The Maybach Landaulet 6.0 V12, produced between 2008 and 2012, represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury motoring from the now-defunct Maybach marque. Built as a highly exclusive, open-top variant of the already opulent Maybach 62, the Landaulet was designed to appeal to customers desiring the ultimate in personalized, chauffeur-driven extravagance. It sat at the very top of the Maybach range, exceeding even the standard 62 in price and exclusivity. The Landaulet’s defining feature was its retractable soft-top roof section, transforming the vehicle from a fully enclosed sedan into an open-air grand tourer. It was a statement of wealth and status, embodying the brand’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and unparalleled comfort.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Maybach |
| Model | Landaulet |
| Generation | Landaulet |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V12 (612 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 15.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 14.9 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 17.9 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 6.3 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 612 Hp @ 4800-5100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1000 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm (737.56 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 285.980 |
| Engine displacement | 5980 cm3 (364.92 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 17 l (17.96 US qt | 14.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2855 kg (6294.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3380 kg (7451.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 590 l (20.84 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 110 l (29.06 US gal | 24.2 UK gal) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 275/45 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Landaulet is Mercedes-Benz’s M285.980 6.0-liter V12 engine. This engine, a staple of the Maybach lineup, is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring twin turbochargers and intercooling. It produces 612 horsepower at 4800-5100 rpm and a staggering 1000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 4000 rpm. The engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder and multi-port fuel injection. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration contribute to the Landaulet’s classic grand touring feel. The engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, specifically tuned for smooth and effortless shifts, prioritizing comfort over outright performance. While not the most modern transmission by today’s standards, it was well-suited to the Landaulet’s intended use as a luxurious cruiser.
Driving Characteristics
Despite its considerable weight (2855 kg or 6294.2 lbs), the Landaulet delivers surprisingly brisk performance. The immense torque output from the V12 engine provides effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.8 seconds. However, the Landaulet was never intended to be a sports car. The focus is on providing a supremely comfortable and refined driving experience. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for relaxed cruising, and the air suspension effectively isolates passengers from road imperfections. Compared to other Maybach variants, the Landaulet’s performance is comparable to the 62S model, though the added weight of the convertible top mechanism slightly diminishes its agility.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Landaulet was essentially a fully bespoke vehicle, with customers able to specify virtually every aspect of the interior. Standard features included supremely comfortable, hand-stitched leather seats, extensive wood trim, a high-end audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The retractable soft-top roof was available in a variety of colors, and the rear compartment featured two individual reclining seats separated by a champagne cooler. Optional extras included personalized embroidery, custom paint finishes, and even integrated cigar humidors. The interior was designed to be a sanctuary of luxury, offering passengers an unparalleled level of comfort and refinement.
Chassis & Braking
The Landaulet’s chassis is based on the Maybach 62 platform, featuring a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, both incorporating air suspension for a smooth ride. The air suspension system allows for adjustable ride height and damping settings. Braking duties are handled by a sophisticated anti-lock braking system (ABS). While the Landaulet’s braking performance is adequate for its weight and intended use, it doesn’t possess the stopping power of more performance-oriented vehicles. The steering system utilizes a cone worm with recirculation balls and hydraulic power assistance, providing a smooth and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Maybach Landaulet was met with critical acclaim for its luxurious appointments and exclusivity. However, its extremely high price tag (over $1.4 million when new) limited its appeal to a very small segment of the market. Compared to other ultra-luxury sedans, such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, the Landaulet offered a more flamboyant and ostentatious design. Fuel economy was predictably poor, with a combined consumption of 15.8 l/100 km (14.9 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, benefiting from the robust Mercedes-Benz engineering underpinning the vehicle, though maintenance costs were exceptionally high.
Legacy
The Maybach Landaulet represents a unique and extravagant chapter in automotive history. Its combination of open-air motoring, unparalleled luxury, and a powerful V12 engine made it a truly special vehicle. Today, the Landaulet is a highly sought-after collectible, commanding premium prices on the used car market. Its rarity and exclusivity ensure that it will remain a symbol of ultimate luxury for years to come. The powertrain, while not particularly fuel-efficient by modern standards, has proven to be relatively reliable, provided it receives regular maintenance. The Landaulet serves as a reminder of a time when automotive excess was celebrated and bespoke craftsmanship was paramount.
