Enter the rumormill: Mercedes to absorb Maybach into self
While we won't question the rationale behind dropping over $300-large on a tarted-up last-gen S-Class, Maybach dealers in the U.S. may be asking if it's smart business. According to Automotive News, M-B originally intended to sell 500 Maybachs each year from the over 70 dealers spread throughout the U.S., with each of them required to drop over $500k on a special "studio" where well-to-do shoppers could individually customize their 'Bach. But the results since the brand's launch in 2003 have been less than stellar, with only 778 vehicles finding homes over the last three-and-a-half years.The question posed by A.N. is whether or not Mercedes will blend the premium brand into its lineup, making an uber-Benz, or if it will continue to run as a separate marque altogether. Discriminating buyers are already voting with their wallets, and as such, the future of Maybach may be up in the air.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
whofan 6:38PM (9/03/2007)
Mercedes should just pull the plug on Maybach. Mercedes has a name and legacy Maybach doesn`t. Maybach is the car no one asked for.
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Conor 6:41PM (9/03/2007)
I wouldn't say no one. I'd say no one but 778 rich people with no taste in cars. Just buy an S-Class people. They're better looking with the same features. Also, you won't get mad if someone calls it an S-Class, because they're right.
That One Person 9:26PM (9/03/2007)
Maybach doesn't have a legacy? If I am not mistaken, they used to build some really gorgeous cars back in the day.
Sadly, MB could have done a better job on this company. It's pretty bad when you get excited over an S-Class thinking it's a Maybach then get slapped in the face when you find it's truly an S-Class.
SPG 7:05PM (9/03/2007)
Personally I'd prefer a Brabus S-Class.
And I've always felt that the Maybach 57 was much to
S-Class-esque.
Now the new S-Class looks like a cleaner and meaner 57. Almost making the Maybach look like a body cladded current gen S-Class but weaker.
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Carlos 7:25PM (9/03/2007)
This really is an easy fix - How about a few new Maybach models that take on the classic Maybach design elements rather than some lame mutation of an S-Class. A big classy grill similar to the new Rolls etc
Bring out an Excelorn'esque supercar based on the SLR and a new Maybach sedan based on the S-Clss but with a total cosmetic redesign so they dont resemble the same vehicle and you have a new lineup worthy of the Maybach name.
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emehrkay 12:32AM (9/04/2007)
'xactly!
Updatd the current model so that it doesnt look like last-gen's S and make that four door drop - ocean concept - a Maybach. Add a sports car like the Cont. GT and I think it could be a good brand.
But does anyone not think merceds when they see maybach?
chad.dawkins 7:33PM (9/03/2007)
This makes me sad because the Maybach is one of my personal dream cars(I'm a sucker for luxo barges). Hopefully I can hit the lotto so I can get one. :p 780 Maybachs to 3000+ Phantoms sold is a huge difference. I agree that they should make the car look different and they should also make the Excelero.
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Motoyen 7:52PM (9/03/2007)
The Maybach had some nice luxury touches, like the rear seats, skylight roof, etc but it had way too many S-class bits in it. Did MB really think they could fool buyers by gluing on some fake wood to all the S-class trim? If they want this brand to continue they need to start from scratch and build a proper luxury car, like BMW did with Rolls Royce.
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iQuack 8:16PM (9/03/2007)
Maybach is for people who are driven, not for people who drive. Nothing really matters except for its rear seat amenities. I wouldn't mind living that way at all;-).
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akatsuki 12:02AM (9/04/2007)
They should just make a stretched S-class, add the seats and auto-frosting windows and call it a day. The Maybach was never very elegant looking, the new S-class is not all that attractive either, and they should admit that they don't know what they are doing at that level.
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Jon 12:29AM (9/04/2007)
Daimler is failing at managing a brand? Where have I heard this story before...
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j_diesel 12:31AM (9/04/2007)
i have to agree with an earlier post. the owner of a maybach is not usually the driver of it. the luxury in the back seat is all that matters.
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JC3 9:27AM (9/04/2007)
Maybach is invisible when it's standing next to the Rolls Royce.
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