In 2021, the Maybach brand celebrated its 100th anniversary. This German luxury brand was founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach. A trained engineer, Wilhelm Maybach co-invented the world’s first four-wheel automobile with Gottlieb Daimler, one of the pioneers of the modern automotive industry. They named it the “Daimler Motorwagen,” which could reach a top speed of 16 km/h (10 mph).
Maybach’s first products were engines designed for Zeppelin airships. During World War I, the German military’s skyrocketing demand for engines of all kinds provided Maybach with an opportunity for rapid growth. The company amassed a large amount of capital from the sale of its engines. In 1919, Maybach made its first attempt at manufacturing automobiles. At that time, Karl Maybach developed the W1 concept car based on the Daimler chassis. Although the car was not mass-produced, it laid the technical foundation for the development of subsequent models.
The Maybach W3: A Luxury Car Pioneer
At the 1921 Berlin Motor Show, Maybach unveiled the W3, positioned as a luxury car. It was powered by a 71-horsepower straight-six engine, featured a four-wheel braking system, and had a redesigned transmission. After testing, the W3’s top speed was found to be 105 km/h (65 mph). The car was well-received by high-end consumers, marking the beginning of Maybach’s century-long journey. In 1926, Maybach launched the even more luxurious W5 model, which quickly became a favorite among royalty and socialites. In 1929, Wilhelm Maybach passed away at the age of 83.
Carrying on the Legacy: The Maybach Zeppelin and the War Years
Karl Maybach continued the family business and launched the famous Maybach Zeppelin series of models that same year. By the 1930s, Maybach had become synonymous with “ultra-luxury cars,” having produced a total of approximately 1,800 cars before World War II. During the war, Maybach became a tool for producing military goods for Nazi Germany. After the war, due to the severe economic recession in Germany, the demand for luxury cars plummeted, leading to the complete cessation of Maybach production.
Revivals and Reinventions: Maybach in the Post-War Era
The Daimler Group acquired the Maybach brand in 1961, but it wasn’t until 1997 that Maybach saw a glimmer of hope for revival. At that year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Maybach unveiled a concept car. In 2002, at the Geneva Motor Show, the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62, derived from the Mercedes S-Class, were unveiled, marking the official resurrection of this top luxury car brand that had been dormant for over 60 years. However, Maybach’s market performance was dismal. From its relaunch to its discontinuation again in 2012, total sales amounted to only 3,000 units.
Maybach: A Sub-Brand of Mercedes-Benz
In 2014, at the Guangzhou Auto Show (with a simultaneous release at the Los Angeles Auto Show), the “Maybach” name was revived, but this time not as an independent brand. Instead, it was reborn as Mercedes-Maybach, becoming a top luxury brand under Mercedes-Benz. The brand subsequently launched the Maybach S-Class, Maybach G-Class, and Maybach GLS.
Embracing the Future: Maybach’s First Electric Vehicle
To mark its 100th anniversary, Mercedes-Maybach announced the creation of its first all-electric vehicle. The details of the new car will be officially released in the coming months.
Conclusion
Maybach’s journey has been one of innovation, luxury, and resilience. From its early days as a pioneer in automotive engineering to its current status as a symbol of automotive excellence, Maybach has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. With its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology, Maybach is poised to continue its legacy for many years to come.