The Maybach Landaulet was the most expensive sedan on the market in 2007 and likely the most expensive car with a convertible roof that opens fully at the rear. But the driver’s compartment remains completely enclosed. That’s why, at about $1.5million U.S. dollars, the Landaulet is the kind of car for Executives and CEOs who come with their own personal driver.
Not just for business types, there’s a certain romantic quality about being able to ride in the open air with an unobstructed view of the sky and yet have privacy from your driver. And there’s no need to worry about inclement weather. The roof can open or close in just 16 seconds. When it’s time for the roof to close, the black soft-top of the Maybach Landaulet rests on the roof frame allowing the passengers to ride in weather-proof, wind-free comfort.
A state of the art communication system allows the rear passenger to control the audio, video and phone with a remote control. That includes a DVD player, a single-feed 6-disc CD changer, and dual 9.5 inch video monitors. But the driver also has the ability to control these by voice command. Every Maybach comes with a lifetime subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. To enhance that sound twenty-one speakers and a maximum output of 600 watts create a unique surround-sound experience.
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Adding to the convenience in the rear center console is a thermostatically controlled refrigerator that comes, believe it or not, as a no cost option. Also included are folding tables, and two champagne flutes hand-polished in 925 sterling silver. The simple fact is that the Landaulet is the very definition of luxury and is one of the closest things you can find to a mobile hotel room.
Providing the best in comfort, the seats are upholstered in white Grand Nappa leather and both the front and rear seats in the Maybach are heated. In contrast, the interior of the chauffeur section is black, but for the driver, that’s a distinction, but not a step down from style and comfort.
Shoulder straps adjust automatically to the height of the driver or passenger, enhancing safety as well as comfort. But bringing an outstanding level of safety, the reclining seats in the Maybach Landaulet include a crash-responsive backrest and a belt-force limiter allowing passengers to be fully protected even while the seats are reclined.
Powering the Maybach Landaulet is the V12 engine developed by Maybach engineers for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S. Twin turbochargers and water intercooling help the V12 deliver a maximum output of 620 horsepower.
A key benefit of the Maybach’s Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) is the ability to modulate the brake pressure for each individual wheel allowing for a quicker response time and optimum braking effect.
The Maybach can also be unlocked by touching the door handle when you carry the electronic key with you. There’s no need to insert a key to start the engine – just push the button on the gearshift lever and the Type 12 power plant comes to life.
When it comes to the production of high-quality, luxury cars the Maybach Landaulet also benefits from the superior experience of their sister brand, Mercedes-Benz. Standard equipment in the Landaulet are important innovations successfully developed by Mercedes-Benz including things like the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension, the LINGUATRONIC voice control system and the COMAND APScontrol and display system.
It was more than 100 years ago when Wilhelm Maybach heralded the modern era by building the Opus No. 1, or the first Mercedes. Today, Maybach is still remembered as the “king of the design engineers,” and with the Landaulet, that legacy continues.
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