Mercedes-Maybach GLS undergoing road testing in Europe.
The first-ever SUV of Daimler’s ultra-luxury arm will go on sale
internationally in 2019. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS thankfully looks nothing
like the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury that drew flak because of its
oddball part-sedan, part-SUV design. Daimler has decided to introduce a variant of the
next-gen Mercedes GLS Class as the first production SUV under the
Mercedes-Maybach portfolio.
The Mercedes-Maybach variant will have a design
plusher than the standard variant featuring classically designed wheels, a more
sophisticated front grille and other such minor differences on the outside. The interior is where the
Mercedes-Maybach variant will make headlines, likely with a fixed rear centre
console splitting two individual rear seats that offer noticeably higher space
and more comfort creatures. Affluent owners can raise their glass to good
fortune on the go, as designers are likely using the space between the
executive seats to house a drinks cabinet, thermo cupholders for
cooling/warming drinks and foldable tray tables.
The Mercedes-Maybach variant is said to have the
same wheelbase as the standard variant. It will likely come with only the
Mercedes-AMG-developed M177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. A petrol-electric
plug-in hybrid powertrain is under consideration, though. Reports say that a
special drive mode to make driving easier for chauffeurs is planned for the
top-of-the-line next-gen GLS.
The production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will take
place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA). A Chinese motor show may stage its world
premiere, maybe Auto Shanghai (18-25 April). China is the brand’s biggest
market globally.
