Smaller Maybach on the way
Even though the mammoth Maybach 57 and 62 models are proving to be something less than a sales success, the company is pressing ahead with plans for a smaller model. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new Maybach 51 (with the model number indicating its 5.1 meter length) will not grace the marketplace before the 2009-2010 timeframe.The 51 is said to be targeted at a price point north of $250,000 at current exchange rates, positioning it against the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the upcoming small Rolls-Royce.
The magazine reports that the mini Maybach will be based on the Mercedes-Benz S-class platform, giving it access to a choice of V8 and V12 powerplants. Both sedan and coupe versions are planned.
[Auto Motor und Sport, via 4Car]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Edsel 8:34AM (6/09/2006)
This is really fascinating news. It took General Motors decades to destroy the Cadillac brand but DCX is going for a brand destroying record; the rise & fall of Maybach in less than ten years. Why do German auto companies feel the need to produce an overly complex automotive equivalent of the WWII Jagdtiger anyway?
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Jim 9:10AM (6/09/2006)
It's an entry-level Maybach for the just starting out rap artist.
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Earl Dann 10:25AM (6/09/2006)
Why would anyone buy a smaller Maybach for $250.000 when the can puchase a beatifull styled Bentley at about $80,000 less with as much if not more prestige. The Bently is better looking, has all the comfort and amenities that anyone could ask for and is still far less in price. The new "S" sedan is not that hot looking so making the Maybach the same size and similar looking would be insane. What are they thinking of??
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skip froh 10:30AM (6/09/2006)
Sure make crap like this for our market, but no Smart!!
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G. Snyder 10:46AM (6/09/2006)
Mercedes does not have high sales targets for the Maybach - I am not sure that the two current models are "unsucessful".
Edsel - I am trying to understand your comments but am having a hard time. Cadillac is clearly back from the dead and doing well and I am not sure how Maybach is in decline (which seems to be what you are suggesting). Seems that they see a future if they are willing to invest in another model.
Very few people know what the Maybach name refers to or the history behind it. I think that is part of the problem. I would take one over the new BMW Roller anyday.
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doglet 7:43PM (6/09/2006)
i heard maybach was dead.
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Ron Kelly 11:04PM (6/13/2006)
Americans will buy anything
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PHIL SALLEY 11:26PM (6/13/2006)
THE MAYBACH IS A JOKE. WHY ADD ANOTHER ONE. THEY LOOK TERRIBLE, DEPRECIATE 50% AND WHEN YOU DRIVE THEM OFF THE LOT. THE MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANT TECH TOLD ME THE LOCAL DEALER HAS BOUGHT BACK 2 MAYBACHS BECAUSE MERCEDES COULD NOT FIX THEM. I'VE OWNED A NUMBER OF MERCEDES, ALL WITH PROBLEMS. JUST SOLD MY 2003 SL 55, TRADED IN MY 98 CORVETTE AND BOUGHT A NEW C-6 CORVETTE. THE VETTE IS NOT AS LUXURIOUS, BUT ITS THE BETTER CAR.
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chris 12:21AM (6/14/2006)
Maybach getting into the "marketing Business". Why not? If people consider $250,000. and entry level car I applaud their income. It makes sense. As for hearing Maybach has had problems.... that news to me. The few Mercedes dealers that have access to the line seem to have done a remarkable job. And, as for a comment about Mercedes having alot of problems.... I currently own an S class 250,000. miles no problems. My previous turbo diesel mercedes 500,000. miles not a wimper, my wife's 190 250,000. miles no problems. My wifes new suburban has had the front end replaced three times before it had 30,000. miles on it.
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michael 12:24AM (6/14/2006)
I think mercedes has lost there touch on making a vehicle in which the consumer can enjoy without it costing so much. there are far to many nice affordable cars out there which are WAY better. P.S. when is mercedes going to fix the breaking system on the SL 500 my breaks squeak for being a $100,00.00 vehicle I dont think I'm asking for to much.Buy an Acura.
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builder 12:34AM (6/14/2006)
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet drive non descriptive non flashy cars, and by last count, could buy DCX... just who are these junior shooters trying to be like???
250K for a another car in there lineup, give me a brake.
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MEL 12:46AM (6/14/2006)
WHY WOULD ANYONE CONSIDER A BENTLEY OVER A MERCEDES? GREAT LEATHER DOES NOT MAKE A RELIABLE EFFICIENT CAR. I'VE OWNED THREE LUXURY AUTOS FROM THE UK IN THE RECENT PAST. NONE OF THEM, I REPEAT NONE OF THEM WERE WORTH THE SIX + FIGURE I PAID.
AT LEAST WE KNOW A MERCEDES WHILE NO LONGER CARRYING THE CACHE OF SUPERB QUALITY WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START.
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jason g. brent 1:39AM (6/14/2006)
My wife and I recently had two Mercedes and both of them had many defects. My Ford 150 and Expedition were far better automobiles. Based on the extremely poor quality of the Mercedes anyone who buys a Maybach is in for alot of trouble. Jason G. Brent
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chemp 7:47PM (7/13/2006)
If it will be dear and prestigious, the price actually not so the prestige is important
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