maybach Logo - History, Design, and Meaning
Company Overview
Maybach Motorenbau is a defunct brand that was part of Mercedes-Benz. Founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach and his son, it was initially a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH and known as Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH until 1912. In 1960, Maybach was acquired by Daimler-Benz. The brand re-emerged as a standalone ultra-luxury car brand in the late 20th century, sharing components with Mercedes-Benz. After slow sales, Maybach became a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, owned by Daimler AG, which now produces an ultra-luxury edition of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class under the Mercedes-Maybach brand.
Key Information
- Founded: 1909
- Founder(s): Wilhelm Maybach
- Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany
maybach Logo Meaning and History
Maybach initially produced aircraft engines for airships. After World War I, the company shifted its focus to automobiles, continuing for over two decades until World War II, during which it produced engines for Wehrmacht tanks.
The first experimental car, the Maybach W1, was created in 1919, based on a Mercedes chassis with a 35-horsepower Maybach engine. In 1921, the first production model, the Maybach W3, was presented at the Berlin Motor Show.
In 1960, Daimler acquired the company, renaming it MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH, which focused on diesel engines. Maybach returned to serial production in the early 2000s.
In 2013, Daimler suspended the brand, but Maybach returned in the early 2020s, now developing new models with electric engines.
What is Maybach?
Maybach is the name of a legendary German car marque, which was established at the beginning of the 20th century and is known for its high-end vehicles. The brand is a part of Mercedes-Benz company, and produces sedans, based on its models, with enhanced technical and design characteristics.
Named after its founder, Wilhelm Maybach, the brand is synonymous with high-end vehicles, renowned and recognizable worldwide.
The Maybach logo is legendary, featuring a simple and elegant double M monogram, representing Maybach Motorenbau.
Some believe the Maybach emblem resembles a swastika due to its sharp angles and confident lines, but it remains a symbol of luxury carmaking.
The monogram is enclosed in a triangular shape with curved sides, appearing volumetric and sleek. One 'M' is tall and narrow, while the other is wide and low. The black letters have a silver outline, matching the framing's color palette.
Traditionally, the Maybach color scheme includes black and silver on a gold background, but on cars, the emblem is in silver metal, giving it a fine and layered look.
The Maybach logo exemplifies timeless elegance, reflecting the brand's heritage and history as an iconic symbol of luxury and finesse.
The sleek uppercase lettering on the Maybach badge is set in a clean medium-weight sans-serif typeface with clean contours and straight bars. Similar fonts include Radiate Sans Regular Semi Expanded and DX Rigraf Extra Expanded, with minor modifications.
The Maybach visual identity's color palette combines gold and black, with silver for framing and separation lines, adding volume and gloss to the badge and creating a strong contrast between elements.
