last Maybach
probably wouldn't have been regarded as a success. But evidently there is sufficient demand for a flagship above the S-Class as the Maybach is returning to the Mercedes range.
When's the Mercedes-Maybach Mercedes-AMG?
Sort of. Rather than a separate model, the new car will be the Mercedes-Maybach
S-Class
. You'll notice the naming strategy is similar to the new Mercedes-AMG models, with Mercedes very keen to stress that Maybach 'is not an equipment line - it is a sub-brand that in future will deliver Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form.' And it is exactly what that name implies, an S-Class that's had the luxury ramped up even further. We can only see the rear passenger seats at the moment (seems like the most appropriate place to start) which is impeccably appointed. Look at that legroom!
Mercedes has said the Maybach S-Class will be distinguished by 'extra spaciousness, special seats and lavishly designed, prestigious interiors offering extensive scope for individualisation'. Mercedes will show the Maybach S-Class in its entirety by the end of this month, though apparently not at LA. Oh and there's an S600 coming also, if anyone's interested.
Referring to the new Mercedes range-topper as a 'Mercedes-Maybach S-Class' is just the tip of a very confusing iceberg for the brand's new model range badges. Best have a pen and paper ready, there's quite a lot to take note of...
Who wants to see the front seats anyway?
Let's begin with engine nomenclature. Forget Bluetec, CDI, Electric Drive and Hybrid; they're gone. All diesel models will simply be 'd', compressed natural gas models will be 'c', there's 'e' for electric and 'f' for fuel cell. All hybrid Mercedes will simply be badged 'h' from now on. 4Matic continues unchanged. Phew.
Got all that? Right, then we're onto the 'simple, clear and transparent' new system for naming the expanding Merc range. The core models of A, B, C, E and S remain but it's the second and third letters that are changing. With a growing SUV range there are new G models most importantly.
So the GLA continues, the GLK become GLC, the ML becomes the GLE and there will be a GLE coupe too. Furthermore, the GL is replaced by the GLS (linking it more closely to the S-Class) and yet, somehow amongst all this, the staunch old Gelandewagen remains a G-Class.
This is becoming a GLS. Not a Vauxhall Vectra
And there's more. All convertible Mercedes models will carry 'SL' in their names from 2016 with the third letter linking back to the core models. This means the SLK will become SLC, which is rather confusing for those who remember the SL coupe. There's no confirmation on whether the E-Class cabriolet will become SLE or if an SLA will join the range at any point. Lord knows what will happen if an open version of the
S-Class coupe
been seen testing
. SLS has sort of already been taken.
In Mercedes' defence this is a very logical way of doing things with more models coming. It's just a big change for our simple minds. We'll bring you more details of all the models (and any further changes!) as the news arrives.