Autocar reports that the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will be previewed by a
concept model at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, next month. The final production version isn’t that far away
either, as it might arrive as early as November, at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto
Show, with ordering books probably opening in the first quarter of 2019. According to the
British publication, the Maybach GLS could get series of styling upgrades over
the regular model including a Vision 6 Concept-like grille found on the
refreshed Maybach S-Class and Pullman along with similar-styled wheels.
It’s unknown whether the Maybach-pimped Mercedes GLS
will have a longer wheelbase to further differentiate it from the rest of the
models. Still, expect heated and ventilated individual rear seats with massage
function, in addition to other equipment such as ambient lighting,
entertainment screens and lots of leather, wood and metal trim.
Believed to be underpinned by the MHA platform,
shared with the upcoming GLE and GLE Coupe, the new Mercedes GLS, along with
its Maybach and AMG derivatives, will be lighter than the current GLS.
An assortment of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid
powertrains are expected to power it, in addition to the twin-turbo 4.0-liter
V8 engine in the AMG models. In its most powerful form, the new Mercedes-AMG
GLS 63 S might develop as much as 612 PS and 850 Nm of torque.
