Road Test: Xenatec Maybach 57S Coupé in Monaco

Monaco is preparing for a Royal wedding this summer. Prince Albert, ruler of the Principality of Monaco will marry former South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock next July. But this is not the only happening which should please the Royals and high society. At Top Marques 2011 an other marriage was celebrated, one between Maybach and Xenatec resulting in the Maybach 57S Coupé.

Mercedes-Benz presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show a luxury concept car based on the Mercedes S-class – the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car – which in name, style and luxury referred to the historical German manufacturer Maybach. This name was revived as a brand in the early 2000s by Mercedes-Benz when the company launched the Maybach 57 and 62, which were aimed as a challenger for Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Arnage in the “super luxury” segment. In 2005 Maybach presented the ‘S’ editions of their line-up, where S standing for ‘special’. The 57S and 62S are more powerful than the regular 57 and 62.

The Xenatec Maybach 57S Coupé is based on the Maybach 57S. The German coachbuilder Xenatec turned the luxurious four-door limousine into a two-door coupé in close cooperation with the Daimler organization. The coupé was configured by designer Fredrik Burchhardt who is also responsible for the remarkable one-off Maybach Exelero. The production will be limited at 100 cars with up to ten pieces already produced, each built to order to the buyer’s specifications.

The Coupé will be available in wide range of one and two-tone colored paintwork, just like the Maybach limousines. Customers of the Maybach Coupé will have access to the worldwide Maybach service network. Xenatec offers the same full four-year unlimited mileage warranty plus a four-year service and repair package based on the general standard terms and conditions of Maybach. Therefore the customer can visit every authorized Maybach Service-Center.

The 57S Coupé uses the same technical configuration as the four-door limousine. Both cars are powered by a 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 manufactured by Mercedes AMG. This engine provides 612 horsepower and a torque of 1,000Nm. Thanks to these performance figures, the 57S Coupé is capable of sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds while the top speed is 275km/h. The sound of the engine and exhaust pipes has been tweaked a little to give the car a more sportive character.

Due to the full air suspension system with level control, anti-dive control and torsion bar stabilizer the Maybach Coupé drives very smooth, comfortable and fast despite the weight of 2735kg. Although the car has a length of 5.7 meters and a width of almost two meters, the Coupé handles very well in the sometimes narrow and cramped streets of Monaco, its port and the neighboring village of Beausoleil.

Compared to the limousine the coupé received major changes on A-, B- and C-Pillar, doors, side panels, front and rear fender. The B-pillar moved 20cm to the back of the car. Additionally, Xenatec and Burchhardt lowered the roof, changed the wheelbase and the windshields were placed at a steeper angle as well. This gives the car are more elegant and sportive presence.

The four doors of the limousine have been replaced by two longer ones which makes it easier to access the rear seats. Before entering the rear seats, the front seat can be electronically placed forward by pushing a button in the door panel. The first thing you will notice at the rear, are the instruments mounted on the roof making it possible to check the speed of the vehicle, the time and outside temperature at a glance.

To ensure the privacy the rear window and rear side windows are tinted in dark grey. A panoramic glass roof offers great views outside and makes the interior compartment more lighter. Although the head space for persons at the rear may be limited due to the steeper angle of the rear window, the passengers won’t complain about the space for their feet. It is possible to enjoy a relaxing reclined position and a massage function proving that the Coupé may be more sportive but isn’t less comfortable as the limousine.

The two rear seats are also equipped with folding tables, which are housed in special compartments on each side of the rear centre console. These tables are pulled out with a leather loop and then folded out. A refrigerated compartment can be fitted in the rear centre console allowing the passengers to enjoy chilled drinks.

The Coupé is equipped with a Bose sound system with an output of 600 Watts delivered through 21 loudspeakers. Passengers in the back could enjoy their own multimedia system, a screen is placed in the head rest and head phones are conveniently stored in one of the side panels. To enable communication with the outside world a WLAN router and a voice controlled telephone system are integrated in the car as well.

Thanks to all these possibilities and comfort the Maybach Coupé would be an excellent car for long trips. The Xenatec Maybach 57S Coupé has it all; style, luxury, an impressive performance and exclusivity. These subjects were also noticed by the residents of Monaco and the tourists. The car drew much attention in a place where exclusivity is almost the standard.

It has become clear that the marriage between Maybach and Xenatec has a lot of futrure potential to become a successful one. The Coupé is a great addition to the Maybach family. Similar but different is the main thought left with the car. Where the Maybach family is known for its exclusive character as a passenger transportation, the Coupé has become a driver’s cars differing massively with respect to the German limousine we were used to.

As a car it stands out in terms of quality, exclusivity and style. As a brand it will use the Maybach principle and existance as a basis for future sales and exposure. In the end one single thought is left after our very first drive. The Xenatec Maybach 57S Coupé is a true driver’s car, which invites the owner and family members for a great, comfortable and luxurious drive.