Blog Post 1: 2012 Maybach 62

 http://www.edmunds.com/maybach/62/2012/#fullreview

Car reviews by nature are not necessarily works of writing in which to search for literary merit. However, this review of the 2012 Maybach 62 published by Edmunds is as masterfully executed as the design of the vehicle. Undoubtedly, the art of car review (and the readership devoted to such reviews) is a niche primarily dominated by jargon and sometimes haughty allusions entirely bewildering to those of us who are perhaps not so keen on twin-turbocharged V12 engines. Yet Edmunds manages to illustrate a luxurious image before us of the 2012 62, and not just by name-dropping.

Clearly, Edmunds has been familiarized with every nook and cranny of the 62. No feature is left untouched in this thorough and descriptive review. From the mention of the "pair of heated and reclining backseat captain's chairs that feature full-sized, La-Z-Boy-style retractable footrests" to the "5.5-liter V12 in the 62 [which] produces 543 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque", it is clear that there is no shortage of informative discussion.

However, Edmunds is careful not to become overly pretentious and clearly notes the drawbacks of the 62 in both its appearance as "a 14-year-old Mercedes S-Class" and handling issues such as how the 62 "was unwieldy to drive as a zeppelin". The review steers clear of overexaggerating the royal factor of the Maybach, which understandably stands alone as haughty and pompous.

Edmunds' meta commentary creates a connection with the reader as well. Describing the 62 as, "still constructed to a degree that would make any old iron-fisted Prussian nod his head with stern approval". This attempt to connect with perhaps the less educated portion of readership, is the acknowledgement that perhaps aside from the Prussian, the Maybach would earn the seal of approval from others as well, "putting the Kaiser aside for a moment, it's the P. Diddys and Kuwaiti oil executives of today who really matter".

Clearly this vehicle is not for everyone, which Edmunds establishes. There is a fantastic array of positive and negative features of the vehicle, as well as some interestingly poignant cultural connections. It makes for a good read, even if you'll never buy a $430,000 beast of a vehicle. Most of us would rather have a house. Or a small island.