Maybach Brand May Survive, New Models Rumored

When Mercedes-Benz and parent company Daimler announced that they will revive the famous Maybach brand many years ago, people, especially the rich elite, had extremely high expectations. Seeing the huge interest in luxury, Mercedes had high hopes for the brand.

Sadly, while the beginning was pretty good, the economic downturn, coupled with the fact that there isn't a lot of differences between a Maybach and a Mercedes-Benz S Class with all of the options included, meant that sales are quite low.

As such, rumors about the brand's termination have been floating around for almost a year. We've seen the latest facelift done to the Maybach range at the beginning of 2010, and many voices claimed that this would be the last.

Now, new reports beg to differ. According to them, Mercedes-Benz still has faith in the Maybach brand, and will really go for broke with the next models in the range.

Seeing as how the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class will be launched sometime next year, the Maybach models will also be re-engineered on the new platform. This will allow all of the new technologies that will be used by the S Class to also be incorporated in the ultra luxury limousines.

Besides the new platform, the current V12 engines will be upgraded, to develop both more power, but also an improved fuel average. Currently, the 6.0-liter V12 engine develops 518 HP in the 57 version, while the top of the range Laundaulet can achieve 633 HP.

The reports also hint at the possibility of a hybrid assembly. It seems that in order to increase the Maybach's popularity, as well as boost its fuel efficiency, Mercedes-Benz will add a small electric motor between the regular engine and the new seven-speed automatic gearbox. The car will be a full hybrid though, as it will be able to travel short distances with just electric drive.

Upgrades will also be made on all of the Maybach versions. The exterior will be thoroughly overhauled, with a new design, catered to a less conservative clientele. The interior will improve on the current one, and will have the best luxury options on the market.

The 57 and 62 models will continue to exist, while there's also talk about a special four-door coupe Maybach. This will no doubt be inspired from the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class, but it will also add in a convertible mechanism. This version will be different from the current 62 Laundaulet though, which only has a semi-foldable cloth top.

Older reports also claimed that Mercedes will launch a few other models in the Maybach range, depending on the desires of existing customers. As such, besides the new four-door coupe, a luxury SUV, derived from the existing Mercedes-Benz GL Class, might also be launched. The lineup will be completed by a smaller sedan, possibly based on the E Class, which will provide a lower entry point for new Maybach customers.

As of yet though, the future of the luxury brand is still unclear, so rich people might want to fence their bets until Mercedes-Benz or Daimler come forward with a statement.