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Maybach SL680: A modern motoring marvel from the marque that once catered for Maharajas and movie stars

 

The French might call it a faux pas, but how the Germans would describe my Anglicised pronunciation of ‘Maybach’ ( ie may, back) I’m not too sure. But now that I’ve learned the correct way to say it — ‘my baaachhh,’ with a properly guttural finish. I’m never going, er, baaachhh. Even if the first person I tried it on did respond by saying: ‘So it’s made in Wales, right?’

 

Of course the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series doesn’t hail from the valleys. It comes from a special production line in Sindelfingen, not far from Stuttgart in south-west Germany, which is the home of this ‘ultra luxury’ arm of Mercedes-Benz. The Maybach name dates back to 1912 when Wilhelm Maybach and his son, Karl, founded the firm as a manufacturer of diesel and petrol engines for Zeppelin airships and railcars before introducing their first automobile, the W3, at the 1921 Berlin motor show.

 

It soon set the standard for automotive ingenuity thanks to being the first German car with four-wheel brakes, while Maybach’s ‘doppelschnellgang’ transmission — which gave eight forward and four reverse gears — is said to have left many a chauffeur baffled. But what Maybach came to be especially associated with was opulence, not least because every car built during the next 20 years was a bespoke creation with bodies, interiors and accessories all being crafted to suit the whims of wealthy buyers.

 

One Maharaja is said to have specified just a simple finish combining gold-plated bodywork embedded with rubies, while more low-key royals, aristocrats, tycoons and celebrities merely demanded luxurious interiors and the sort of coachwork that could make a Bugatti or a Rolls-Royce seem positively pedestrian. More than 2000 Maybachs were built before the firm switched to military vehicle production in 1941, with no more cars being made post-war, only diesel engines for Mercedes-Benz – which took over the company in 1960.

 

The Maybach name subsequently lay fallow until M-B re-launched it as a standalone marque in 2002 with the ultra-luxury ‘57’ and ‘62’ limousines. Despite a starting price of around £240,000 (the equivalent today of around £445,000), the cars found enough suitably high-profile buyers and things were looking promising – until the financial crash of 2007/8 helped to set sales figures into a downward spiral which made Maybach’s business model untenable.

 

As a result, Maybach was re-positioned as ‘Mercedes-Maybach’ in 2014, making it a sub-brand that, rather than building exclusive cars from the ground-up, adapts existing Mercedes models to make them more distinctive, more luxurious and, of course, considerably more expensive. Which brings us back to the SL680 Monogram Series pictured here, which is the first two-seater from the modern-day Maybach marque.

 

Mercedes fans will quickly recognise the similarities to the SL 63 roadster on which it is based, but will also notice the Maybach-unique front end with its re-styled grille, bumper, bonnet and headlights (the bezels of which are treated to coppery detailing….) The wheels and suspension are different too and, should any ignorant passer-by not realise you’re driving a Mercedes PLUS PLUS, the Maybach monogram is plastered all over the black-finished bonnet and the cover that hides the folded soft top, as well as being applied to the pedals — with Maybach badging adorning the car’s flanks and kick plates.

 

At launch, only two colour options are available: Red Ambience and White Ambience, the latter of which reminded me of how long it has been since I’ve heard anyone use the term ‘hairdresser’s car’. But if the SL680 in White Ambience which I drove (complete with white leather interior perforated in a flower pattern, white wool carpets and white-rimmed steering wheel) is a hairdresser’s car, it’s certainly not for the type who charges a fiver for a short back and sides. At a follicle-greying £241,350, it costs a good £50,000 more than even the latest Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance hybrid – so what do you get for your money?

 

Apart from the aforementioned finishes and the opportunity to serve as a rolling billboard for the Maybach name, you get an engine that’s more softly-tuned than the Mercedes SL 63 on which the car is based, a plusher ride from that special suspension and what must be sufficient extra sound-proofing to insulate the Reichstag’s attic. ‘Softly-tuned’ does not, however, mean soft-hearted. The four-litre, twin-turbo AMG V8 beneath the monogrammed bonnet still delivers a gut-wrenching 585 horsepower and, during a section of our test drive that took in some unrestricted German autobahn, proved more than capable of delivering warp-factor acceleration and travelling at double the UK speed limit without breaking sweat.

 

And, in best Maybach tradition, it did so in the utmost comfort, with all that padding, squashy leather and ankle-deep carpeting contriving to make the car eerily quiet, even with the roof down at high speed. The usual drive modes are available (comfort for a gentle cruise and sport for a gruffer exhaust note, sharper throttle response and more dynamic ride), while the ‘Maybach’ setting somehow notches-up the luxury — although exactly how is difficult to pinpoint.

 

What we can be certain of however, is the fact that the Mercedes-My Baaachhh SL 680 is certainly the best two-seat roadster never to have come out of Wales….

 


 

By Simon De Burton – Country Life

Maybach’s Journey into the Future

The Vienna Hofburg is a place that breathes history. Once the center of power of the Habsburgs, today the seat of the Austrian Federal President, it stands for continuity and change at the same time. Here, in the midst of magnificent halls, I meet Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach. Our conversation is not just about luxury cars, but about a philosophy of travel that goes far beyond driving. “Our customers are looking for more than just a vehicle – they are looking for an experience that reflects their personality,” says Lescow. “Maybach stands for a form of travel where the journey is just as important as the destination.”

Progress as a principle

Over the last twenty years, Maybach has continued to develop. New models, an expanded portfolio and, most recently, the move into electromobility with the development of the all-electric Maybach shows a clear direction: tradition and innovation need not be contradictory. “For us, progress does not mean reaching an end point, but continuing to work towards perfection,” explains Lescow. “Every new model, every new technology is part of this journey.” This way of thinking is reflected in every detail of the vehicles. The combination of precision craftsmanship, high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology makes a Maybach not just a means of transportation, but a statement.

Craftsmanship and individuality

Individualization is a central element of the brand. Maybach customers often have a clear idea of how they want their vehicle to look and feel. “Every decision, be it a special paint finish or custom-made interior details, contributes to giving the car a personal signature.” The close collaboration with manufacturers such as Robbe & Berking, who produce fine silver elements for Maybach’s vehicles, is particularly exciting. “It’s about passing on values such as quality and craftsmanship and combining them with modern design,” says Lescow.

A brand beyond the automobile

Maybach is not only expanding with new models, but also with its own Experience Centers. There is a studio in Shanghai, which brings the brand to life in a new dimension. The first Maybach Brand Center will soon follow in Seoul. “We create places where our customers can immerse themselves in the world of Maybach – far beyond the car,” explains Lescow. Art and culture play a key role in this. The brand collaborates with renowned artists such as David LaChapelle to build a bridge between the automobile and art.

What luxury means today

But what does luxury mean at a time when exclusivity is taking on ever new forms? “For many of our customers, it’s about freedom – the opportunity to shape their lives according to their own ideas,” says Lescot. The brand is growing in new markets and increasingly appeals to people who value craftsmanship, design, and individuality. “They are personalities who are looking for something special, not just in a product, but in an entire lifestyle.” In the Hofburg, it becomes clear that Maybach is more than just a car brand. It is an attitude – one that is not satisfied with the status quo but is always looking ahead.

Unparalleled Maybach Experiences in Udaipur: Mercedes-Maybach’s Grand Unveiling at the exceptional Raffles in Udaipur, India - A homage to Legacy, Heritage & Elegance

🇮🇳 In India, where heritage and innovation meet, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series was revealed on March 16 and 17 at the iconic #RafflesHotel in Udaipur. The setting was as meaningful as the unveiling itself. It was a celebration of timeless design, cultural depth and modern elegance.

🎙️ Maybach Foundation’s President Uli Maybach joined the event for a stage dialogue with Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach and Santosh IyerCEO of Mercedes-Benz India. Together they spoke about the legacy of the brand and the values that continue to shape its stellar future. Their exchange struck a chord in India, where heritage and multigenerational family businesses are deeply rooted and valued.

🌟 The evening featured cultural highlights and remarkable guests. Indian gallerist, friend and philanthropist Anubhav Nath attended with his parents Alka & Ashok Nath and his family’s historic, beautiful Maybach SW 38, originally owned by the Maharaja of Patiala, creating a strong connection between past and present. A fashion show by celebrated star designer Gaurav Gupta added a touch of modern elegance to the evening.

✨An exceptional multi-drone show lit up the sky in Udaipur and created a magical atmosphere — the flying patterns uniquely represented iconic highlights of Maybach history. Guests also had the chance to view a striking art exhibition by David LaChapelle, who had also previously collaborated with the Maybach Foundation.

The evening highlighted the strong and growing bond between Maybach and India, built on a shared appreciation for heritage and design.

🔗 This event was truly “beyond” and embodied the spirit of Maybach through a commitment to legacy, innovation and meaningful connection. A shared experience that looked to the future while honoring where we come from.

🙏 Thanks to the onsite support team Anja SteindlMusa Binici, and Corinna Basler, PhD behind the scenes in Udaipur, India.

Uli Maybach Joins Expert Panel at Beverly Hills Super Summit 2025 to Discuss Family Office Strategies and Legacy Building

📅 Last Tuesday, Maybach Foundations’s President, Uli Maybach took the stage at the Beverly Hills Super Summit 2025, hosted by the Family Office Club, contributing to an engaging and inspirational panel discussion where he provided insights about the Maybach heritage, legacy and the importance of mentoring.

💡 The panel, titled “Family Office Focused: Learn What Preferred Structures, Strategies, and Communication Approaches are Working in Today’s Environment from Single and Multi-Family Offices,” brought together industry leaders to share their expertise and perspectives on navigating today’s complex and changing family office landscape.

👥 The panel, moderated by Robert Dalie, CFP® from The Summa Group of Oppenheimer & Co., featured an impressive lineup of experts.

📈 The discussion explored topics such as family office strategies, planning and building resilient legacies.

A very special thank you goes to the conference organizers: Tabatha East, Richard Wilson, Jimmy Egas, Vanessa Casal and Rachael Merkel for providing a great networking experience.

20-Year Anniversary: Maybach meets art: “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Maybach meets art: “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude (2005)

The Maybach Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025 and, by looking back on a legendary art project, would like to highlight the power of innovation and the realization of a vision by two outstanding personalities in the spirit of the Maybach values.

In February 2025, we commemorate an extraordinary collaboration with the artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude, as the Maybach brand (DaimlerChrysler AG, now Mercedes-Benz Group AG) accompanied the celebrated art installation “The Gates” in New York City’s Central Park exactly 20 years ago. As brand ambassador at that time, Ulrich Schmid-Maybach was able to gain a personal impression of the now legendary presentation.

The world-famous and dazzling artist couple were overjoyed when they presented themselves to the international press in New York in February 2005. After 26 years of preparation and many negotiations with the City of New York, Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude had finally succeeded in realizing a project close to their hearts in the center of Manhattan. They were clearly enjoying the success of their art in their adopted home of New York, as the installation had been announced long in advance as an outstanding event. Due to spectacular earlier actions such as the wrapping of the Reichstag building in Berlin in 1995, public expectations were correspondingly high. They were not disappointed, and even the relatively mild weather provided ideal conditions for the unveiling of one of the most important works of conceptual art of the 20th century: Under a moderately cloudy, partly sunny and winter-blue sky, thousands of saffron-yellow lengths of fabric unfurled with great logistical effort and, swayed by the wind, created an unforgettable play of colors against the mighty grey city backdrop. The flags were hung at a height of 16.4 ft from a total of 7,503 metal gates, which wound their way along the footpaths through Central Park for 37 km. A total of 1076391 sq ft of synthetic fiber was specially produced and processed. The guests in the Central Park and the feuilletons celebrated the artist couple, who have steadfastly believed in the power of art and the favor of the people throughout their lives: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s credo was to hold on to their own dreams and bring their visions to life for a short time in the realm of art in a visually powerful way.

Art and Nature

Like all of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s projects, this work was also subject to the greatest respect for nature and the environment. No changes whatsoever were made to the park area – also prescribed by the authorities – and sturdy brackets were even specially made for the metal gates so that no holes in the ground or anchors were left behind later. With their emphasis on sustainability, the artist couple anticipated today’s approaches to modern exhibition practice by implementing recycling processes for all materials after dismantling to reintegrate metals and plastics into the raw material cycle without leaving any residue. “The Gates” was therefore not only conceived as an artistic gift to the city of New York and the people, but also as a decidedly environmentally conscious approach that also convinced influential supporters and ensured a further positive response. An extraordinary film documentary shows the first meeting in 1979 of Christo and Jeanne-Claude and the renowned lawyer and mediator Ted Kheel (1914 – 2010), the founder of the Nurture Nature Foundation, which is still active in New York today: https://nurturenature.org/pages/the-gates-kheel-video-clip

A noble representative car from the Maybach brand for Christo and Jeanne-Claude

In the course of completing the project, Christo and Jeanne-Claude were always able to count on strong companions who ensured a high level of public attention and made their work much easier: for example, the artist couple were provided with a particularly luxurious vehicle by the Maybach brand (DaimlerChrysler AG, now Mercedes-Benz Group AG) during the entire construction phase from January 3rd, 2005, until the show was completed at the end of February 2005. Together with a chauffeur, a 6.17-meter-long Maybach 62 equipped with every conceivable comfort was available for Christo and Jeanne-Claude to use around the clock. The spacious and prestigious interior even made it possible to hold conferences with several people. Whenever the luxury limousine appeared around the Central Park and the fans spotted their idols in the back of the car, there was a huge cheer. Being able to receive the shouts of thanks from art enthusiasts in the comfort of a luxury limousine must have flattered the status-conscious couple, quite apart from such practical considerations as protection from winter temperatures.

Curiously, both had their birthdays on the same day, which lent this lifelong love story an almost fateful character: Christo Javacheff was born on June 13, 1935, in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, while Jeanne-Claude was born on the same day in Casablanca, Morocco. Both died in New York, Jeanne-Claude in 2009 and Christo in 2020. They devoted their lives entirely to art and merged into one artistic figure in their work.

Signed Christo works in the collection of the Maybach Foundation

In order to remain completely independent in their art, Christo and Jeanne-Claude generally did not accept any sponsorship money, and so it was also important to them to return the favor of being provided with the luxury car: One of the preparatory collages from Christo’s drawings for the project was therefore produced especially for the Maybach brand (DaimlerChrysler AG, now Mercedes-Benz Group AG) as a high-quality printed and limited special edition and hand-signed by Christo. The Maybach Foundation is also in possession of some of these valuable works, as the following illustration shows. In addition to their artistic quality, such graphics have a high commemorative value, because while fine art generally aims for longevity and preservation, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s spatial and wrapping art, which was detached from conventional norms, could only be experienced in reality for the moment or for a short period of time and is therefore more akin to a theatrical production in the sense of modern art happenings.

Joy and beauty in the moment

“The Gates” project was also only open to the public for a short time from February 12 – 28, 2005, and in the end attracted several million visitors, who moved through the gates like a solemn procession lasting several days as part of a major community event. Although the spiritual and solemn aesthetic effect was calculated, Christo and Jeanne-Claude did not want their work to be laden with too much symbolic content and cultural-historical derivations. Rather, the rhythmic sequence of the gates, which always ran at the same distance, and the energetically glowing orange of the fabric panels were intended to make walking along the paths a singular and momentary art experience in public space. Focused entirely on the perception of the present, according to Jeanne-Claude this production had no other purpose than to convey a fleeting moment of “joy and beauty”.

The cost of the project was immense and is estimated at 21 million US dollars. From today’s perspective, it is hard to imagine how the artists were able to turn this temporary work into reality over such a long period of time, including the financial and organizational burden. However, it is precisely this perseverance, adherence to artistic visions and charismatic persuasiveness that characterizes the great work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude: they never made themselves dependent on financial backers, they financed all projects themselves, well in advance, through the sale of preparatory signed sketches, drawings, collages and prints. Grandiose self-staging in public and a clever communication strategy helped to anticipate the success of the projects and link them with social significance and cultural status from the outset.

Discover the Maybach Foundation Interview Series

🌟We’re excited to highlight the Maybach Foundation Interview Series, a collection of stories that shows how important mentorship is in unlocking potential and creating lasting impact. With more episodes planned for 2025, these interviews reflect the heart of our mission to inspire and empower.

🎤In Episode 1, Rose Vitale shares her journey as a champion for women entrepreneurs, reflecting on initiatives like FundHER World Capital and the critical role of mentorship in helping founders navigate challenges and succeed.

Have a look at the full interview: https://maybach.org/contributor-interview-series-episode-1-rose-vitale/https://lnkd.in/eW5wwnHv

🎨Episode 2 features Anubhav Nath, whose work in the arts and with the Maybach Foundation showcases the impact of creative collaboration. From mentoring marginalized communities to curating projects like “Expressions of Tihar,” his vision demonstrates the ability of art to create lasting change.

Read the full interview here: https://maybach.org/maybach-foundation-interview-series-episode-2-anubhav-nath/

📸In Episode 3, Vicky Roy tells his story of transformation from life on the streets of Delhi to becoming an internationally acclaimed photographer. Through mentorship and determination, Vicky has turned his experiences into powerful, inspiring art.

The full interview is here: https://maybach.org/maybach-foundation-interview-series-episode-3-insights-from-vicky-roy/

✨Click the links to explore their full stories and stay tuned for more inspiring interviews coming in 2025!

Uli Maybach Highlights the Impact of Mentorship and Family Legacy at San Francisco Bay Family Office Conference

🇺🇸🌉On November 18th, 2024, Uli Maybach, Founder of the Maybach Foundation, took part in a thought-inspiring panel discussion at the San Francisco Bay Family Office & High Net Worth Annual Conference at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Palo Alto. Moderated by Bridget Kilroy, Vice President at First Trust Family Office Practice, the panel focused on how mentorship and family legacy can inspire the next generation.

💡Uli was joined by Dr. Raul Deju, Partner of Brightstar Capital Partners, author of “Yes I Can and So Can You!”, scientist and philanthropist who was offering unique perspectives on innovation and impact. Dr. Deju was also mentored by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and shared how that affected him. A major supporter of cancer research, he has been instrumental in establishing the UCSF-John Muir Hospital’s new cancer center to advance treatment.

🌟Uli shared how the mentorship of Wilhelm Maybach by Gottlieb Daimler shaped his family’s legacy and inspired the mission of the Maybach Foundation: To empower exceptional individuals to make a difference. The event was a testament to the power of mentorship and legacy in creating meaningful change for the future.

Other Keynotes in the conference included:

Dame Sheila B. Driscoll, CEO, Dame Venturus
Sara Crown Star, Venture Partner, FemHealth Ventures; Director, CROWN FAMILY FOUNDATION
Paraag Marathe, President of San Francisco 49ers Enterprises & EVP of Football Operations
Nicole Taylor, CEO & President, Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Quincy Jones: Remembering a Special Legend

Two days ago, we said goodbye to Quincy Jones, a visionary whose influence stretches far beyond music into the hearts of everyone he touched. Quincy was more than an icon – he was a mentor, an inspiration and a dear friend of the Maybach Foundation.

Quincy Jones was a creative giant whose impact spanned music, film, and television, with 28 Grammy Awards and iconic works like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Frank Sinatra. He broke barriers as the first Black executive at a major record label and produced groundbreaking projects, from The Color Purple to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Quincy first joined us in 2007 at our Maybach Foundation Mentoring Luncheon in Cannes – supported by the Maybach Brand. When Uli Maybach asked him to speak about the importance of mentorship, he didn’t hesitate. For Quincy, mentorship was personal – he credited his own mentors, like Count Basie and Clark Terry, with shaping his path. “If you can see it, you can be it,” he told us.

His commitment to lifting others up was recognized when Harvard named him their first-ever Mentor of the Year, a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. He believed deeply that one person’s success could open doors for others. His legacy of mentorship continues to resonate deeply with our mission and his friendship has been a cherished gift.

Today, we continue to honor Quincy’s memory. The Maybach Foundation is eternally grateful to have shared a part of our journey with this extraordinary individual. Rest in peace, Quincy.

Good Man Maybach

His great-grandfather Wilhelm created the first modern automobile. Three generations later Ulrich Schmid-Maybach mentors young talents, continuing the family legacy. A conversation about philanthropy and the passion to innovate.

Original Maybachs are cherished in museums and in the temperature-controlled garages of collectors. The name evokes images of luxuriously soft leather seats, a hallmark of their unparalleled commitment to elegance and comfort. The ultimate status symbol. Over a hundred years have passed since the success story began with the legendary Type W3 automobile. Relaunched in 2002, the Maybach brand was acquired by the Mercedes-Benz Group in 2014.

Read the full article from the GG Magazine here: https://www.gg-magazine.com/en/2024/08/der-gute-herr-maybach/

Honoring the legacy of Irmgard Schmid-Maybach

Today, on what would have been her 101st birthday, we honor the remarkable life and achievements of Irmgard Schmid-Maybach, born on October 16, 1923, in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Irmgard made a lasting impact on the evolution of MTU Friedrichshafen (now Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH). As a dedicated Supervisory Board member for over two decades and later an honorary life Board member, she helped shape the company’s future, all while staying true to her family’s pioneering spirit and values.

In a time when women were rarely seen in boardrooms, Irmgard carved a path for herself through intelligence, empathy and a genuine passion for her work. Her presence on the board helped challenge expectations and paved the way for other women to envision roles beyond traditional boundaries.

Even after moving to San Francisco in the 1950s, she stayed closely tied to her roots, regularly visiting Friedrichshafen. She believed in honoring her heritage, which inspired her to establish the Wilhelm-Maybach-Award, and later, the Karl-Maybach-Award. In 2000, she was honored with the Medal of Honor of the City of Friedrichshafen for her achievements.

Today, we remember Irmgard Schmid-Maybach not just for her accomplishments but also for her warmth and unwavering dedication to her family’s legacy and the Maybach values: She remains a source of inspiration, especially for women in industries where she continues to stand out as a trailblazer.

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