What should Daimler do with Maybach?
- Thread starter SDNR
- Start date
Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
- Messages
- 2,826
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
It's almost like the Royal Family itself. We like to look at the royals and believe that they stand for a certain set of elitist old world values and traditions when nothing could be further from the truth.
Likewise, we want to believe in the myth of Rolls Royce and the owners - That there's an elite subset of high society that simply demands nothing less than the loud federalist bravadio that is the Phantom and Drophead Coupé. But at the end of the day what they really are is loud, showy cars for people who really wear their bank account on their sleeve and want to purchase entry into the storied mythology of the Rolls club.
I'm not faulting Rolls Royce, I'm just (like Rob) noting that the brand has a different function in today's society. It's by the good graces of BMW and company that the new models have at least been styled with panache and skill. They're ludicrous, but they also make perfect sense to us. Like the Queen, we have a will for Rolls to validate the notion that there's really is such a thing as the values and traditions it speaks of - we want to believe in stuffy old bullshit.
On a sidenote - I parked next to a Phantom last week and I couldn't believe how huge that thing was. Its roofline was so high compared to my car - it was almost SUV'ish in height.
It's almost like the Royal Family itself. We like to look at the royals and believe that they stand for a certain set of elitist old world values and traditions when nothing could be further from the truth.
Likewise, we want to believe in the myth of Rolls Royce and the owners - That there's an elite subset of high society that simply demands nothing less than the loud federalist bravadio that is the Phantom and Drophead Coupé. But at the end of the day what they really are is loud, showy cars for people who really wear their bank account on their sleeve and want to purchase entry into the storied mythology of the Rolls club.
I'm not faulting Rolls Royce, I'm just (like Rob) noting that the brand has a different function in today's society. It's by the good graces of BMW and company that the new models have at least been styled with panache and skill. They're ludicrous, but they also make perfect sense to us. Like the Queen, we have a will for Rolls to validate the notion that there's really is such a thing as the values and traditions it speaks of - we want to believe in stuffy old bullshit.
On a sidenote - I parked next to a Phantom last week and I couldn't believe how huge that thing was. Its roofline was so high compared to my car - it was almost SUV'ish in height.
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 10,192
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
Thank you for that post Josh ....you get karma
You have a real gift at being able to express your thoughts in a very articulate way. I really struggle to put my abstract thoughts into words at times, so I very much admire your skill
Thank you for that post Josh ....you get karma
You have a real gift at being able to express your thoughts in a very articulate way. I really struggle to put my abstract thoughts into words at times, so I very much admire your skill
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 10,192
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
^^he he.
I get quite agitated by some people who have a problem with Hip Hop artists buying Rolls-Royces or Mercedes-Benzes. Often, there is also a certain undertone of racism in the comments too.
The thing is, if you can afford such a car, then you can own one.
In the 1930s, Daimler-Benz would only sell 500 Grossers to individuals who were deemed "suitable" by the company. This meant that only royalty, nobility, and high-ranking officials of the Nazi party were able to own them. Some celebrities owned them too .....but Mercedes would certainly not have allowed any Jew to own one.
I think the Phantom is popular in the American Hip Hop culture because it is a bold and self-assured symbol of success ...it was created for people who are proud of their success and want to celebrate it, regardless of race, culture, or the social class they were born in to. Rolls-Royce and Maybach (like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, etc.) are celebratory cars -- people buy these cars because they represent a life of luxury and pleasure -- rewards for hard work and great financial prosperity -- who could not be seduced by such an illusion?
^^he he.
I get quite agitated by some people who have a problem with Hip Hop artists buying Rolls-Royces or Mercedes-Benzes. Often, there is also a certain undertone of racism in the comments too.
The thing is, if you can afford such a car, then you can own one.
In the 1930s, Daimler-Benz would only sell 500 Grossers to individuals who were deemed "suitable" by the company. This meant that only royalty, nobility, and high-ranking officials of the Nazi party were able to own them. Some celebrities owned them too .....but Mercedes would certainly not have allowed any Jew to own one.
I think the Phantom is popular in the American Hip Hop culture because it is a bold and self-assured symbol of success ...it was created for people who are proud of their success and want to celebrate it, regardless of race, culture, or the social class they were born in to. Rolls-Royce and Maybach (like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, etc.) are celebratory cars -- people buy these cars because they represent a life of luxury and pleasure -- rewards for hard work and great financial prosperity -- who could not be seduced by such an illusion?
bmer
Tire Trailblazer
- Messages
- 6,956
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
I believe you're wrong here. The Maybach is as "bling-bling" as the Phantom. I think I've seen as many Maybachs in rap music videos/MTV Cribs as Phantoms. And how is the Rolls more "superficial" than the Maybach? At least the Phantom remains loyal to the heritage. When you step inside, there's no doubt you're inside a Rolls. How many typical Maybach styling cues can you find inside the 57 or the 62? None. The Maybach interior is basicly an S-Class interior with a fancier trim. Making a modified S-Class and calling it a revival of the great car manufacturer, now that's superficial.
I believe you're wrong here. The Maybach is as "bling-bling" as the Phantom. I think I've seen as many Maybachs in rap music videos/MTV Cribs as Phantoms. And how is the Rolls more "superficial" than the Maybach? At least the Phantom remains loyal to the heritage. When you step inside, there's no doubt you're inside a Rolls. How many typical Maybach styling cues can you find inside the 57 or the 62? None. The Maybach interior is basicly an S-Class interior with a fancier trim. Making a modified S-Class and calling it a revival of the great car manufacturer, now that's superficial.
coolraoul
Torque Titan
- Messages
- 4,601
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
Well the 62 has a quite spectacular interior and is everything but a fanciest S-Class interior. A Businessman really can work inside a 62, he can sleep also, he has every modern toy he needs to work today and that's why I said it is more adapted to businessman than the Rolls.
And yes it is less bling-bling, the exterior is not that spectacular, it is just a Big Mercedes, but that's all. It does not have the giant grill, chromes everywhere like the Rolls!
I admit that I exagerated for the rappers, but it is what I think when I see the Rolls: it has lost all its class and distinction, but remains big and aggressive, it "stinks money". The Maybach doesn't. More understated. But not more elegant, interior as exterior. It will need work to give it the statute of the old Rolls or Maybachs, it is clear...
Well the 62 has a quite spectacular interior and is everything but a fanciest S-Class interior. A Businessman really can work inside a 62, he can sleep also, he has every modern toy he needs to work today and that's why I said it is more adapted to businessman than the Rolls.
And yes it is less bling-bling, the exterior is not that spectacular, it is just a Big Mercedes, but that's all. It does not have the giant grill, chromes everywhere like the Rolls!
I admit that I exagerated for the rappers, but it is what I think when I see the Rolls: it has lost all its class and distinction, but remains big and aggressive, it "stinks money". The Maybach doesn't. More understated. But not more elegant, interior as exterior. It will need work to give it the statute of the old Rolls or Maybachs, it is clear...
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 10,192
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
It will be most interesting to see if VW can pull-off a genuine replacement for the Arnage.
I have to say that I am not overly confident. I think we are likely to get something much more like the Continental models. There is nothing really bad about the Continentals, but they do lack a certain sense of heritage and charm in my opinion.
It will be most interesting to see if VW can pull-off a genuine replacement for the Arnage.
I have to say that I am not overly confident. I think we are likely to get something much more like the Continental models. There is nothing really bad about the Continentals, but they do lack a certain sense of heritage and charm in my opinion.
coolraoul
Torque Titan
- Messages
- 4,601
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
It may sounds strange, because the Arnage is old now, but if I had to choose a car like that, I think the new, LWB version of the Arnage would be my choice. More authentic, elegant. Second choice would be the Maybach 62S, and the Rolls, well, I don't think. I don't see me in that car.
The Continentals, well, I said what I think of them: the Frogs.
Honestly, I think I would in reality buy a wonderful Phantom V, an early version with single round headlamp... A dream of a car, such perfection never has been surpassed. Chauffeur-drived of course.
It may sounds strange, because the Arnage is old now, but if I had to choose a car like that, I think the new, LWB version of the Arnage would be my choice. More authentic, elegant. Second choice would be the Maybach 62S, and the Rolls, well, I don't think. I don't see me in that car.
The Continentals, well, I said what I think of them: the Frogs.
Honestly, I think I would in reality buy a wonderful Phantom V, an early version with single round headlamp... A dream of a car, such perfection never has been surpassed. Chauffeur-drived of course.
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 10,192
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
But I would still choose a SWB 600 above them all
We have similar taste coolraoul. I have a special fondness for those old limousines too.
But I would still choose a SWB 600 above them all
- Messages
- 35,947
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
That makes it two of us. I don't want to see the new Arnage sharing center console with the future Phaeton or Audi R8.
The Bentley CGT shares interior with the Phaeton and the Gallardo has Audi A3 center console. I don't like that.
That makes it two of us. I don't want to see the new Arnage sharing center console with the future Phaeton or Audi R8.
The Bentley CGT shares interior with the Phaeton and the Gallardo has Audi A3 center console. I don't like that.
coolraoul
Torque Titan
- Messages
- 4,601
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
Ah, the W100 600...Air suspension; hydraulical glasses, seats, and central-locking (hydraulical and not electrical to allow it to operate silently!!!)...
Central locking and electrical antenna were firstly mounted on this car I think.
Even the emergency-tire was mounted on a ressort so that when the chauffeur came, the tyre was lifted and easier to take outside the car...
Really wonderful car. But why SWB? The LWB is beautiful too!
AMG has recently tuned up a W100, with driver air-bag, alloy wheels, the 6.3 AMG V8, and Nappa leather on the seats...
(as they did for a 300SL Gullwing, with horrible rims, horribles morrors, the AMG 6.3 V8 and so one...
) Even the AMG man said it was a pity....
This W100 would come close second behind the Phantom V for me, it is really a masterpiece of a car.
The Daimler DS 420 is wonderful too. It was hated by the chauffeurs because all the place in the car was for the rear passengers and the place for the chauffeur was too small, not comfortable at all ...
I love these 60's cars...
We have similar taste coolraoul. I have a special fondness for those old limousines too.
But I would still choose a SWB 600 above them all
Ah, the W100 600...Air suspension; hydraulical glasses, seats, and central-locking (hydraulical and not electrical to allow it to operate silently!!!)...
Central locking and electrical antenna were firstly mounted on this car I think.Even the emergency-tire was mounted on a ressort so that when the chauffeur came, the tyre was lifted and easier to take outside the car...
Really wonderful car. But why SWB? The LWB is beautiful too!
AMG has recently tuned up a W100, with driver air-bag, alloy wheels, the 6.3 AMG V8, and Nappa leather on the seats...
(as they did for a 300SL Gullwing, with horrible rims, horribles morrors, the AMG 6.3 V8 and so one... ) Even the AMG man said it was a pity....This W100 would come close second behind the Phantom V for me, it is really a masterpiece of a car.
The Daimler DS 420 is wonderful too. It was hated by the chauffeurs because all the place in the car was for the rear passengers and the place for the chauffeur was too small, not comfortable at all
...I love these 60's cars...
coolraoul
Torque Titan
- Messages
- 4,601
Re: Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
Rob, I love the W126 of your avatar. This one of the most beautiful executive car ever produced imho.
I dream of the C126, this is my favourite "recent" Mercedes. I think that I will buy one one day, a 500SEC surely (500 is a magical number for a Mercedes). I love it.
When I saw the new CL-Class and its big grille, I thought "Oh my God this is a re-born C126"...
Rob, I love the W126 of your avatar. This one of the most beautiful executive car ever produced imho.
I dream of the C126, this is my favourite "recent" Mercedes. I think that I will buy one one day, a 500SEC surely (500 is a magical number for a Mercedes). I love it.
When I saw the new CL-Class and its big grille, I thought "Oh my God this is a re-born C126"...
PanterroR
Lap Time Luminary
- Messages
- 21,867
Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?
It’s no secret Maybach has been a major flop for Mercedes-Benz. At a time when Rolls-Royce and Bentley are both making record sales, Maybach has struggled to move less than 800 cars since its launch in ’02. The decision has finally come to cull a large portion of Maybach franchises in the U.S., with 29 of the original 71 stores being closed.
Most of the Maybach stores also sell Mercedes models but dealers had to initially fork out over half a million dollars to accommodate the ultra-luxury label. Last year, total sales in the U.S. amounted to just 146 cars, well short of the initial goal of 600 units a year.
Speaking with Automotive News at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, Mercedes’ U.S. Chief Ernst Lieb revealed those dealers affected by the decision will be compensated but most are expected to have lost significant investment. One dealer, who sold just seven Maybachs over five years, explained that the revenue wasn’t enough to cover the costs of the studio, demo car and inventory of parts.
One of Maybach’s key problems is that it essentially offers a bloated Mercedes-Benz at an exuberant price tag. The Maybach looks too much like a Mercedes and doesn’t offer anything significant over a fully-loaded S-class. Indeed, many critics have argued that the Maybach cars should have simply been branded with the familiar tri-star logo and the company could have prevented spending money on wasteful branding exercises.
Source: Motor Authority » Beginning of the end for Maybach
---------------------------------
The bold part: Exactly what i was saying for a loooong time: Nothing but wider and longer S class with more buttons. Oh and overpriced too just because of the different logo! Eat that MB!
It’s no secret Maybach has been a major flop for Mercedes-Benz. At a time when Rolls-Royce and Bentley are both making record sales, Maybach has struggled to move less than 800 cars since its launch in ’02. The decision has finally come to cull a large portion of Maybach franchises in the U.S., with 29 of the original 71 stores being closed.
Most of the Maybach stores also sell Mercedes models but dealers had to initially fork out over half a million dollars to accommodate the ultra-luxury label. Last year, total sales in the U.S. amounted to just 146 cars, well short of the initial goal of 600 units a year.
Speaking with Automotive News at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, Mercedes’ U.S. Chief Ernst Lieb revealed those dealers affected by the decision will be compensated but most are expected to have lost significant investment. One dealer, who sold just seven Maybachs over five years, explained that the revenue wasn’t enough to cover the costs of the studio, demo car and inventory of parts.
One of Maybach’s key problems is that it essentially offers a bloated Mercedes-Benz at an exuberant price tag. The Maybach looks too much like a Mercedes and doesn’t offer anything significant over a fully-loaded S-class. Indeed, many critics have argued that the Maybach cars should have simply been branded with the familiar tri-star logo and the company could have prevented spending money on wasteful branding exercises.
Source: Motor Authority » Beginning of the end for Maybach
---------------------------------
The bold part: Exactly what i was saying for a loooong time: Nothing but wider and longer S class with more buttons. Oh and overpriced too just because of the different logo! Eat that MB!
PanterroR
Lap Time Luminary
- Messages
- 21,867
Re: Beginning of the end for Maybach
Sorry, can't find the link, care to provide it?
Repost
Sorry, can't find the link, care to provide it?
- Messages
- 2,279
Re: Beginning of the end for Maybach
Isn't the thread you created "Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?" offer the same information? If not my bad!
Sorry, can't find the link, care to provide it?
Isn't the thread you created "Mercedes close to absorbing Maybach?" offer the same information? If not my bad!
Similar threads
Mercedes-Maybach
In November 2014, Daimler announced the revival of the Maybach name as a
sub-brand of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222), positioned as an upscale
version akin to the more sporty Mercedes-AMG sub-brand.
Official website: Mercedes-Maybach
Official website: Mercedes-Maybach
