Daimler AG pulled the plug on Maybach production, but the noble name will carry on as it will designate a range-topping Mercedes-Benz S-Class version that will compete with other luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
The Maybach name will adorn an exclusive version of the S-Class fitted with soft-touch leather and bespoke materials to lure ultra-wealthy customers from Asia and the United States.
The S-Class Maybach will be unveiled at both the Guangzhou and the Los Angeles auto shows in November and will be priced more than double the asking price of the Mercedes-Benz S600, according to a person familiar with plans cited by Reuters. The S600 is priced from €165,000 ($228,000) in Germany.
The Maybach will have a wheelbase that is 200mm (7.8 inches) longer than the extended version S-Class, allowing for extra leg space and making it the longest limousine in the Mercedes lineup until the launch of an even longer Pullman version. Daimler stopped producing the Maybach 57 and 62 limousines (pictured) in 2012 after selling only 200 units in 2011.
As for the Mercedes-Benz Pullman state limousine, the same source says it is currently under development and will cost up to $1 million (€0.72 million) in its armor-plated version. The Pullman is expected to have a wheelbase that is a full meter (39.4 inches) longer than that of the current S-Class, allowing for an extra row of rear-facing seats in the passenger compartment.
The Pullman will be a successor to the 1963 Mercedes-Benz Pullman 600, a state limousine with a length of over 6 meters (236.2 inches) that could reach 200 km/h (124 mph). It was a popular choice for dictators worldwide.
By Dan Mihalascu
Thanks to Florian B. for the tip!
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