Say Bye To Maybach, Hello To Pullman
Just as Mercedes prepares to do away with one historic nameplate, it appears to be reviving another. The flagship of the next-generation S-Class range will wear the Pullman badge.
Pullman historically denoted long-wheelbase cars, most notably the famous “Grosser” 600 sedans. Mercedes head Dieter Zetsche told Autocar that the Pullman would supercede the regular long-wheelbase model in the new lineup
“We will continue in the market segment above €200,000 [£170,000],” said Zetsche. “It is important that Mercedes-Benz is represented. We have tradition at this level. We see a chance to extend our leadership at the top end of the luxury car market. We plan to extend the number of models, and a Pullman is included in those plans.”
Among the ways to differentiate the Pullman (aside from the extra-long wheelbase) will be a distinctive grille. The 600s of yesteryear had a Mercedes star emblem some 20 percent larger than other models. This should be a fair bit less subtle.
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I'll bet the star lights up on the hood of this Pullman...
I didn't realize the car was already in production... http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z256/jimbob1955_2007/600%20Pullman/Mercedes-Benz-S600-Pullman-Guard-2011-1280x800-005_zps210b0818.jpg
When it was released, I said that the Maybach should have been badged as a Mercedes (and the A & B classes badged as some kind of sub-brand). Mercedes has been pushing down-market for decades - and that's a bad thing. I remember when I was a kid my neighbors had a new W116 S-Class. It was a treat to get a lift to school in that. I didn't really know what it was, but it felt special. Now my wife and I both drive E Classes. My 9 y.o. son said something the other day that made me realize that, to him, a Mercedes is just another car.
I want to know what Rick Ross thinks about this.