The Mercedes GLS is large and luxurious, but it’s
about to get more exclusive as the company is putting the finishing touches on
a Maybach variant. Designed to compete with the Bentley Bentayga and Royce-Rolls
Cullinan, the range-topping model has been spied virtually undisguised ahead of
its debut this fall.
Like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the ultra-luxury
GLS is distinguished by a unique grille with vertical bars. Additional changes
are limited, but the model has been equipped with massive wheels that are
wrapped in Continental PremiumContact 6 tires.
The rear end has also been modified as it features a
unique fascia and bumper. The changes will likely go unnoticed by most people,
but the updates mean the reflectors are now mounted higher up than on the
mainstream GLS. Lastly, there are new exhaust tips with horizontal chrome
accents.
While the exterior styling changes are minor,
designers will focus their efforts on improving the cabin. Nothing is official,
but it’s believed the model will have power adjustable second-row executive
seats which are separated by a center console. We can also expect premium
leather upholstery, additional wood trim and Maybach-branded pillows. Other
highlights should include additional sound deadening material, power rear
window blinds and an Air Balance system which wafts Maybach Agarwood perfume
into the cabin.
Besides the Maybach-specific features, the model
should come with virtually all of the options and standard equipment from the
mainstream GLS. As a result, we can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument
cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system and 7-inch MBUX tablets in the rear
passenger compartment. Buyers should also find an ambient lighting system,
heated / cooled cup holders and a Burmester premium audio system. There should
also be heated, ventilated and massaging seats as well as a four- or five-zone
climate control system.
Power will likely be provided by a twin-turbo
4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 483 hp and 699
Nm of torque. It should be backed up by an EQ Boost starter generator which
can contribute an additional 21 hp and 249 Nm of
torque for short bursts of performance.
In the GLS 580, the powertrain enables the model to
accelerate from 0-96 km/h in approximately 5.2 seconds. Given enough
room, the GLS will eventually hit a limited top speed of 209 km/h.
