end in 2012 to allow for an expanded Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup. Although sales persisted through 2013, the Maybach marque was ultimately discontinued. By August 2012, Daimler formally ceased production of all Maybach variants including the 57, 57S, 62, 62S, and Landaulet models. The final vehicle rolled off the Sindelfingen assembly line on 17 December 2012.

Brand Relaunch

Daimler announced that the Maybach range would be succeeded by the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the W222 model, for the 2014 model year, with particular emphasis on the extended wheelbase S-Class Pullman. An executive highlighted that Mercedes-Benz was perceived to have stronger sales potential than Maybach.

Mercedes-Maybach

In November 2014, Daimler reintroduced Maybach as a luxury sub-brand within the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222), internally designated as model X222. This line was positioned as a premium alternative to the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG series. Prior to its official launch in April 2015, the flagship Mercedes-Maybach S600 was unveiled at auto shows in Los Angeles and Guangzhou, with production versions displayed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The X222 series underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 2018; during this update, the V8-powered S550 was renamed S560, while the V12-powered S600 flagship evolved into the S650 (marketed as S680 in China).

Produced alongside the standard S-Class at the Sindelfingen facility, this model competes with luxury rivals such as the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Phantom. Measuring long with a wheelbase of , it is approximately longer than standard long-wheelbase S-Class variants. The Mercedes-Maybach is available in S500 (known as S550 in North America) and S600 trims, featuring optional 4matic all-wheel-drive on V8 engines. It achieves acceleration from in just 5.0 seconds.

Available amenities include a selection of exterior paint finishes, rear seating arrangements offering either a three-seat bench or two reclining chairs, seats equipped with air conditioning, heating, and massage functions, heated armrests, an ionized air system with fragrance diffusion, and a premium Burmester 3D surround sound system delivering 1540 watts through 24 speakers. Production of the Maybach S500 commenced in Pune, India, in September 2015, marking India as only the second country manufacturing Maybach automobiles.

Since September 2020, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 models have been assembled at the MBUSI facility located in Vance, Alabama.

Concept Vehicles

The inaugural Mercedes-Maybach concept, known as the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, is a sizable two-door coupe powered entirely by an electric drivetrain. It was first revealed at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Pre-World War II

  • 1919: Prototype built on a DMG chassis
  • 1921: Debut of the first Maybach at the Berlin Motor Show, equipped with a 5.7L inline six-cylinder engine
  • 1926: Introduction of a 7L inline six-cylinder engine
  • 1929 Maybach 12: V12 engine serving as a forerunner to the DS7 and DS8 models
  • 1930: Doppel-Sechs-Halbe ("half a twelve cylinder") produced from 1930 to 1937
  • 1930 Maybach DS7 Zeppelin: Featured a 7L V12 engine
  • 1931: Utilized the same powerplant as the W5 but with an extended wheelbase (1931–1933)
  • 1931 Maybach DS8 Zeppelin: Powered by an 8L V12 engine
  • 1934 Maybach W6 DSG: Equipped with a twin overdrive transmission system
  • 1935 Maybach SW35: Fitted with a 3.5L inline six-cylinder engine
  • 1936 Maybach SW38: Included a 3.8L inline six-cylinder engine
  • 1939 Maybach SW42: Powered by a 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine
  • 1945 Maybach JW61: Featured a 3.8L inline six-cylinder engine

Karl Maybach constructed vehicles utilizing two of the 5.7L inline six engines originally manufactured for and partially ordered by Spyker. Since not all units were purchased, Maybach produced cars with these engines to mitigate expenses.

Before the outbreak of World War II, roughly 1,800 Maybach automobiles were manufactured.

Engine Types

Post-Revival Era

  • 2002 Maybach 57 and 62
  • 2005 Maybach Exelero (prototype displayed at the Frankfurt IAA)
  • 2005 Maybach 57S ("Special" edition)
  • 2006 Maybach 62S
  • 2007 Maybach 62 Landaulet
  • 2009 Maybach Zeppelin
  • 2011 Maybach Guard
  • Starting in 2014, Mercedes-Maybach models were incorporated into the Mercedes-Benz S-Class series:
    • S600, S400 (exclusive to China), S500/S550 (US market), S600 Pullman
    • S650 Cabriolet (2016)
    • S560, S650, S680 (China-specific naming)
    • G650 Landaulet (2017)
    • GLS600 (2019)
    • S480 (China only), S580, S680 (2021)
    • EQS680 SUV (2023)

In partnership with Virgil Abloh, Mercedes-Benz introduced "Project Maybach" in 2023, which includes a solar-powered luxury off-road roadster along with a redesigned S680 model. While the roadster remains a concept vehicle, the Abloh-designed S680 became commercially available in April 2023.

Future releases are planned for the Mercedes-Maybach SL580 and SL680, expected to launch in 2025.

Sales Figures

Year United States Sales
2003 166
2004 244
2005 152
2006 146
2007 156
2008 119
2009 66
2010 63
2022 21,600

In November of 2020, Daimler revealed intentions to double Maybach's sales volume, largely propelled by robust demand within China, where these models are favored as limousines.

See also

External links

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