Mercedes-Benz killing Maybach in 2013, replaced by S600 Pullman

According to an unnamed Mercedes-Benz source speaking with Autoweek, the German automaker is killing off its Maybach line in 2013.

The unsurprising news comes after the brand was resurrected in 2002, but failed to meet sales expectations with its two core models, the Maybach 57 and 62. Further solidifying its fate, a deal for Aston Martin to aid in the development of future Maybachs fell through earlier this year.

According to the Autoweek's insider, the plan is to continue to sell both Maybach models through the end of 2013, after which the fifth-generation S-Class will go on sale. When that happens, three new variants of the S-Class will be available, including an all-new, range-topping S600 that brings back the Pullman moniker and may be better suited to competing with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

News Source: Autoweek