CNNMoney got a chance to compare the Rolls-Royce Phantom to the Maybach 57S. Rolls Royce is an icon of tradition, wealth and privilege. Maybach lacks the well-known history, “but also the baggage, of Rolls-Royce,” writes Peter Valdes-Dapena. “After all, not everyone with a morbidly large bank account wants to rub it in the faces of the plebes.” Both cars are surprisingly capable, albeit very different from a sports car. “You do not drive the Phantom. You control it and it carries you, as if gliding over the ground, around turns, in and out of traffic,” writes Valdes-Dapena. “The big car simply responds to your requests, entered through the appropriately wide and spindly steering wheel. Curvy roads can be taken at a chase scene pace and the big car handles it with aplomb.” On the other hand, there is no “waftability” in the 57S. “You are driving this car and you know it.” Also unlike the Phantom, “the Maybach 57S offers no design allusions to a bygone era of luxury.” Instead, it has a modern interior a kind of “art-techo” look, says Valdes-Dapena.
Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
03/24, 6:20 PM
posted by:
Thing2
i’d take the Phantom over the Maybach caugh Mercedes caugh anyday
03/24, 6:40 PM
posted by:
Brian
Agree
03/24, 6:41 PM
posted by:
spelling police
thing2 “caugh” is spelled cough. And the Maybach has more class than any Rolls could even dream of having.
03/24, 7:50 PM
posted by:
eff
“… Maybach lacks the well-known history …” Uhm, Rolls Royce the company is exactly 15 years older than Maybach (1906 vs. 1921). Maybach may lack the brand image since Maybach hadn’t built vehicles for more than six decades, but it certainly doesn’t lack history.
03/24, 9:01 PM
posted by:
Asher
The Maybach name is just that, a name – used by Merc for marketing purposes solely to get another few hundred grand out of a fine, enlarged and not too beautiful exterior Merc S-class based-car. I think its its nice but simply way overpriced, just like the SLR.
03/24, 10:51 PM
posted by:
manny
yes, because when i think about whos the authority on ultralux cars, i think cnnmoney…
though i have to agree, you dont drive the phantom. you pay someone to drive you around in it. the 57, epecially the s version, is more driver-oriented… since they serve different purposes and are both cool as hell, i choose both…
excuse me, i guess i have a bank to rob
03/24, 11:13 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
Eff, the articles says it lacks the WELL-KNOWN HISTORY that Rolls-Royce has… and that statement is totally accurate, because, despite whatever dubious history the Maybach name has, it’s certainly is NOT well-known.
As far as the Maybach having more class than any Rolls could manage… I think I just snorted Red Bull through my nose and all over my keyboard.
03/25, 12:36 AM
posted by:
manny
well, not being well known is part of maybachs appeal… its called ‘exclusivity’…
03/25, 9:36 AM
posted by:
Dave
CNNMoney got a chance to compare the Rolls-Royce Phantom to the Maybach 57S.
This is bad English. You can not “compare to”, you can only “compare with”.
03/25, 1:19 PM
posted by:
Marcus
What’s the point of that comment, #9?
03/25, 4:13 PM
posted by:
Telmo
The Maybach is a masked Mercedes, and I do not like Mercedes. The Phantom has much more class.
03/26, 12:32 AM
posted by:
Patrick
Rolls Royce Phantom any day of the week. There’s no comparison. The Maybach 57S is #2, and the Bentley Arnage T is #3 for sure. But damn, nothin like that Rolls. So classy. So beautifully sculpted in and out, and so powerful.
03/26, 1:48 AM
posted by:
John
I’ve actually been in both of these cars. I sat in the back of the Maybach at the Amelia Island Concours de Elegance, and I’m friends with the owner of the Rolls-Royce dealer in Orlando. Both are VERY nice (duh). On the inside, I would say the Phantom is classier, while the Maybach is more modern. As far as exterior styling… I’d say most would agree the Phantom owns this category.
03/26, 2:51 AM
posted by:
Gern
Rolls’ power retractable hood ornament is just so freaking boss.
Compared to it, the Maybach has all the visceral appeal of a fitful case of herpes.
03/26, 3:10 AM
posted by:
Keith
heard that the leather in the phantom is THE softest in the world in any given car… did u felt the difference between the 2, John?
03/26, 8:19 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
dikke **** hoor…..holland
03/26, 5:38 PM
posted by:
John
Yes, the leather on the Phantom’s sofa-like rear bench is unbelievably soft, even more so than the Maybach. But, as I’m sure you can imagine, I couldn’t really complain about the leather in the Maybach either. However, the Maybach’s rear seats have some impressive reclining abilities. The Phantom’s thick, plush carpets also beat the Maybach’s, in my opinon. On top of that, the interior of the 57 S has no shortage of piano lacquer and carbon fiber, which is nice, but I prefer the classier look of the wood in the Phantom. The Phantom is just more elegant, while the Maybach is flashier (on the inside). I would venture to say the Phantom’s exterior is more elegant, and perhaps flashier as well.