Maybach saloon (2002-2012)

Available in two body sizes, the Maybach is a four-door limousine powered by a choice of smooth V12 engines with a price tag in excess of £250,000. Up against the Rolls-Royce Phantom the interior features some of the higest quality materials ever to be fitted in a car offering occupants a serenely quiet and calm ride. Weighing nearly three tonnes, the cabin has two hugely comfortable first-class aeroplane-style seats and an almost endless list of standard fit equipment. The Maybach is fast too, even the slowest models are capable of 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.

The day to day running costs of Maybach ownership are very steep, but average for this type of car and pocket change to most owners. Averaging 15 to 17mpg and easily reaching the highest road tax bracket for emissions, this car is far from environmentally friendly. The purchase price however, does include free servicing for the first four years of ownership.

Any Chaffeur employed to drive a Maybach is very lucky. Offering 612bhp in S trim, the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine provides an almost endless surge of near silent acceleration. All models are fitted with a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class' five speed automatic gearbox which suits the Maybach well. The air suspension gives a very smooth ride although at slower speeds or around town, sportier feeling S models are slightly less comfortable.

The two electronically adjustable rear seats in the Maybach are immensely comfortable and can be reclined allowing passengers to sleep on longer journeys. All models receive four-zone climate control, walnut trim and a dimmable panoramic skylight. Noise levels are almost non-existant. Overall, the cabin feels very special and is beautifully made but lacks the atmosphere created in the back of the Rolls Royce Phantom.

The large rear doors contain useful umbrellas and unsurprisingly, swing open to reveal the Maybach's very spacious interior. The boot is also massive too, measuring over 600-litres. In-between the rear seats the centre console contains a fridge and large storage area, whilst three roof-mounted dials display speed, outside temperature and time to rear occupants. For drivers, reverse parking is made easier by the Parktronic parking aid, which is fitted as standard.

Built using all of Mercedes' engineering expertise, it is highly unlikely that a Maybach will ever break down. There is also peace of mind to be had in the event of an accident due to a large number of safety features that includes a tyre pressure monitor plus side and window airbags.

Hugely expensive, even when compared to luxury models from BMW, Aston Martin and Porsche, the Maybach is designed to appeal to the super-rich who desire only the very best. Even before the personalisation process begins, entry-level 57 models cost more than a quarter of a million pounds, but are very well equipped. All Maybachs come as standard with sat-nav, Bluetooth, two TV screens with DVD players, a CD changer and Linguatronic voice activated systems. By appointing each customer with a 'Personal Liason Manager', Maybach aim to provide the highest possible level of service, helping buyers choose the colour, trim and optional extras.