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North American Introduction of Maybach 57 S in Los Angeles, January 2006
Though the 57 S model was available in fall 2005 in Europe after a 2005 Geneva auto show introduction, it was introduced to U.S. buyers at the 2006 Los Angeles auto show in January. Along with a bump to twenty-inch wheels, this model boasts an AMG-modified 604HP 6.0L V12, compared with the standard model’s 550HP. The S in this case stands for Special. With the power boost are also some interior tweaks and a firmer suspension. Other changes for 2006MY included making the parking assist system standard and the addition of the Business Package for making the Maybach an office on wheels.
VehicleVoice (http://www.vehiclevoice.com) and AutoPacific (http://www.autopacific.com) analysts note that the minor facelift to the front end of the Maybach 57 S is very reminiscent of the now out-of-production Hyundai XG350.
The suspension tweaks for 57 S include a firmer setting for the air suspension and shock absorbers, a lower ride height by 15 mm, and thicker stabilizer bars. Electronic driving aids including the stability and traction control programs have been revised for maximum enjoyment of the extra power. Maybach reports that these changes provide “even more impressive handling without unduly compromising the car’s whisper-smooth ride.”

Signs Indicating Approach of 57 S
The 57 S comes in two colors, black or silver, of a hue not found on the other models. The superfast model also gets a unique grille, body-color headlight surrounds, chrome-trimmed fog lights, rectangular dual exhaust tips, and 57 S badges on the deck lid and front fenders.

Inside, the 57 S sports carbon fiber trim accented with piano lacquer rather than the wood trim of other models. 57 S buyers who dislike the carbon fiber can select a black poplar wood trim that is unique to this model as well. Like the exterior color scheme, the interior of the 57 S comes in either Grand Nappa leather in black with black or silver piping or white with black piping.


Office on Wheels Includes Internet Access.
The optional Business Package includes a dual-port wireless router, which is a first for a passenger car, that provides a peak bandwith of up to 80 kbps to access either the Internet or a corporate network with their laptop. The router accesses multiple lines between AT&T and T-Mobile GSM wireless networks, and requires GSM SIM cards for each network. These lines, of course, are separate from the two Motorola phones that come standard in any Maybach.