Maybach plots move downmarket

Says to Rolls-Royce: 'see you outside'

By PH Staff / Friday, 13 October 2006 / Loading comments

Flagship: Maybach 62

Mercedes and Rolls-Royce look like they're going to collide, as Mercedes-owned Maybach announces that it plans to make a smaller car. This follows Rolls-Royce's similar announcement recently (see link below).

Maybach has told AutoExpress that it's looking at ways to develop a baby model. The new car will be smaller than its three high-powered saloons, all V12-powered, which consist of the £299,970 5.5-litre long wheelbase Maybach 62, the 5.9-litre 612bhp 57S, which retails for £293,135, and the 5.5-litre 57 -- so far the baby of the group.

According to AutoExpress, Maybach boss Dieter Zetsche said his biggest problem was how to badge the new car. That's because, despite the relentless addition of power to the Mercedes engine range and weight to the cars' price tags, there remains a yawning gap between the top Merc and the cheapest Maybach. The cheapest Merc -- the S600 Limousine -- costs a piffling £102,000 while the 57 retails for £260,535.

So will it be a Mercedes or a Maybach? Apparently, the company's in no hurry to make that call. Could be interesting to watch the Sumo-style clash though, as it and Rolls meet somewhere between £150,000 and 200,000...