Maybach Zepplin

The New Maybach Zeppelin – An Automotive Reincarnatio

Maybach is bringing out the new Zeppelin to lead its luxury saloon model range. The newcomer represents the absolute zenith in the high-end luxury saloon segment. This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was known worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s. The new model’s performance outclasses the rest of the Maybach range, making it the most powerful Maybach ever. The new Maybach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of 100 worldwide!

A Maybach brochure dating from 1930 clearly sets out the firm’s slogan: “To create only the very best from the very best – a car that fulfils every last wish and stands out for its supremely refined elegance and power.” At that time, Karl Maybach had developed a luxury car, the likes of which had never been seen before. Maybach derived the design of its mighty twelve-cylinder drive unit from the same engine he had developed to power the daring airships of aviation pioneer Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin.

As the flagship model in today’s range of Maybach Saloons, the new Zeppelin does justice to its branding. The name is not merely intended to reawaken memories, after all: as in bygone times, in 2009 and not only because we’re going to elect 128 new MPs who will need cars like this for their show-off (for Lebanese readers only), but Maybach is once again building the Maybach Zeppelin for distinguished drivers who are seeking something special, even in this most luxurious of automotive segments.

Whatever angle it is viewed from, the new Maybach Zeppelin radiates character and the sort of style which appeals to all the senses. From the outside, the luxury brand’s new top-of-the-range model can be recognised by its two-tone special paint finish which is applied in a long series of steps. The shoulderline is painted right through to the background of the headlamp assemblies in Rocky Mountains light brown, forming a stylish and scintillating contrast to the Taiga black finish used for the rest of the vehicle body while reinforcing the impression of three-dimensionality too. Naturally, customers may also specify any other paint finish of their choice for their Zeppelin.

The Maybach’s newly designed elegant 20-inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish complete the picture. The curving “ZEPPELIN” lettering that appears below the distinctive double “M” emblem on the radiator grille and on the boot lid instantly gives away the elite status of the Maybach Zeppelin.

The Maybach 57 S and the long-wheelbase version, the 62 S, serve as the technical basis for the new range-topping model. Supreme performance is assured in both cases by the 6.0-litre V12 biturbo power unit under the bonnet, which has been further refined by Mercedes-AMG and now delivers 471 kW/640 hp (+ 28 hp) and an electronically limited peak torque of 1000 Newton metres. The models’ extra-special status is documented in befitting fashion by a plaque in the engine compartment, which is engraved with the inscription “MAYBACH ZEPPELIN – ONE OF 100”. If the customer so wishes, a reference to their vehicle’s limited nature can be included in the passenger compartment too.

Needless to say that both versions of the Maybach Zeppelin have extraordinary performance capabilities. The decidedly sporty Maybach 57 Zeppelin for owners who enjoy taking the wheel themselves races to 100 km/h from standstill in 4.9 seconds and attains an electronically governed top speed of 275 km/h. The Maybach 62 Zeppelin, which is conceived first and foremost as a chauffeur-driven car, completes the 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Whether you’re a March 8 or even a March 14 fan, it doesn’t give you any advantage (again that’s for Lebanese readers only and maybe for some expats who follow the boring daily talk-shows) you only have to be a connoisseurs to value its interior. Here, the luxurious leather appointments in California beige leather form a delightful contrast with the exclusive leather in deep Stromboli black that gives added impact to the inside too – elegantly mirroring the exterior’s colour scheme in the process. At the same time, the lustrous deep black tone of the leather harmonises beautifully with the piano lacquer finish of the trim elements. The crafted contrasting topstitching in the dashboard and on the doors reinforces the Maybach Zeppelin’s sense of dynamism. The unusual diamond quilting pattern on the seat cushions and backrests together with the black piping gives the seats a character all of their own. The occupants’ feet rest on genuine lambskin carpeting.

The limited-edition special models bear a number of discreet identifying markings in the interior too. The centre console in the front, the partition screen that is available as an option for the Maybach Zeppelin 62, plus the silver champagne flutes included as standard are all marked with the lettering “MAYBACH ZEPPELIN”, while the door sill panels as well as the key ring are engraved with the word “ZEPPELIN”.

Customers are also able to opt for an especially refined equipment detail that is exclusive to the Maybach Zeppelin – an imaginatively designed, perfume atomiser, the only one of its kind in the world. It easily eclipses all previous efforts to produce something similar, both in terms of its visual appeal and its operation. Its sophisticated technology and premium fragrances create a unique aromatic experience in the Maybach Zeppelin’s interior at the push of a button – stimulating the senses of the occupants not with an overpowering perfume but with a soft, delicate scent. The perfume atomiser can be activated either from the driver’s seat or by means of a button in the rear centre console, with an additional thumbwheel in the rear for sensitive aroma control.

You read it all? OK, are you eating something? Good, please fasten your seatbelt as if we’re doing a crash landing… walaw don’t panic so quickly, but I had to prepare you before the last info as the Maybach 62 Zeppelin has a price tag “prix d’amis” of € 473,200 (excluding VAT). The perfume atomiser that is exclusive to the Maybach Zeppelin can be ordered for an extra € 3,950.