The Mercedes Maybach GLS has been positioned alongside the Maybach S-Class and it really takes luxury and opulence in an SUV to a whole new level.
We knew it was some time coming and now, Mercedes has unveiled the all-new Maybach GLS at the 2019 Guangzhou motor show, in China. This is the second Mercedes-Maybach model and it really takes luxury and opulence in an SUV to a whole new level. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS has been positioned alongside the Maybach S-Class and it takes rivalry against the likes of the Rolls Royce Cullinan, the Bentley Bentayga and the Range Rover.
The new Maybach GLS invokes a lot of its styling elements from the Maybach S-Class to help set it apart from the standard third-generation GLS. The new styling elements include a distinctive chrome grille featuring vertical louvres, redesigned bumpers with more chrome, chrome highlights within the side window surrounds and along the sills, standard 22-inch (and optional 23-inch) wheels, an optional two-tone exterior paint scheme in eight different colour combinations, electrically extending running boards and chromed tail-pipes, with a signature cross-rib. And of course, the Maybach badging on the D-pillar.
Speaking about the new model, Mercedes-Benz’s head of product management, Martin Hülder, said: “SUV vehicles have a major advantage for the luxury segment: the high seating position. In combination with the running boards, this makes access and egress easy and convenient.”
A Mercedes-Maybach model is all about is interiors though, particularly the rear seat. The Maybach GLS has a wheelbase of 5,202mm. That translates to tons of space on the inside and then on, the interiors have been significantly updated. All the upholstery comes draped in Nappa leather and unique trim elements including wood and metal. The dashboard remains identical to the standard GLS but the rear passenger area gets two captain seats with reclining and massage functions, a fixed center console with folding tables, a tablet for in-car controls and a also refrigerator for you champagne.
You can also add a panoramic sunroof to further enhance your experience. The boot area has been separated from the passenger area by a glass division and you get 520 liters of space in the boot. Reflecting its upper luxury positioning, the latest Maybach model also receives a long list of standard driving aids.
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This is the most luxurious SUV Mercedes will produce and from the outset of sales, it has just one drivetrain option with the GLS 600 4Matic. It is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with a mild-hybrid 48V integrated starter motor to provide an overall output of 558hp at 6,000rpm and 730Nm of torque from 2,500-5,000rpm. The electrically boosted reserves are channelled through a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive.
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Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100kph time for the Maybach GLS 600 4Matic of 4.9sec. That’s really fast when you consider that this SUV weighs a massive 2,710kg. Top speed is limited to 250kph. Of course to keep such a behemoth planted on its feet, Mercedes has equipped this Maybach GLS with a specially tuned version of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Active Body control suspension. There’s also a curve inclination function that allows this huge SUV to lean into corners to reduce the lateral forces acting on the occupants. The Mercedes Maybach GLS will at first be available in markets like China, North America and Europe but we expect this ultra-luxury SUV to eventually make it to India as well.
