The Mercedes-Maybach GLS debuted exactly two years ago but engineers and designers already working on an update to the flagship SUV as seen by this lightly camouflaged prototype that spies caught in Europe. The most luxurious variant of the GLS will go through mild visual updates in order to stay up to date and in line with the more modern S-Class. Starting from the front, the seven-seater looks virtually unchanged, featuring Maybach’s unique grille and bumper design, although this might be the case only for this early prototype with more changes coming to later models.
The same applies to the profile where we
can see the multispoke 22-inch wheels and electronically reclining side steps
for easier ingress/egress. What seems to have changed is the rear end, with a
portion of bodywork around the taillights being camouflaged. While the shape of
the horizontally-arranged lighting units appears to be similar, the LED
graphics are now different.
Inside, the updated model is rumored to
get updated graphics for the digital instrument cluster and the central
touchscreen with the latest version of the MBUX system. At some point, the GLS
will inherit the new screen layout that debuted last year on the S-Class and
has already found its way into the SL, however, such a big change might not
happen during this minor facelift. It is possible though that the Maybach GLS
will get the new three-spoke steering wheel from the sedan.
Under the bonnet of the GLS 600 we expect
the usual twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 550 hp and 730 Nm of torque mated to the EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system which is
good for an additional 22 hp of power and 250 Nm of
torque. We may see some minor power and fuel efficiency improvements across the
range.
The updated version of the heavyweight
Mercedes-Maybach isn’t expected before early 2023, when it will compete with
the likes of the facelifted Bentley Bentayga, the brand new Range Rover, and
the higher trim levels of the upcoming BMW X7 facelift.
