Keep in mind the old car was twice the price of the new one.
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On top of that, Daimler lost an eye-watering amount between ~€ 330,000 (57/57s) and over ~€ 400,000+ (62/62s) — on each Maybach sold. With the way accountants run MB now instead of engineers, this type of car is extinct.
The car engineering/build quality stickler in me loved the Maybach, and I used to one of the folks wondering why someone would take a Phantom over it when the Maybach was better engineered and more comfortable. 20+ years later my opinion is the opposite.
Nowadays, the Maybachs can be a one-way ticket to bankruptcy trying to keep up with the full service schedule and the circa 25+ year old electronics, and the Airmatic DC suspension. Many of the MB dealers that were designated Maybach specialists for repairs no longer have the trained technicians nor the special tooling to repair them. IIRC, the 62 technically needed a special lift and hoists due to weight and length.
MB’s previous commitment to having a parts catalog for all classic models dating back to the 50’s completely went out the window during covid, so now some critical parts can no longer be sourced new - even on my R230, so it’s scary to see what the situation will be (or already is) with the 57/62.
On a similar note, the Bentley Mulsanne has become dangerously cheap, but it similarly costs a fortune in upkeep. It was the best looking of the bunch by far and the interior craftsmanship was beyond reproach. It’ll make someone look like a captain of industry for E450/540i money. I believe it still has most powerful factory audio system in vehicle by Naim at 2200w (the LS500 ML comes close).
