Maybach has announced that seven years into its run, the ultra-luxury automaker will be closing its doors for good in 2013.

Several factors have contributed to the brand’s demise. Hyper-focused on aesthetics and refinement, Maybach used its price tag to represent status, not the ground-breaking technology, stellar engineering, or ahead-of-the-curve releases like one might expect from a vehicle in this segment.

Exceptional service at Maybach dealers was not enough to keep models rolling off their lots, as yearly sales consistently averaged between 150 and 300 units, with a lifetime total of 3,000 units sold.

Daimler also gave more of its attention to other brands, making the decision to drop Maybach a quick one. Another contributing factor to the end of Maybach is the estimated $438,000 the brand lost on each unit sold.

There were also proposals that never came to be that might have given the brand a boost in sales, such as a luxury SUV with sleeper seats, a smaller entry-level model, and a convertible. There were talks of releasing a line up with five different all new models that never made it to production, either.

With the end of the Maybach will come seven new luxury Mercedes-Benz models based on the upcoming S-class, set for release in 2013.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CAR

Bentley is taking a proactive approach to its marketing as part of a battle of the ultra-luxury brands against the Maybach brand. The company is sending out letters to Maybach owners in attempts to take advantage of Maybach withdrawing to try and snatch up some of its clientele.

Famous figures such as Jay-Z, King Juan Carlos and Samuel L. Jackson should all be receiving the luxury notes, soon, as targeted high-profile Maybach owners.

Back in November, Daimler made it clear that it was on a quest to put the Maybach brand out of business. So far, Daimler says its efforts are starting to pay off, with many reaching out to the brand with negative feedback about their Maybach experience.

If Daimler doesn’t end up with the business, Rolls-Royce is certainly in a position to do so, as well. “They wanted something more exclusive than a Mercedes in the first place, so Rolls or Bentley would seem an obvious substitution,” said Michael Tyndall, an auto specialist with Barclays Capital in London.

The $380,000 starting price tag for the Maybach matches that of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, while the Bentley Mulsanne starts at $290,000 with technical extras.

Bentley may be offering up letters, factory tours and the promise of a 2015 SUV model, but Rolls-Royce says that the aggressive approach just doesn’t suit the brand’s style. While they of course welcome anyone seeking to acquire a Rolls or change brands, they don’t plan on following any warm leads anytime soon.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source AutoNews

It was recently reported that Daimler AG is pulling the plug on the uber-luxury Maybach brand. It seems like before Maybach rests in peace, Daimler will be bumping the prices on the 57, 62 and Landaulet models.

The 2012 Maybach 57 will start at $379,050, while its 57 S model will start at $418,950. The 2012 62 and 62 S will start at $430,450 and $470,350 respectively. The 2012 Maybach Landaulet will remain unchanged at a whopping $1,382,750.

- By: Omar Rana

Sources at Mercedes-Benz have apparently confirmed to AutoWeek that the Maybach brand will officially be killed in 2013. The decision comes after 10 years of disappointing sales of its Maybach 57 and 62 sedan.

Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche has decided against developing successors to Maybach modes, which were supposed to hit roads in 2014. Word has it that Zetsche would much rather focus the attention and resources towards Mercedes-Benz.

What happened to all those reports we heard about Aston Martin working with Mercedes-Benz to develop a next-generation line of Maybachs? The source says all those talks were killed off in early 2011.

“We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations,” the insider told AutoWeek. “Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class, which will be offered in three wheelbase variations and six different body styles, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman.”

Mayback was brought back to life by Mercedes-Benz in 2002 after the company failed to buy Rolls-Royce and Bentley from Vickers – which sold the two brands to Volkswagen. Volkswagen eventually sold Rolls-Royce to BMW.

Nice knowing you Maybach.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Things are starting to look bad for Daimler’s Maybach brand. Following reports of Maybach teaming up with Aston Martin, reports now suggest that talks of partnership between the two brands have broken down.

Reason? According to Auto Motor und Sport, talks of partnering between the two brands are on the ‘brink of extinction’ because Aston Martin is asking for too much money to build upcoming Maybach models.

Previous reports have suggested that Daimler was considering sharing engines and platforms with Aston Martin. Daimler had asked Aston build a successor to the Maybach 57/62 in exchange for hybrid technology, a 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8 and platforms for the 2012 ML-Class and S-Class.

As of yet, nothing official has been said by both automakers.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (via WCF)

Highlights of the Maybach Edition 125 include new colors Tahiti Black/ Patagonia Silver, laser-engraved light motif in the front armrest, which, a glove compartment lid embroidered with the signature of Wilhelm Maybach, silver-colored topstitching, trim in silver carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, matt black 20-inch wheels with high-sheen spokes plus a newly styled radiator grille.

Power for the Maybach 57 S and the 62 S has been increased by 18 horses for a total of 630-hp. However, engineers were still able to reduce fuel consumption figures.

It was recently reported that Daimler may be teaming up with Aston Martin for a possible partnership on Maybach. We’re excited to see how that goes.

Follow the jump for the press release.

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Press Release:

Maybach – Edition 125! Exquisite appointments and individual styling

In the year of the 125th anniversary of the automobile Maybach is displaying the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This unusual one-off piece presents exquisite new possibilities for individually styling the high-end saloons. The highlights include contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif featuring the double-M in a curved triangle in the front armrest. The wide-ranging new individualisation options perfectly complement the confident air of the legendary Maybach saloons.

Maybach is constantly expanding its portfolio of high-quality equipment and appointments options. In the 125th anniversary year of the automobile the luxury brand is exhibiting a special one-off model, the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in honour of the ingenious designer Wilhelm Maybach. This high-end luxury saloon displays many familiar and new individualisation options which only Maybach customers can select. Highlights of the saloon painted in the newly created special colours Tahiti Black/ Patagonia Silver are lavish contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif in the front armrest, which represents the alluring double-M in a curved triangle illuminated from inside. The other new features include a glove compartment lid embroidered with the signature of Wilhelm Maybach, silver-coloured topstitching, trim in silver carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, matt black 20-inch wheels with high-sheen spokes plus a newly styled radiator grille.

All the current Maybach saloons have a confident, superior appearance and are strikingly radiant. The exceptional status enjoyed by the high-end luxury saloons finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5‑inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

As one would expect, the Maybach Manufaktur showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is shaping to be very busy and jam-packed with lots of insight for the next decade or so, all things automobile. And to add to the fiasco, word has now popped up at the Frankfurt show suggesting that Daimler AG might pair up their failing Maybach brand with Aston Martin.

“We are close to a decision,” CEO Dieter Zetsche said this past Tuesday, commenting on the hype. Zetsche didn’t exactly disclose any more details other than Daimler is considering multiple options for the Maybach brand.

One of them is obviously the one mentioned here. The possible partnership could incite some interesting possibilities such as a new second-generation Maybach. Daimler and Aston Martin have collaborated projects in the past like four jointly designed concepts.

Whether the partnership goes well or fails will be told over time.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

Not too long ago in May, musical artist and rapper Birdman told the world via Twitter that he had just purchased the one-off Maybach Excelro coupe for an eye-watering sum of $8 million. After the purchase, he also told the world that he’s going to paint the car with his trademark red color when he gets it in December.

Now though, word is that a representative from Arnaud Massartic, a European entrepreneur, announced that Birdman has yet to pay for the car itself. And this may suggest that the rapper could be facing some financial woes.

Birdman already owns a $1.5 million Maybach Landaulet and a $2 million Bugatti Veyron both are to have said to have outstanding balances on them. Alternatively, some suggestions say that Birdman could be losing taste in the Maybach brand because of Kanye West and Jay-Z’s recent stunt of butchering a Maybach 57 for a film segment.

Either way, until Birdman pays his dues, the Exelero will remain in the hands of Massartic.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: MotorAuthority

Jay-Z (Hov) and Kanye West (Yeezy) have released their new anticipated collaborative album called ‘Watch the Throne.’ The album knew no borders on Apple iTunes on Monda with fans from all across the world rushing to buy it, making the album number 1 on iTunes in 23 different countries.

The duo have now released the first video off the new album called ‘Otis.’ In the video, Hov and Yeezy take a Maybach sedan and chop of the hood to create their very own, mean looking Maybach Landaulet. They even took the grille off the front and put it on the back.

The Maybach used in the video will be offered up for auction with proceeds going to the East African Drought Disaster.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

What is going to happen with Daimler AG’s uber-luxury Maybach brand? Until last week, there were two possibilities – one of which was to kill the brand, while the other involved teaming up with Aston Martin and creating a successor to the current-generation Maybach sedan. Sources familiar with the matter said that Aston Martin has created four concepts for Daimler based on the next-generation S-Class architecture.

Daimler AG said that it would make a decision on July 1 on the fate of Maybach.

According to a new report, Daimler has now delayed a decision on the future of Maybach by a month and is now considering turning the luxury brand into a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz.

Under that scenario, Maybach would be a sub-brand like AMG, and Mercedes-Benz will use the ‘Maybach’ name for top-of-the-line versions of the S-Class, GL-Class and CL-Class with minor design and quality changes.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Mark your calendars – Daimler AG plans to decide the fate of Maybach by July 1. On the plate are two options – killing the slow-selling uber-luxury brand or partnering up with Aston Martin to produce a second generation model.

Speaking at an event in Stuttgart, Germany last week, CEO Dieter Zetsche said “there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision” for a next-generation Maybach if the company can partner up with another automaker.

Zetsche said that it has not approached any other potential partner besides Aston Martin. He said that a concept for the second-generation Maybach has been produced and a final decision is pending. He said that Daimler made the mistake of investing more than $1 billion on the development of Maybach, which “was not a good investment for a small-volume vehicle.”

Last year, Maybach made 157 cars, according to IHS Automotive. 63 were sold in the United States.

What are your thoughts? Should Daimler kill Maybach or keep it going? Cast your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Birdman's Maybach Exelero

The Maybach Exelero is probably one of the hottest uber-luxury coupes we’ve ever seen. However, it’s unfortunate that Maybach only made one for Fulda Tyres, which used the car as test bed for a generation of wide tires.

Apparently, the only way you can get one is by being a Grammy nominated American rapper and record executive that owns Cash Money Records. That’s right, Birdman recently purchased the one Maybach Exelero for $8 million.

Following his purchase Birdman Tweeted “8million 0n a whip all red.blievetht.custom made.ymcmb” and posted the picture you see above.

Young Money. Birdman aka Baby… YMCMB… ya heard?

Refresher: Power for the Maybach Exelero comes from a V12 bi-turbo engine making 690-hp with a maximum torque of 737 lb-ft of torque. That allows the Maybach Exelero to go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 218 mph.

Maybach Exelero:

- By: Omar Rana

Aston Martin One-77 - Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Since the 2004 arrival of the DB9, all Aston Martins have been based on the company’s VH (vertical horizon) platform, which was developed during the time that Ford owned the English sports car manufacturer. The platform has its size limitations however, and cannot be stretched beyond the point that it is on the Rapide.

CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, has a plan to bring back the famed Lagonda name, but on a large, luxury four-door model. The problem is that Aston Martin is now a small independent manufacturer owned by a group of private investors, with no ties to other large scale automakers.

That sent Bez searching for a partner to build the new vehicle, as the company’s investor-owners lack auto development experience. The result; Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz will be teaming up to bring us a new breed of Lagondas and Maybachs.

Aston first approached BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but talks with BMW broke down in early 2010.

Now the next Maybach will use the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-class’s platform and hardware, and will be built by Aston Martin in Gaydon, England. In addition to building the next Maybach, Aston will also use S-class platform, engines, transmission and chassis for its own Lagonda sedan.

Team work is beautiful.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: CARandDRIVER

Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe (Xenatec Cruiserio)

The Xenatec Coupe, which is based on the Maybach 57 S, will make its first public appearance at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next week.

“The coupe was configured by Xenatec designer Fredrik Burchhardt to customer specifications and then built exclusively for him,” Xenatec said in a statement. “The paintwork on this one-off is a matte finish applied by hand in several layers to create a shimmering brass tone. The overall paint finish is completed by a delicate silver along the vehicle’s flanks.”

Known as the Xenatec Cruiserio, the model is powered by the same 6.0L twin-turbo V12 in the sedan making 612-hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.

Xenatec will build 100 units over the course of 3 years. Each will be priced at $923,140.

Hit the jump for the updated high-res image gallery.

Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe (Xenatec Cruiserio):

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Maybach 62 S

We’ve been hearing reports about Maybach closing its doors for some time now and parent Daimler AG isn’t denying it. Speaking at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said that “everything is on the table” in regards to Maybach’s future, including the possibility of shutting the brand down.

Nonetheless, there are still reports going on about a possible replacement for the current lineup. Sources have revealed that Mercedes-Benz is planning a new Maybach sedan based on the next-generation S-Class. The high-tech sedan will replace today’s 57 and 62 models and will likely hit showrooms in 2014.

It was recently reported that Aston Martin is in talks with Daimler AG over a potential partnership that would have the British brand build a new Maybach sedan.

Honestly at this point, we’re not sure what’s going on.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe (Xenatec Cruiserio)

Maybach has yet to offer a major upgrade to its current lineup and with no official confirmation on the future of the brand, fresh new products seem to be pretty far away. However, earlier this year, a company by the name of Xenatec said that it is building a coupe based on the Maybach 57 S sedan in cooperation with Maybach itself.

Last we heard anything on the development of the Xenatec coupe it was said that only 100 units will be hand built in Germany, with each units selling for $923,140.

The model recently made its real-life debut at Daimler headquarters in Stuttgart carrying the Xenatec Cruiserio name. Word has it that the project as received a $93 million investment from AutoKingdom of Saudi Arabia to build the 100 units over the course of three years. The first units is up for sale in Riyadh on JamesList. Check it out here.

Power for the Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe comes from the same 6.0L twin-turbo V12 in the sedan making 612-hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.

Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe (Xenatec Cruiserio):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: JamesList (via WCF)

2011 Maybach 62 S

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors of Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz teaming up with Aston Martin. Ever since the Mercedes-Benz GL based Aston Martin Lagonda Concept debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, rumors of the two companies working together have been popping up.

Latest reports suggest that Aston Martin is in talks with Daimler AG over a potential partnership that would have the British brand built a brand-new Maybach luxury sedan for the German brand.

In return, Aston Martin may take engine technology from Daimler including fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines. Aston could also gain access to Daimler’s four-wheel-drive technology for a production version of the off-road Lagonda SUV.

A report by the Financial Times suggests that an Aston Martin designed Maybach could debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

In response to the report, Daimler said it is evaluating options for the development of Maybach vehicles and that there was no pressure to reach a decision soon.

Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe

If you’re looking for a uber-luxury coupe, you had better pay a visit to Bentley or Rolls-Royce. However, earlier this year, Xenatec released the first sketches of its new Coupe limousine based on the Maybach 57 S. Built by Karosserie Manufaktur Weinsberg – a division of XENATEC Group – the coupe Maybach 57 S was built in collaboration with Maybach itself.

Only a 100 units will be hand built in Germany for those willing to cash out a price of 675,000 Euros ($923,140 USD).

Power still comes from a the same 6.0L twin-turbo V12 making 612-hp and 737 lb-ft of torque found in the Maybach 57 S. No 0-60 mph or top speed figures were released.

Hit the jump for the high-res gallery along with the press release.

Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe:

Press Release:

XENATEC Coup̩ Рbased upon the Maybach 57 S

XENATEC is proud to announce the launch of the XENATEC Coup̩ built by the Karosserie Manufaktur Weinsberg Рa division of XENATEC Group Рin cooperation with Maybach.

Created in 2002, the Maybach is undoubtedly one of the finest cars ever built. A powerful combination of state of the art technology, superior driving performance and opulent use of the finest materials places the Maybach in a league of its own.

Based upon the Maybach 57 S limousine, this dynamic interpretation of driver-oriented luxury sets new standards in terms of exclusivity ““ only 100 units will be built by hand in Germany for discerning enthusiasts worldwide, and will be offered at an ex-Works price of 675,000 excluding taxes.

The XENATEC Coupé was designed by Fredrik Burchhardt, creator of the dramatic Exelero (a joint Maybach and Fulda Tyre Company project in 2004-2005), to surpass the highest expectations – fulfilling the needs of those who prefer to savour the Maybach experience from the driver’s seat, enjoying the thrill of being at the helm of a high-performance flagship for the discerning connoisseur. A technical masterpiece offering uncompromised comfort together with ample space and superior agility.

The evolution from limousine to coup̩ has involved major changes to bodywork and interior, but none to the drivetrain Рand to the already impressive performance Рof the Maybach 57 S upon which the XENATEC Coup̩ is based.

In November 2009, XENATEC Group acquired the Special Purpose Vehicles Division of the renowned ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer concern in Weinsberg, Germany. Located near the birthplace of Wilhelm Maybach, this is home to a passionate team of experts.

Perpetuating the centennial tradition of ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer, this highly specialised company designs and produces bespoke vehicles such as armoured limousines and individual luxury automobiles for VIP clients. Moreover, XENATEC supplies automotive OEM clients with a broad range of white-metal components for specialised vehicles, as well as building prototypes and test vehicles for several German car manufacturers.

Drawing upon this vast reservoir of experience, XENATEC has designed and engineered the transformation of the highly exclusive Maybach 57 S limousine into an exciting and even more exclusive luxury coupé.

Every single car will be built to individual customer specification and handcrafted in Germany. The opportunities for personalisation, even extending to armouring the car, are almost boundless.

Compared to the Maybach 57 S limousine, major changes have been made to the immensely strong bodywork, which has been completely redesigned and engineered and features new doors allowing for easy access to the rear passenger compartment.

The windscreen and rear screen are more steeply raked for a sporty silhouette, lowering the roofline without compromising passenger comfort. A full glass roof can be fitted if desired, as can almost all other options available for the Maybach 57 S.

The doors and side panels as well as the front and rear fenders are new, as are the front and rear bumpers. Rear track is increased by 20 mm, and the standard 20-inch wheels allow for a marvellously supple ride whilst the optional 21-inch wheels sharpen handling to sports car levels – bringing the Maybach experience to the driver’s seat.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: autoblog.nl (WCF)