The 4th Coming of Maybach
- John Marques
- Feb 13, 2017
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 24, 2019

2016 Mercedes Maybach Vision 6 at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille. Photo by TheCarspots
Maybach's history dates back to 1909, at the time a manufacturer of large engines for Zeppelins, rail cars and eventually aeroplanes during WWI. It wasn't until 1919 that Maybach built its first car, at the start just an experimental platform that ended up being the foundation for over twenty years of crafting opulent and bespoke automobiles for the World's elites. Examples of this are the remarkable Maybach Zeppelin DS7 and DS8 bellow.
Maybach Zeppelin DS7 and DS8, click the images for more details.
It was during WWII that Maybach ceased manufacturing these vehicles and moved its focus on producing aeroplane engines. Even after the war finished, the brand never went back to create their own vehicles. Some might not know, but Maybach's acquisition by Daimler dates back to 1960. At the time it was dedicated to doing pretty much the same as it does today: work together with Mercedes-Benz to develop unique and limited edition vehicles with a focus on comfort and luxury, a good example of that is the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet below.

The 1963 Mercedes-Benz Landaulet is an example of Maybach's work once it was acquired by Daimler in 1960.
After a while, the double M badge was dropped, and it wasn't heard about until 1997 when Mercedes-Benz decided to create dedicated Maybach vehicles just like in the 1920's, a revival lasting over 15 years with some amazing limited editions such as the Maybach Excellero and the Maybach 62 Landaulet. Unfortunately, the excitement in this limited editions and one-offs contrasted with the standard offers such as the 57 and 62 models. The sales reflected this and ended up not meeting Daimler's goals leading to the brand's discontinuity in 2013.
The Maybach range between 1997 and 2013, click in each image to see more about each vehicle.
This leads us to the fourth coming of Maybach to market and this time going back to its 60's spirit as the Mercedes-Benz Limited Edition brand (Even though at several hundred vehicles a year with the MM badge, it doesn't feel that limited). Even though the S600 Maybach and S650 Cabriolet seem appealing, I am still not sure if they bring some added value besides the shiny Maybach badge on the side.

The 2017 Mercedes-Maybach S600
But I do hope they succeed and the vision they appear to have - to be a bespoke/coachbuilding arm for Mercedes - comes along, and some nicer creations such as the Mercedes Maybach Vision 6 go into production. For now, they seem on the right path with the upcoming Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet which shows some actual differences from the regular iconic G Wagon.

The brand new 2019 Mercedes-Maybach G650
What do you think? Do you believe the Maybach program will become a success or miss the mark once again? Let's discuss it on the comments section bellow or just hit me on my Instagram at @John.AC.Marques
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