2009 Maybach 57 Overview

2009 Maybach 57 Overview

Looking for an ultra-luxury car with the protection of a tank? If you’re just as worried about protection as prestige, and are concerned about shooting and/or attempting to blow up your car, the 2009 Maybach 57 is for you. At 5.7 meters long, it’s one of the largest of the large sedans out there, and its 133.5-inch wheelbase uses up quite a bit of that length. Available in two trims, Base and S, the Maybach 57 comes with a list of options so long, the manufacturer claims there are over two million ways you can equip yours, including with a $151,810 bullet- and bomb-proofing package, labeled Guard B4.

The Base trim is powered by a 543-hp, 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that sends 664 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Standard features for that trim include an electronically controlled and adjustable variable-height air suspension otherwise known as Airmatic DC, stability and traction control, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Further standard features include a Bose 21-speaker stereo, a rear audiovisual system with dual video monitors and DVD player, Bluetooth, a navigation system, the Parktronic parking assist system, a power sunroof, bi-xenon high-intensity headlights, SmartKey remote entry, multi-contour heated power front and rear seats with memory and hand-fitted leather seat trim, more than 100 hand-polished wood and leather trim pieces, the Teleaid automatic emergency call system, and the electrohydraulic braking system - Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), including eight braking circuits and two calipers for each front rotor to help bring the Maybach 57’s 6,000-plus-pound curb weight to a halt.

The S trim - and that stands for special, not sport - gets several upgrades, including a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 good for 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get the Maybach 57 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Further upgrades for the S include a tuned suspension with larger stabilizer bars, carbon fiber and piano black interior trim, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Both trims come standard with ten airbags and can be equipped with many more unique options, such as a loudspeaker system, a panoramic glass roof, and an electrotransparent partition screen, for when you don’t want your driver looking at you.