2002 Maybach 62

The world of automotive luxury is one that bears several well respected names. Manufacturers such as Bentley, Aston-Martin and Rolls-Royce have continued on strong throughout the years, while ghosts from the past like Duesenberg and Bugatti can still take the breath of many car lovers. Given the intense amount of history surrounding these ultra-luxury marques, it seemed that the only way for a modern car company to test the rarified air at the top of the price pyramid was to purchase a pre-existing company and continue their tradition.

Mercedes, no strangers to the luxury arena themselves, wanted to capture the top-level of the market that had always eluded them. Instead of creating a new line above their S-class of vehicles, or purchasing an existing manufacturer, they instead decided to do the next best thing: search the historical archives and revive an almost-forgotten nameplate. In 1997, the Maybach company was reborn through a concept car that was shown at the Tokyo Motorshow, and response to the vehicle was so favorable that Mercedes decided to put the brand into production.

The 2002 Maybach 62 is the top of the Maybach line. With the 62 referring to the 620 centimeter length of the car, it is clear that the Maybach 62 is meant to be more of a chauffer driven limousine than an enthusiasts car. Costing almost a half million dollars, the 62 is powered by a 5.5 liter, twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 550 horsepower. While this might seem like overkill for what is essentially a living room on wheels, the heavy Maybach 62’s power plant is designed to keep even the most competitive passengers happy during long stretches of autobahn motoring. The Maybach can hit 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds, all without spilling a drop of the champagne that is being served in the rear. The car rides on an air-suspension with adjustable firmness, and huge brakes help keep the extremely massive car under control.

‘Living room’ is certainly no exaggeration when it comes to describing the creature comforts found inside the Maybach 62. To begin with, there are only 2 seats in the rear of the vehicle. Modeled after first-class airline accommodations, the seats can recline until they are completely horizontal. If you don’t feel like sleeping, you can instead lounge around and watch a movie or live television broadcast on either of the individual flat screens mounted into the headrests of the seats in front of you, or eat off of one of the fold out trays attached to each seat. Rear windows have privacy blinds so that the very rich do not have to see the common people stuck in traffic around them, and the vehicle has two independent air conditioning systems. The rear doors also close automatically at the touch of a button – although that is typically on the list of tasks that the chauffer is responsible for.

Mercedes claims that there are over 2 million different was to configure a Maybach. However, many of the options they are referring to are small items like golf bags and humidors that can be included with the car. It is ironic that so much development has gone into a car that will likely never be driven by the person who purchases it, leaving the pleasure of driving such a powerful vehicle in the hands of an employee. However, those in the market for vehicles such as the 2002 Maybach 62 are more interested in making a big impression than they are in tackling twisty stretches of road. The Maybach 62 is a vehicle which takes modern excess and sharpens it to a very fine point.

Main Color 947 Cote D’Azur Dark Blue
Side Color 385 Cote D’Azur Light Blue
Leather 532 Maldive Blue
Wood Walnut

Engine

M285 Maybach Type 12, 5.5 liter 60 degree V-12 with twin turbochargers and intercooling

Power

543 horsepower at 5,250 rpm; 664 lb. ft. of torque at 2,300 rpm

Transmission

5-speed adaptive automatic transmission

Suspension

Electronically controlled Airmatic DC air suspension with variable ride height and spring rate wishbone front; multi-link rear

Brakes

Dual Sensontronic Brake Control electro-hydraulic braking system with Brake Assist; dual 4-p rotors (front); single 4-piston fixed caliper with 14”diameter ventilated rotors (rear)
WheelsiTires

8 x 19” hollow spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels; 275/50R19 tires; onboard tire pressure and

Performance

0-60 mph in 5,4 seconds; top speed electronically limited to 155 mph







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June 2, 2008, 7:10 am