Maybach 57 (2010)

The Maybach 57 (2010) is a full‑size, rear‑wheel‑drive ultra‑luxury saloon built around a V12 twin‑turbo powerplant that delivers effortless acceleration and massive torque for smooth high‑speed cruising while weighting several tonnes and focusing on rear‑seat comfort and equipment such as extensive leather, bespoke trim options and limousine‑style appointments.

The 2010 Maybach 57 defines ultra-luxury sedans in India with its 5,720mm length, powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 543 hp and 664 Nm torque, paired to a smooth automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive for a 0-100 km/h sprint in under 5 seconds and 275 km/h top speed. Its redesigned chrome grille, arrow-shaped bonnet, LED daytime lights, dark red taillights, and 20-inch wheels exude aggressive elegance on Indian boulevards. Inside, I relish the masterly craftsmanship: three leather interior options, bird's-eye maple wood, piano black accents, and vast space for five, with features like massaging seats and advanced climate control tailored for tropical drives. The S variant's tauter suspension enhances handling on potholed roads without compromising plushness, while RWD suits dry Indian climates. Launched here around 2011 at Rs 4.85 crore ex-showroom, it's a rare gem—ideal for buyers wanting V12 refinement, though parts availability leans on Mercedes' pan-India service. In India's super-luxury segment, this model's blend of power, poise, and presence makes it a standout pre-owned proposition for status-conscious owners.

I find the Maybach 57 (2010) to be an uncompromising chauffeur‑first limousine that trades driving thrills for sumptuous rear‑seat refinement; the cabin craftsmanship, hand‑finished leathers and woodwork create an atmosphere unmatched by most competitors in India while the long‑wheelbase comfort and isolation make it ideal for owners who are driven rather than drive.

I find the 2010 Maybach 57 a pinnacle of ultra-luxury motoring in India, blending effortless power with opulent comfort that few rivals match even today. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 engine delivers 543 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, propelling this 5.7-meter behemoth to a top speed of 275 km/h with silken smoothness, ideal for sweeping Indian highways from Mumbai to Delhi. The interior captivates with hand-finished leather, bird's-eye maple trim, and three premium color schemes, creating a cabin that's unbelievably plush and quiet, perfect for long drives amid India's chaotic traffic. Tauter suspension in the S variant sharpens handling without sacrificing the legendary ride quality, while LED daytime lights, chrome accents, and 20-inch wheels give it standout presence on urban streets. In India, where super-luxury demands presence and poise, I recommend it for buyers seeking unmatched prestige, though its age means sourcing parts requires Mercedes' network. For those prioritizing status and serenity over modernity, this Maybach 57 remains a compelling buy in the pre-owned market, offering timeless elegance that turns heads at every red light.

In November 2011, Daimler formally announced the end of Maybach production for 2013, marking the final chapter for the Maybach 57. The decision was made due to poor sales and significant financial losses, with Daimler accruing a loss of €330,000 for each car sold.

By the end of 2010, it was clear that the Maybach 57 was not meeting sales expectations. Despite its luxurious features and powerful engines, the model struggled to compete with other luxury brands like Rolls-Royce. This struggle would eventually lead to the discontinuation of the Maybach brand.

The 2010 Maybach 57 included advanced technology features such as adaptive cruise control, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a rearview camera. These features were designed to enhance both comfort and safety, but they may not have been enough to justify the high price tag for many buyers.

The Maybach 57s exterior design was updated for 2010 with restyled exterior mirrors and other minor exterior changes. However, these updates did not significantly alter the overall appearance of the vehicle, which remained stately and imposing. I think the design was elegant but perhaps not distinctive enough to stand out in a crowded luxury market.

In an effort to customize the luxury experience, the 2010 Maybach 57 offered a wide range of optional features, including additional rear-seat entertainment options, ventilated front or rear seats, folding rear picnic tables, and even a cigar humidor. This level of customization was unique in the market but did not seem to attract enough buyers.

In India the Maybach 57 (2010) trades in the ultra‑luxury bracket where historical listings and classifieds put used values commonly in the range of about Rs.4.15–4.85 crore ex‑showroom when sold through specialist dealers or importers, while realistic on‑road costs in India including high import duties, registration and transfer fees can push total landed prices and transactional costs significantly higher than the published asking price depending on state and condition.

In India, the 2010 Maybach 57 commanded an ex-showroom price around Rs 4.85 crore for the S variant, reflecting its status as an ultra-luxury import in a market craving exclusivity during its 2011 relaunch by Mercedes. On-road prices then swelled to approximately Rs 5.1-5.5 crore in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, factoring in 20-25% customs duties, 12-15% VAT, high registration fees for super-luxury vehicles, and insurance premiums that could add Rs 20-30 lakh due to the car's 5.5-liter V12 engine classification. Today, in the used market, ex-showroom equivalents for well-maintained examples hover at Rs 2.5-3.5 crore depending on mileage and condition, with on-road totals reaching Rs 3-4 crore including transfer fees, emissions tests, and updated RTO compliances under India's BS-IV norms. I view this pricing as a smart entry into Maybach ownership; the depreciation from new makes it accessible for high-net-worth individuals, yet resale holds strong among collectors valuing its rarity—fewer than 50 units likely imported. Factor in annual road tax of Rs 5-10 lakh and service costs at Rs 2-3 lakh via Mercedes dealers, but the investment pays off in unparalleled prestige on Indian roads, making it a savvy choice over newer rivals if you prioritize heritage luxury.

Expect very low fuel economy in Indian driving — the factory V12 variants typically return single‑digit kmpl in real use, and running costs (fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance and periodic specialist maintenance) are very high compared with mainstream luxury cars, so prioritise total cost of ownership over purchase price if mileage matters.

I note the 2010 Maybach 57 S achieves around 8.47 kmpl in mixed Indian conditions, dropping to 5-6 kmpl in city traffic with its thirsty 6.0-liter V12. Running costs in India, including premium fuel at Rs 110/litre and high maintenance, exceed Rs 20/km—unsuitable if mileage drives your decision. Opt for it only if luxury trumps efficiency.