Mercedes-Benz may be planning to take the reborn Maybach brand further down the model hierarchy with this apparently Maybach-ed E-Class sedan, spotted recently by the photographic team at Automedia.
Following the super long-wheelbase, Bentley Flying Spur-challenging Maybach S 600 launched in mid-year, this variant – if it reaches production – appears to be targeted at an audience with needs for something less gargantuan.
Although the basic design details don't appear to vary from those of the new-generation E-Class to be officially unveiled in January 2016 at the Detroit motor show, the car in the spy pics appears to feature a longer wheelbase, with the extra length applied from the B-pillar back.
The implication is that a Maybach E-Class would have even more back-seat accommodation than the regular model, something like that already offered in regular S-Class models, but minus the overall bulk.
It could be expected Benz won't hold back on powerplants for a bigger, heavier and luxo-laden Maybach E, either. The 3.0-litre turbo six which currently produces 245kW/480Nm could be a minimum; the 430kW/800Nm AMG 5.5-litre V8 would be a certainty.
Whatever powerplants the new model ends up with, it seems Maybach is not about to go away.
As well as the E-Class based model, Mercedes is also known to have plans for a Maybach SUV, presumably a development of the next-generation GLS due in 2016.