Allemagne
Mercedes-Maybach
The Maybach name dates back to Wilhelm Maybach, the German engineer and former technical director of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, who founded his own company in 1909 with his son Karl Maybach. Initially focused on aircraft engines, the firm began producing large prestige automobiles in the early 1920s, cars renowned for their mechanical refinement and exclusivity. Production of these historic Maybachs ceased during the Second World War. In 1960, Daimler-Benz acquired the company, whose name then lay dormant for decades. Daimler revived Maybach as a standalone ultra-luxury brand in 2002, with the 57 and 62 sedans derived from the S-Class, but sales remained low and the independent brand was discontinued in 2012-2013. The true revival came in 2014-2015, when Daimler repositioned Maybach not as a distinct brand but as a high-end sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, modeled on Mercedes-AMG. The Mercedes-Maybach S600, based on the S-Class (W222), was unveiled in late 2014 and launched in 2015. Since then, the lineup has expanded beyond the sedan: the large Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV arrived in 2020, followed by the electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in 2023. Mercedes-Maybach now belongs to the Mercedes-Benz Group AG, based in Stuttgart, Germany, and sits at the top of its model hierarchy. In North America, the brand is well established: the models are sold through the Mercedes-Benz network, and the Maybach GLS as well as the Maybach EQS SUV are assembled at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, giving Maybach a genuine North American industrial presence. The target clientele includes executives, celebrities and buyers seeking chauffeur comfort and exclusivity, with strong demand in China, the United States and the Middle East.
ActivePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitairePopulairesAllemandes
History
History of Mercedes-Maybach
The Maybach name dates back to Wilhelm Maybach, the German engineer and former technical director of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, who founded his own company in 1909 with his son Karl Maybach. Initially focused on aircraft engines, the firm began producing large prestige automobiles in the early 1920s, cars renowned for their mechanical refinement and exclusivity. Production of these historic Maybachs ceased during the Second World War. In 1960, Daimler-Benz acquired the company, whose name then lay dormant for decades. Daimler revived Maybach as a standalone ultra-luxury brand in 2002, with the 57 and 62 sedans derived from the S-Class, but sales remained low and the independent brand was discontinued in 2012-2013. The true revival came in 2014-2015, when Daimler repositioned Maybach not as a distinct brand but as a high-end sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, modeled on Mercedes-AMG. The Mercedes-Maybach S600, based on the S-Class (W222), was unveiled in late 2014 and launched in 2015. Since then, the lineup has expanded beyond the sedan: the large Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV arrived in 2020, followed by the electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in 2023. Mercedes-Maybach now belongs to the Mercedes-Benz Group AG, based in Stuttgart, Germany, and sits at the top of its model hierarchy. In North America, the brand is well established: the models are sold through the Mercedes-Benz network, and the Maybach GLS as well as the Maybach EQS SUV are assembled at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, giving Maybach a genuine North American industrial presence. The target clientele includes executives, celebrities and buyers seeking chauffeur comfort and exclusivity, with strong demand in China, the United States and the Middle East.
Public founding or origin of Mercedes-Maybach.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Mercedes-Maybach shares its platforms with the most upscale Mercedes-Benz models, adding a higher level of finish, sound insulation and comfort. The S-Class Maybach sedans use 4.0L biturbo V8 engines with mild-hybrid technology (48-volt mild-hybrid) or a 6.0L biturbo V12 on the S 680 version. Adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, reinforced sound insulation and lounge-style reclining rear seats are characteristic features. The Maybach GLS SUV reuses the mild-hybrid V8 mechanicals. On the electrification side, the EQS SUV Maybach is fully electric, with dual motors and all-wheel drive, with an estimated range of around 480 km. The brand integrates Mercedes' most advanced technologies: driver-assistance systems, MBUX displays, ambient lighting and premium materials.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
Ultra-luxury sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, the pinnacle of comfort and prestige, from chauffeur-driven to fully electric.
Reputation
Mercedes-Maybach enjoys a solid reputation in the ultra-luxury segment, associated with comfort, ride quietness and a level of finishing refinement rarely matched. Road tests and owner reviews praise above all the on-board experience, particularly in the rear seats. Reliability inherits the Mercedes-Benz foundations, generally sound but with electronic and mechanical complexity that can generate high maintenance costs. In terms of resale value, like most ultra-luxury vehicles, Maybachs experience marked depreciation during the first years, even if their rarity and status partially offset this loss. The overall perception remains highly favorable, synonymous with prestige.
Strengths
Mercedes-Maybach's strengths lie in the exceptional comfort of the rear seats, ride quietness, the quality of materials and an immediately recognizable brand prestige. The lineup covers sedan, large SUV and electric SUV, offering a rare choice in the ultra-luxury class. The technical and logistical support of Mercedes-Benz guarantees an extensive service network, including in Quebec and across North America.
Points to watch
The points to watch include a very high purchase price, significant depreciation in the first years and considerable maintenance and repair costs, linked to electronic and mechanical complexity. The imposing size and weight of the models make urban driving and parking less convenient. The focus on comfort rather than sportiness may disappoint the enthusiast looking for dynamic driving.
Models
Mercedes-Maybach models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedans are assembled at the historic Sindelfingen plant in Germany, which produces Mercedes-Benz's flagship models. For North America, the industrial presence is very real: the large Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and the electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV are produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in the United States. This plant, the brand's global production center for SUVs (GLE, GLS, EQS SUV), saw the assembly of the Maybach GLS begin in 2020 and that of the electric EQS SUV in 2023. Mercedes has announced major investments there to modernize its lines, confirming the North American foothold of Maybach production.
Tires and wheels
Mercedes-Maybachs ride on large wheels: the GLS and EQS SUVs typically receive diameters of 21 to 23 inches, while the S-Class sedans often adopt 20- to 21-inch wheels. The common bolt pattern is 5x112, typical of Mercedes-Benz, with a center bore close to 66.6 mm. The tires are low-profile and large in size, which makes equivalences and the choice of approved models important. In Quebec, purchasing a dedicated set of winter tires is mandatory and strongly recommended, often on slightly smaller-diameter wheels for comfort and cost.