Mercedes' flagship Bentley Bentayga rival sports minimal camouflage in the days before its launch
11 April 2019

Mercedes-Benz is planning to expand its luxury Maybach line with a plush range-topping version of its soon-to-be-revealed GLS SUV.

The third-generation of Mercedes' largest SUV is set to make its debut at next week's New York motor show, and prototypes of the range-topping model are being tested in minimal camouflage.  

Mercedes-Maybach S 600 review

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is marked out by its unique vertical grille slats. Chrome exterior detailing, distinct badging and unique wheels are also expected behind the camouflage. The biggest changes will be to the interior, however, where the Maybach is likely to ditch a seven seat layout for five or even six captain's chairs for a roomier and more luxurious layout.

Maybach is considered an important brand for Mercedes to develop given the rising demand for luxury models, particularly in the SUV sector, with rivals such as Bentley and Land Rover having notable success with the Bentayga and Range Rover respectively.

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Mercedes has also seen strong growth of its AMG performance arm and would like to emulate this success with Maybach on a smaller but still profitable scale.

The new SUV, first reported to be on the cards by Autocar in 2016, is tipped to be priced above £120,000 when sales begin later this year.

The model will build on initiatives taken with the two-year-old Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

It will share the same basic aluminium-and-steel bodyshell and advanced four-wheel- drive underpinnings as the regular GLS. However, its upmarket positioning will be justified by a series of subtle exterior design tweaks and a significantly more luxurious interior.

The GLS sits on the latest Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform shared with the smaller GLE, extended to give it a similar footprint to the new BMW X7. It provides a significant reduction in kerb weight over the old GLS, the capability to support a 48V electrical architecture and the very latest in radar, camera and sensor-supported driving functions.

Insiders involved in the development of the forthcoming concept car, known internally as the Maybach 9, say it will not only preview the look of the SUV, with a bold new grille among the key elements, but also highlight the kind of high-end features, including autonomous driving functions, due to be offered.

A high-level Mercedes official told Autocar: “We have been quietly surprised by the sales success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which is proving extremely popular in many key markets. The plan now is to extend the exclusivity surrounding the Maybach name into the upper end of the SUV segment. We’re confident that this new model will leave little to be desired in terms of luxury.”

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which could be called the GLS 560, is likely to be offered exclusively with the AMG-developed M177 V8 petrol engine. In the recently launched S560, this twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 produces 462bhp.

The new engine, which features a cylinder shutdown function for added fuel savings in city driving, will replace the twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre V8 used by today’s Mercedes-Benz GLS 500.

Also under discussion for the Mercedes-Maybach SUV is the plug-in petrol-electric drivetrain recently unveiled in the Mercedes-Benz S560e. This combines Mercedes’ new turbocharged and electronically supercharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, developing 362bhp, with a 121bhp electric motor and a lithium ion battery. It's said to offer a pure-electric range of up to 31 miles.

The next GLS will be produced exclusively at Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, US, making the luxury SUV the first Maybach model to be produced stateside.

As well as providing competition to the Bentayga, the luxury GLS has also been conceived as a rival to the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover SVAutobiography.

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Comments
25

15 March 2018

The Rolls Royce name has been confirmed as the Cullinan - it's official.

15 March 2018

dreaming

15 March 2018

Like lip stick on a pig. Pity the people who pay 300k for a 70k car aren’t smart enough to crossshop with Rolls

TS7

15 March 2018
GODFATHER wrote:

Like lip stick on a pig. Pity the people who pay 300k for a 70k car aren’t smart enough to crossshop with Rolls

 

It's quite an old porker too, the platform is approaching its sixth birthday.

15 March 2018
GODFATHER wrote:

Like lip stick on a pig. Pity the people who pay 300k for a 70k car aren’t smart enough to crossshop with Rolls

Aren't you smart enough to realise that many people don't 'crosshop' between a Rolls Royce and a Mercedes (or Aston or Bentley)? They have both. Or 'crosshop' a Rolls Royce with a Ferrari, piece of art, jewellery, etc.

15 March 2018
k12479 wrote:

GODFATHER wrote:

Like lip stick on a pig. Pity the people who pay 300k for a 70k car aren’t smart enough to crossshop with Rolls

Aren't you smart enough to realise that many people don't 'crosshop' between a Rolls Royce and a Mercedes (or Aston or Bentley)? They have both. Or 'crosshop' a Rolls Royce with a Ferrari, piece of art, jewellery, etc.

if you had any sense then you would have realised that this (‘Mercedes in drag’) Maybach is actually 250k which makes it a direct rival to Rolls. Only the class-less Idiotic badge snobs that wear Mercedes goggles would buy junk like this over a Rolls, I’m guessing ur one of them. Plus why would you buy both this and a Rolls, it’s stupidity. 

I.e. My spelling of cross-shop was missing a slash, you were missing a S. As the saying goes “People living in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”

15 March 2018
GODFATHER wrote:

if you had any sense then you would have realised that this (‘Mercedes in drag’) Maybach is actually 250k which makes it a direct rival to Rolls.

Mercedes Maybach S650 - £174,640.00

"Luxurious SUV will make its debut in April and go on sale in 2019 priced above £120k"

And do you know or realise how much BMW content is an a Rolls Royce?

GODFATHER wrote:

Plus why would you buy both this and a Rolls, it’s stupidity. 

Because above a certain price point, rationality becomes completely irrelevant. Some years ago RR's market research said the average buyer had six cars - they wouldn't buy a RR/Bentley instead of an S-Class it would be in addition.

GODFATHER wrote:

Only the class-less Idiotic badge snobs that wear Mercedes goggles would buy junk like this over a Rolls

Erm...you're being a bit snobbish about badges there, although admittedly RR does a fine job of hiding the 7-series bits. Frankly, Maybach and Rolls-Royce are both crass tack-fests.
GODFATHER wrote:

ur 

Ur?? For god's sake, what are you, 14?

16 March 2018
k12479 wrote:

GODFATHER wrote:

if you had any sense then you would have realised that this (‘Mercedes in drag’) Maybach is actually 250k which makes it a direct rival to Rolls.

Mercedes Maybach S650 - £174,640.00

"Luxurious SUV will make its debut in April and go on sale in 2019 priced above £120k"

And do you know or realise how much BMW content is an a Rolls Royce?

GODFATHER wrote:

Plus why would you buy both this and a Rolls, it’s stupidity. 

Because above a certain price point, rationality becomes completely irrelevant. Some years ago RR's market research said the average buyer had six cars - they wouldn't buy a RR/Bentley instead of an S-Class it would be in addition.

GODFATHER wrote:

Only the class-less Idiotic badge snobs that wear Mercedes goggles would buy junk like this over a Rolls

Erm...you're being a bit snobbish about badges there, although admittedly RR does a fine job of hiding the 7-series bits. Frankly, Maybach and Rolls-Royce are both crass tack-fests.
GODFATHER wrote:

ur 

Ur?? For god's sake, what are you, 14?

1. That still puts this ‘pig in lipstick’ up against Rolls Ghost. Which model has more difference, this and a S-class or a 7-series to a Ghost. The larger Pullmans is what goes up against a Phantom and both a essentially a S-Class.

2. This is suppose to be a model in its own right hence the Maybach name. They tried as as a brand but it failed so now they bringing it back as a Range only to try as a brand again later, Much like DS and Citroen. S Class is a inferior luxury car to a Rolls Ghost so how can Mercedes more then double the price with more leather and a chinsy grill. The model you are talking about it a Mercedes S class not the Mercedes Maybach.

3. So is it snobbish showing off a Maybach that is a Sclass in drag. Least the Rolls as nothing in common with a 7 series which has completely different design inside and out, feels/handles differently and generale has different characteristic. BMW is sporty and the Rolls is all about luxury.

4. Coming on a blog and pointing out how people are saving time by shortening words isn’t acting like a 12 year old is it. For ur information, I actually have a masters in computer science so come back to me when you finish ur education.  

 

16 March 2018
GODFATHER wrote:

1. That still puts this ‘pig in lipstick’ up against Rolls Ghost. Which model has more difference, this and a S-class or a 7-series to a Ghost. The larger Pullmans is what goes up against a Phantom and both a essentially a S-Class.

2. This is suppose to be a model in its own right hence the Maybach name. They tried as as a brand but it failed so now they bringing it back as a Range only to try as a brand again later, Much like DS and Citroen. S Class is a inferior luxury car to a Rolls Ghost so how can Mercedes more then double the price with more leather and a chinsy grill. The model you are talking about it a Mercedes S class not the Mercedes Maybach.

3. So is it snobbish showing off a Maybach that is a Sclass in drag. Least the Rolls as nothing in common with a 7 series which has completely different design inside and out, feels/handles differently and generale has different characteristic. BMW is sporty and the Rolls is all about luxury.

4. Coming on a blog and pointing out how people are saving time by shortening words isn’t acting like a 12 year old is it. For ur information, I actually have a masters in computer science so come back to me when you finish ur education.  

 

1. You seem to be slinging models around. You stated £250k. This GLS Maybach derivative is mentioned at £120k+, the existing S650 Maybach (which is the top model, outside the UK they start lower) is £175k. The Pullman is a different thing altogether and is not a direct Phantom rival, which is why if you go to Mercedes' websites you will find barely a mention of it, it's because they are typically bought by businesses and governments, unlike Phantoms.

2. What? The sub-brand is Mercedes-Maybach. The first model is the S-class derivative, this GLS-derivative would be the second. Inferior? As to how? Autocar gives the Ghost 4*, the S-Class 5*. Objectively that's better. Subjectively is a different matter.

3. It's not in drag, it IS an S-class, they are not pretending it is anything but. You can get a Mercedes S560 or you can step up to a Mercedes-Maybach S560. It's called almost exactly the same thing, it shares looks. "the Rolls as nothing in common with a 7 series...". Yes it does, a lot. It's canny marketing to sell the same basic product/contents at different price points. Differentiate it enough and you can widen the price (a la 7 series to Ghost), differentiate it less and you save costs but narrow the spread (a la Mercedes to Mercedes-Maybach)

4. Finished it and got more than a Masters. By the way, this isn't a blog, it's an article with a comments section.

16 April 2018
GODFATHER wrote:

k12479 wrote:

GODFATHER wrote:

Like lip stick on a pig. Pity the people who pay 300k for a 70k car aren’t smart enough to crossshop with Rolls

Aren't you smart enough to realise that many people don't 'crosshop' between a Rolls Royce and a Mercedes (or Aston or Bentley)? They have both. Or 'crosshop' a Rolls Royce with a Ferrari, piece of art, jewellery, etc.

if you had any sense then you would have realised that this (‘Mercedes in drag’) Maybach is actually 250k which makes it a direct rival to Rolls. Only the class-less Idiotic badge snobs that wear Mercedes goggles would buy junk like this over a Rolls, I’m guessing ur one of them. Plus why would you buy both this and a Rolls, it’s stupidity. 

I.e. My spelling of cross-shop was missing a slash, you were missing a S. As the saying goes “People living in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”

What about those with Bentley goggles, who spend similar money on a VW Toerag in a posh frock.  

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