Allemagne
Maybach
Maybach is a German automotive brand whose origins date back to 1909, when engineer Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach founded Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, initially to produce engines for Zeppelin airships. Wilhelm Maybach had previously worked closely with Gottlieb Daimler on the development of light, fast combustion engines, and he served as technical director of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), contributing notably to the first Mercedes in 1902. During the 1920s and 1930s, the company built a reputation as a maker of very high-luxury cars, including the famous Maybach Zeppelin. Automobile production was interrupted during the Second World War, and the company then refocused on industrial and railway engines. In 1960, Maybach was absorbed by Daimler-Benz. The name reappeared in 2002 as a standalone ultra-luxury brand, with the Maybach 57 and 62 sedans, largely derived from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With sales remaining modest against Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Daimler ended the standalone brand in 2013. The name was reborn in 2014-2015 as "Mercedes-Maybach," no longer a separate brand but an ultra-luxury variant of Mercedes-Benz models. Today, Mercedes-Maybach represents the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz Group lineup and comprises the Maybach S-Class, the GLS 600 SUV, the electric EQS SUV, as well as special editions such as the SL. In North America, its presence is notable: the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV and the electric EQS version are assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where a dedicated team performs certain finishing touches by hand. The vehicles are distributed in Canada and the United States through the Mercedes-Benz network, which gives Quebec buyers access to service and parts despite the very low volume of this exclusive lineup.
Historique / disparuePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitaireEuropéennesAllemandes
History
History of Maybach
Maybach is a German automotive brand whose origins date back to 1909, when engineer Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach founded Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, initially to produce engines for Zeppelin airships. Wilhelm Maybach had previously worked closely with Gottlieb Daimler on the development of light, fast combustion engines, and he served as technical director of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), contributing notably to the first Mercedes in 1902. During the 1920s and 1930s, the company built a reputation as a maker of very high-luxury cars, including the famous Maybach Zeppelin. Automobile production was interrupted during the Second World War, and the company then refocused on industrial and railway engines. In 1960, Maybach was absorbed by Daimler-Benz. The name reappeared in 2002 as a standalone ultra-luxury brand, with the Maybach 57 and 62 sedans, largely derived from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With sales remaining modest against Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Daimler ended the standalone brand in 2013. The name was reborn in 2014-2015 as "Mercedes-Maybach," no longer a separate brand but an ultra-luxury variant of Mercedes-Benz models. Today, Mercedes-Maybach represents the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz Group lineup and comprises the Maybach S-Class, the GLS 600 SUV, the electric EQS SUV, as well as special editions such as the SL. In North America, its presence is notable: the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV and the electric EQS version are assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where a dedicated team performs certain finishing touches by hand. The vehicles are distributed in Canada and the United States through the Mercedes-Benz network, which gives Quebec buyers access to service and parts despite the very low volume of this exclusive lineup.
Public founding or origin of Maybach.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Mercedes-Maybach shares Mercedes-Benz's high-end platforms and technologies, pushed toward maximum refinement. The internal-combustion models are built on 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 engines with 48-volt mild hybridization, and, on the S 680, a 6.0 L twin-turbo V12. The adaptive air suspension (E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL on certain models) filters the road for first-rate comfort, with rear-wheel steering and reinforced sound insulation. The electric portion is handled by the EQS SUV, a fully electric, dual-motor model with all-wheel drive, featuring a large battery and fast charging. The cabin integrates MBUX displays, ambient lighting, reclining "executive"-type rear seats and a host of driver-assistance features (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, emergency braking) inherited from Mercedes-Benz.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
As the ultra-luxury summit of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach targets a wealthy clientele in search of comfort, refinement and maximum exclusivity.
Reputation
Mercedes-Maybach enjoys a reputation for extreme luxury, hushed comfort and meticulous finish, with several reviews praising the rear-seat space and the quietness on the road. Perceived reliability is rated above average by owners, but the sensitive points concern the complex components: air suspension, electronics and infotainment, as well as the costly maintenance of the V12 engines. On the resale-value side, initial depreciation is steep, often on the order of 35 to 50% over three years, which penalizes the first buyer but makes recent examples attractive on the used market. Service history and the condition of the rear cabin weigh heavily on value.
Strengths
Very high-level comfort and refinement, artisanal finish and premium materials, generous space and equipment in the rear seats, remarkable quietness on the road. The brand benefits from the engineering, service network and proven reliability of Mercedes-Benz platforms, with North American production of the SUVs that simplifies access to parts and maintenance in Canada.
Points to watch
Very high purchase price and marked initial depreciation that penalizes the first owner. Significant maintenance and repair costs, especially on the V12 engines and the air suspension. Electronics and infotainment that are sometimes temperamental. Confidential volume limiting the choice of models, and the imposing size of the SUVs that complicates parking and increases fuel consumption as well as tire wear.
Models
Maybach models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is produced in Germany, at the Sindelfingen plant, alongside the standard S-Class, with finishing by the Mercedes-Maybach Manufaktur. A notable point for North America: the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV and the electric EQS SUV have been assembled at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, since 2020. A dedicated team, trained at the German Manufaktur, performs certain interior finishing touches there by hand, away from the main assembly line, with two technicians handling each vehicle. This local production brings the brand closer to the North American market and facilitates the supply of parts.
Tires and wheels
Mercedes-Maybach vehicles run on large wheels, typically 20 to 23 inches depending on the model, with low-profile tires that prioritize appearance and hushed comfort over sporty driving feel. The GLS and EQS SUVs often adopt wide fitments, sometimes in a staggered configuration (different front/rear); the S-Class sedan receives generous dimensions. The bolt pattern follows Mercedes standards (commonly 5 holes). In Quebec, dedicated winter tires, in the original size or in a smaller-diameter winter setup, are strongly recommended for safety and to protect the wheels from salt and potholes. Always confirm exact dimensions and ratings on the vehicle's placard or documents.