Maybach was revived by Daimler in 2002 to great acclaim amongst those that actually knew what it used to stand for. However in 2012 Mercedes-Benz decided to let the Maybach brand slip silently into oblivion, without making too much fuss about it.
The Maybach models were based on older S-Class chassises. Its been two years since the world started speculating around what will come of Maybach but not a word from a Mercedes-Benz official saying that it’s going in either way. First there were the rumors that the Pullman models will replace Maybach and that the double-M logo will forever be forgotten. Then, something changed and we started hoping once again.
It is now confirmed that the car will be about 18 feet long which would translate into a difference of nine inches compared to the long-wheelbase current Mercedes S550 that is basically the longest version of the S-Class. Mercedes will not give the Maybach a new engine, it will probably be the same one used on the S65 AMG, a 6-liter bi-turbo V12 plant making 630 HP and 1,001 Nm of torque.
The Mercedes-Maybach is also expected to spawn an SUV model to go up against the Bentley, Lamborghini and rumored Rolls-Royce SUV. Expect the Mercedes-Maybach model to make a first appearance at the LA Auto Show next month.
