I have not driven or ridden in either. From the "skin" point of view, both are disappointing examples of "the best luxury sedans money can buy".

The Maybach looks like it was first drawn in the early to mid nineties - big and rounded - shinny plastic looking wood on the inside, big red tail lights that remind me of those on the Lincoln Town Car, and a nose that only an owner of an S 500 MB could love. The versions I have seen have been so "jellied up" as a friend used to say; they remind me of "an average looking woman who over compensates with too much make-up and cheap looking jewelry". It's not stunning - it should be.

The RR looks like a cartoon - big square body - the bull dog from the Tom and Jerry cartoon - beady little eyes and pimples on its butt for tail lights. There appears to be no passion or soul in the design. Compared to the Maybach, it is too severe, too plane and I agree about the truck-like dash board. The gangster doors are an interesting recall - and do make sense for your driver to quickly tend to the passengers in the back - but it seems more like a cheap trick than a good solid design solution.

Both companies started with a clean slate. You'd think the visuals would be overwhelmingly fabulous - they're not - they're really very average - big and average. Neither car has great lines, jewelry like fittings, sophisticated upholstery details - nothing great - nothing new - nothing unique.

Do you suppose the marketing staff imposed buyer profiles on the design team that required them to design these cars for the "new rich"?

If given either, I would trade it immediately.