2008 Maybach 57

The Maybach 57 is the shorter-wheelbase version of the ultra-exclusive automaker's luxury touring sedan. The "57" designation is a reference to the car's overall length of 5.73 meters (approximately 226 inches). Although the 57 is the smaller of Maybach's two models, its 133.5-inch wheelbase dwarfs typical large sedans by a foot or more.

The 57 is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 543 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 664 pound-feet of torque between 2300 rpm 3000 rpm. That's a lot of power -- but the 57's 6,050 pound curb weight makes it seem perfectly reasonable.

Several technologies from parent company Mercedes-Benz have been enhanced specifically for the Maybach. These include: the electrohydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), the electronically controlled air suspension system Airmatic DC (Dual Control), Linguatronic voice control, the operating and display system Command APS, and the automatic emergency call system Teleaid.

Countless high-quality materials are used in the car's interior, including more than 100 hand crafted and fitted items of fine wood trim. Maybach customers have a choice of six Grand nappa leather colours and three types of fine wood.

A range of 17 paint finishes is available for the exterior. Any of these can be combined to produce a two-tone color scheme -- a popular choice among Maybach buyers.

Standard features available to the rear passengers include a DVD player, TV receiver, a refrigerated compartment, a cordless phone system with two handsets, reclining seats, and lots more. Other available features include Distronic radar-based active cruise control, keyless-go, and ventilated seats. The extensive range of standard and optional equipment gives Maybach customers over two million ways of equipping, the company says.

Some optional features make the Maybach even more exclusive -- albeit at a price. These include an $11,670 panoramic glass roof, a $1,780 loudspeaker system for communicating with people outside the car, and a $23,780 electrotransparent partition screen between the driver and the rear occupants. A bullet- and bomb-proofing package -- called Guard B4 -- adds $151,810 to the price.

A slew of safety features come standard on the sedan, including a total of ten airbags - two adaptive airbags with two-stage gas generators for the front occupants, four sidebags and two large windowbags on each side of the interior. The automatic comfort-fit three-point seat belts, high-performance belt tensioners and belt force limiters are integrated into the seats and can therefore develop their full protective action in any position.

The SBC braking system features a total of eight braking circuits, while the front brake rotors have two calipers each -- a system that should be virtually fail-proof.