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Mercedes rethinks its names: new Merc badges explained

At Mercedes, the naming of new models is often trickier than the technology these vehicles convey. Under the current badging hierarchy, most mainstream models use familiar one-letter names like S-class or G-Wagen. So far, so logical.

Mercedes S-Class Maybach spied (video)

The Mercedes S-Class Maybach hits the Nurburgring The new Mercedes S-Class is already starting to proliferate, with a wide range of engines, two wheelbases and the CL Coupe’s replacement – the new S-Class Coupe – already hitting the market. But Mercedes are far from finished extending the S-Class franchise, and we’ve got two more versions of the S-Class Saloon – the Maybach and Pullman – still to come, and the arrival of the S-Class Convertible still to come. And now it looks like the S-Class Maybach – effectively a replacement for the ill-fated Maybach brand – is getting closer to debut with this S-Class Maybach spotted testing at the Nurburgring.

BMW designer Schaffer to lead U.S. studio

Laurenz Schaffer, an 11-year veteran of BMW AG's design staff, will take charge of the automaker's studio in California on Dec. 1. He will replace Verena Kloos, 48, as president of DesignworksUSA.