Daimler to axe Maybach in 2013. New Mercedes S Class Pullman instead

Maybach Axed

Daimler has confirmed that the Maybach marque will be dropped in 2013, to be replaced by a Pullman version of the 2014 Mercedes S Class.

We’ve been preidtcing the demise of Maybach for some time. After all, who wants an old S Class with chintzy trim and lots of toys for more money than a Rolls Royce Phantom?

And now it seems that Daimler has also realised their revival of the Maybach has fallen flat on its face (except in Germany and to a pair from the Dragons’ Den) and it’s time to move on.

That means that the current models – Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 – will continue to be made for the next eighteen months or so, but will end production in 2013 to be replaced by even more upmarket versions of the 2014 Mercedes S Class.

We reported back in March 2010 that the writing was on the wall for Maybach, and we predicted that there would be a swansong with the limited run of Maybach Coupes (even that went wrong when the German firm tasked to make it went bust) following which the Maybach would be put out of its misery.

The source for that report was also saying that there were plans to replace the Maybach with a Maybach-badged version of the next generation S-Class – a Mercedes S600 Maybach, perhaps. A bit like Ford used to do with Ghia.

Although that was obviously under consideration at Mercedes at the time, it now appears that Daimler has decided the Mercedes brand is actually stronger than Maybach will ever be, so instead of an S Class Maybach it looks like we’re going to see the revival of the Mercedes S Class Pullman.

The S Class Pullman will probably offer all the toys and space the Maybach does, but wrapped up instead in an understated and refined body – much more appealing.

The news also raises questions about Aston Martin’s future too. Aston Martin were hoping a deal with Daimler to build a new Maybach would give them access to Mercedes platforms and engines for a much-needed new generation of Aston Martins.

Now that chance has gone, keep an eye on Aston Martin. There could be interesting news – sooner rather than later.