What exactly is the difference between the S-Class and the Maybach? Sure, even the 'short' Maybach 57 is with 5.70 m, almost half a meters longer than the long version of the S-class. The Maybach 62 will once again added half a meter and you have first-class interior with the possibility to lie.

The differences are seen from the engine and chassis much less. Thus, the now long ago renovated S-Class is based on the four instead of the three- valve twelve-cylinder. Air suspension with all extras, however, is present in both. Remains the only really possible, still more individual equipment, and later even with automatic fragrance.

Of course you had to find, with the planned price difference, another name for the giant baby. Maybach looks at first glance quite plausible. And when you compare even the technology with the first twelve-cylinder of the then yet independent company, there fits many, considering the time difference.

But historically, Wilhelm Maybach is for example not always loved by the Daimler Motor Company and been accepted. It would still have had every reason to thank him, because it owes him probably even their existence. It is still not entirely clear, who had more interest in the construction of the first, high-speed four-stroke engine, Gottlieb Daimler or Wilhelm Maybach.

For sure, Maybach has done very, very much for the success of Mercedes vehicles. Most achievements in improving and reasonably safe making faster these cars go back to him. Nevertheless, there is no thanks, on the contrary. Today it would be called bullying, what the board of management do to him, already leading in 1907 to the desired result.

Maybach goes to Lake Constance and works together with Count Zeppelin, who builds for the time very famous airships. So he founds with his son Charles, first an engine and later a car plant. The vehicles that arise here, are generally considered higher classed and priced than that of Daimler-Benz. One now is benefiting from the fame that was not to achieve at that time.

In 2009, there is even a special model 'Zeppelin', which includes the until 1938 successful construction of airships. It has the same six-liter twin-turbo with 471 kW (640 hp) as before the 57S. It is available as short and long version, each in 100 pieces. The maximum torque it climbs to 1000 Nm, the price on 406.000 or respectively 473.000 + 19% VAT. 11/03