Maybach debuted the high-performance variant of the 57 ultra-luxury sedan at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show: the Maybach 57 S. The "S" officially stood for Spezial, German for special, and that it was. Powering the 57 S was a Mercedes-AMG 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine producing a formidable 604 horsepower—over 60 horsepower more than the standard 57. Despite its grand proportions, the ultra-luxury sedan was capable of reaching 60 mph in under five seconds. A re-tuned Airmatic Dual Control air suspension seamlessly managed this immense power, with the factory lowering ride height by a half-inch and fitting aggressive, model-specific 20-inch wheels. The interior experience remained highly refined with an ultra-quiet insulated cabin, 21-speaker Bose sound system, and four-zone climate control, while all occupants enjoyed multi-adjustable power seats with massage and heating. Rear passengers were treated to infotainment through 9.5-inch flat-screen monitors, reclining seats, power-operated curtains, and even a small refrigerator. A mere 503 examples of the 57 S were produced between 2005 and early 2010.

This 2006 Maybach 57 S left the factory finished in Nevada Silver over a Black Exclusive Leather interior with Carbon Fiber Wood accents. It was further optioned with front and rear active ventilated seats. The Maybach was purchased new by John Groendyke from Bob Howard’s Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City, a dealership that would go on to service the car during his ownership. The 57 S hearkens back to the golden age of luxury automobiles but does so in a modern manner, blending contemporary opulence with the aristocratic spirit of the Classic Era. In this regard, the Maybach fit in seamlessly with Mr. Groendyke’s collection, also serving as an excellent daily driver.

Today it is offered out of single ownership from new, having covered 80,443 miles at time of cataloguing. It is accompanied by its window sticker, owner’s manuals with pouch, toolkit, a pair of umbrellas in the trunk, and in the rear passenger area, a wired headset and a pair of Robbe & Berking champagne flutes.

With the 57 S, Maybach set their sights on Rolls-Royce’s Phantom and Bentley’s Continental Flying Spur, successfully leveling the playing field between them. This example, finished in the single-tone shade of Nevada Silver, offers a subtle exterior hiding its immense luxury, opulence, and AMG-tuned power. It is the ultimate modern Maybach, living up to Wilhelm Maybach’s engineering philosophy: “To create the very best from the very best.”