German Car Zone

Faltering sales and weak brand recognition have plagued Maybach in recent years, but the company continues offering new models for its core cadre of affluent aficionados. The latest is the Zeppelin, a super-luxury treatment for the 57 S and 62 sedans, due to be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

From 1928-1934 the Zeppelin nameplate held the top spot in Maybach's lineup, and so the re-introduction of the name pushes the cars bearing that appellation to the top of Maybach's spec list. Pricing likewise goes as far as any Maybach save the extravagant Landaulet has gone.

Powered by the familiar 6.0L V12 twin-turbo from other models, but up-rated to 640hp (477kW) and 738lb-ft (1000Nm) of torque, the Zeppelin nevertheless promises to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Base pricing for Zeppelins based on the Maybach 57 will start at €406,000 ($524,000), while those based on the 62 will jump off at €473,200 ($610,000). Orders will open upon the car's debut in March with first deliveries expected in September.



The interior of the Maybach Zeppelin edition
Interior upgrades to the Zeppelin line include quilted 'California beige' leather with 'Stromboli black' contrast stitching and piano black highlights. For that crowning touch, silver champagne glasses engraved with the Zeppelin logo are also included. A unique element is an acrylic ball that dispenses a bespoke fragrance through the cabin at the push of a button. A choice of two fragrances are available from the factory, one described as 'light and refreshing', another as 'woody'. Custom scents can also be had, at a cost of €3,950 ($5,100) plus VAT.

External elements that identify the Zeppelin models, should you chance past one on the street, include a two-tone paint job featuring a 'Rocky Mountain Light' waist-line over a black base, though like all elements of a Maybach, color is completely customizable. Other external tweaks include 20in dark chrome wheels, Zeppelin badging and dark red tail lights with vertical tail pipes.

Only 100 Zeppelin cars will be built, though given weak demand for past Maybach models, one has to wonder if demand will outstrip that number.

September delivery? Lol, who want to enter 2010 driving a stone age luxury car with the worst resale value in the world? The new Arnage and RR baby will be hitting the dealerships at the end of the year making the MM look even more appalling. MB should keep the marketing activities on a low low until they are ready with a new model which looks nothing like what's around now. I can put my money on that MB will struggle to even sell 25 units.

Interior is lovely!!

Let's hope it's the "Final Edition" 'cause a new model can't come soon enough...

Or at least, a heavy facelift for both inside and outside, keeping the car technically as it is (perfect) but removing all the "MB-cues" from the design and adding emotion and stance to the car!

I wish MM went right from the beginning as it's just a prefect luxury car,it terms of technical advancements no other car can touch it.

Sorry but a heavy facelift won't suffice as the platform, structure, engines and gearbox are ancient. The new Arnage would still outshines it in aspects like handling, fuel economy and whatnot. A replacement from the ground up is the only way to go. Covering a turd in glitter will never make it as glamorous as a diamond.

Such a disgrace that they are using the prestigious Zeppelin name for a mere update on the existing models.

To be fair, the Maybach was never designed to excel in handling and fuel economy. I don't know if Bentley will keep their current V8 or not, but that thing is seriously ancient, the Mercedes V12 is relatively new compare to that.

The Maybach isn't as bad as you think, it has some interesting and unique technical features, as far as I know, it is currently the only production car with dual front calipers.

Yes it is, but I doubt any of the potential buyers will be aware of the history behind the name.

More photos, this 2 tone paint scheme is much better than before. Note the new side mirrors from the C/E class. They really look out of place