Maybach 57S debuts Down Under

ADDING driver appeal to the regular million-dollar Maybach 57 model is the S, which made its Australian debut at last week's Melbourne motor show.

Featuring a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine offering 450kW of power and 1000Nm of torque, the 57S engine represents a 100Nm upgrade from the regular 57 and is electronically limited, available from 2000 and 4000rpm, and handled by a beefed-up five-speed automatic gearbox and firmer suspension.

Maybach says the S is for "owner-drivers" as opposed to chauffeured types, and will catapult him/her to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds on the way to a 275km/h V-max despite weighing in at 2735kg.

Visual changes include a monochrome paint job, redesigned grille, new headlights and a revised rear apron housing two trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Piano lacquer wood and carbon elements are added inside.

Delivery is slated from mid-year.