Maybach 62 S Landaulet

Maybach 62 S Landaulet

The Maybach 62 S Landaulet was, quite simply, the most opulent production automobile of the 21st century. Based on the already excessive Maybach 62 — itself a 6.2-meter long, V12-powered ultra-luxury limousine — the Landaulet added an electrically retractable soft-top rear roof section that allowed rear-seat passengers to enjoy open-air motoring while the chauffeur remained enclosed.

The Landaulet concept has a long history in coachbuilding — the word originally described a horse-drawn carriage with a fixed front section and a retractable rear. Mercedes-Benz revived the concept for the Maybach, creating what was essentially a convertible limousine. The electrically operated soft top could be lowered in seconds, transforming the rear compartment into an al fresco luxury experience.

The 62 S powertrain was unchanged: the hand-built M275 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 produced 612 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque — more than enough to propel the nearly three-ton Landaulet to 250 km/h (electronically limited). Despite its enormous dimensions and weight, the Maybach could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.2 seconds — a testament to the V12's prodigious output.

The rear compartment was the Landaulet's raison d'etre. Individual rear seats could recline to a near-flat position. Climate control was independent and could compensate for the open roof. Champagne coolers, crystal glasses, entertainment screens, and bespoke trim were standard. The partition between front and rear compartments could be raised for privacy, and the intercom system allowed communication with the chauffeur.

Only a small number of Landaulets were built — reportedly around 20 units — making it one of the rarest production cars of the modern era. At $1.38 million, it was also one of the most expensive. The Landaulet was aimed at royalty, heads of state, and the ultra-wealthy — the kind of client for whom a Rolls-Royce Phantom was merely adequate.

The Maybach brand was ultimately discontinued in 2013 after failing to achieve its sales targets. The 57 and 62 models were based too obviously on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class platform, and the brand lacked the heritage and exclusivity of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Mercedes-Benz later revived the Maybach name as a sub-brand of the S-Class. The Landaulet remains the pinnacle of the original Maybach revival — an extraordinary car that was perhaps too ambitious for its time.