Known as somewhat of a mysterious luxury brand, Maybach has always upheld extremely high standards for the vehicles they produce. In this article, you’ll learn about the company’s history, partnerships, and available models.
How the Company Got Started
Founded in 1989 by Wilhelm and Karl Maybach, the company has a notorious reputation for producing ultra-luxurious vehicles. Their first car was released in 1921 at the Berlin Motor Show, spurring an era of vehicle creation that would land Maybach a place in automotive history. This continued until 1940, when the Second World War caused manufacturing to come to a halt. The company aided the German government in creating military machinery and equipment.
In 1960, the company was taken over by Daimler-Benz, the creator of Mercedes-Benz cars. Mercedes and Maybach have released several models of cars together. Despite the luxury of the vehicles, sales for Maybach models never reached what the company had hoped. Daimler AG made the decision to completely redo the Maybach brand around 2008 due to the global economic crisis. Maybach cars were not produced after 2012, instead being replaced by other cars in the Mercedes lineup. However, in 2014 the companies would collaborate to create new models that would be promoted as an ultra-luxury line for Mercedes.
The Logo
The Maybach logo has remained virtually the same since its creation in 1909. Its original look featured a gold, white, and green color scheme, which was unique in the early twentieth century automotive market. The name of the company was sprawled across the bottom of the logo underneath two interconnected “M”s. In 1997, the colors on the logo were changed to black and gold. “Maybach” was removed from the logo.
Sales
Although popular in its early years (1909-1940), Maybach fell short of expected sales as the company aged. When the company was acquired by Daimlar AG, they had hoped to produce thousands of vehicles per year and sell at least half of what was produced in the United States. However, while sales started out decently, they proceeded to head on a steady decline. In 2004, the company sold 244 vehicles – the highest amount they sold in the American market. By 2013, they only sold six in one year. According to CarSalesBase, the company produced 3,000 vehicles in a 10-year period. The above chart shows sales from 2003-2013.
European sales were lower than those in the United States. They sold 27 models in 2002, ending in 2014 with 3 sales in one year. The highest year for sales was 2003, when they sold 99 units. The chart on the right shows sales from 2002-2014.
Many Different Models
Currently, the Mercedes-Maybach line has two models. Find out more information about each model here. These ones that are available for purchase now:
Model | Avg Asking Price | Picture | Description |
New: $184,900 |  | “Thoughtfully personalized. Exquisitely tailored. Gracefully powerful. The 496-hp, electrically boosted Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC advances first-class travel to new heights, and by an extraordinarily comfortable lead.” | |
Prices Currently Unavailable |  | “Expressively individual. Expressly assertive. Exquisitely confident. Sending handcrafted V12 torque to all four wheels, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC advances first-class travel to new heights, and by an extraordinarily comfortable lead.” |
All pictures are from www.mbusa.com.
Most Popular Model
Although Maybach cars have been traditionally exclusive, there are some models that stuck out among the rest. Their first model, the W1, was originally built as a prototype. However, because of its unique design and features like the in-line 6-cylinder engine, it ranked as one of the top 10 Maybach models of all time – according to A Lux. Other popular models are:
- Maybach Exelero
- Maybach GLS600 4MATIC
- Maybach 62 Landaulet
- Maybach S650
- Maybach G650 Landaulet
- Maybach 62
- Maybach S600 Pullman
- Maybach S650 Cabriolet
- Maybach 57 Zeppelin
Geographic Popularity
Maybach has a rocky history when it comes to their popularity. Although they weren’t meant to be cars driven by just anyone, they were meant to sell more than they did. As mentioned, sales for Maybach models did not live up to par compared to what the company had hoped. They are exclusive vehicles in both the European and North American market. Maybach cars have always been manufactured in Germany.
There is a growing market in China and other Asian countries. In 2020, BBC News reported that Daimler (the company that currently owns Maybach) sold 12,000 models last year. They claim they are often used as limousines by customers.
Sustainability
Recent efforts by the Mercedes-Maybach brand have increased their presence in the sustainability sector. In late 2021, the company released “Concept EQS” which is a new line of electric series-production models.
A press release from the company states that “The concept car is instantly recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ families and provides a preview of the first all-electric SUV in the luxury segment. Based on a purely electric vehicle architecture, the design consistently follows the concept of “purpose design”. A dynamic silhouette extends the entire length of the vehicle, starting with a low front end, flowing tautly over the sloping A-pillar and roof contour and incorporating the airflow break-away edge of the rear spoiler. The transition to a new technological era is recognisable at first glance.”
Looking to sell a Maybach?
After learning all about how valuable Maybach cars are, are you looking to sell your old one? If so, let us help you. Zippy Cash for Cars can help you get the best value for your money with our services, leaving you with enough funds to purchase a brand new Maybach with ease. For more information on how to sell your Maybach with us, contact us here.
