Mercedes-Maybach GLS revealed as lavish SUV with 4 or 5 seats
Following the extravagant G650 Landaulet that signaled the end of the previous generation G-Class, another Maybach SUV is poised to take the luxury market for a car by storm. This time it is here to stay in contrast to the enterprising G built in limited numbers, the new Maybach GLS 600 4Matic is a regular member of the dual M family. While the real magic happens inside the cabin, the exterior has also been discreetly modified to distinguish it from the Benz GLS.
From the front, the large SUV has a shiny new grille with vertical chrome strips seen on the Maybach S-Class face lift and the extra-long Pullman sibling. The chrome theme continues on the lower grille, as well as on the side's air intake flanked by curved trim strips, while the protection on the bottom that reminds you that this is still an SUV is also finished in high gloss chrome.
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The side profile reveals custom 22-inch alloy wheels, although we have the feeling that many will go for the optional 23-inch set with the multilingual layout which mimics the front grille. To continue the chrome theme up front, there are chrome plates on the B-pillars and even similar posts on the roof rails. A total of eight two-tone finishes will be available, and regardless of choice, the Maybach emblem will appear proudly on the D-pillar.
Movement behind, a chrome strip runs along the entire ground width and continues on the screens, above the taillights. Even more chrome is marked at the top and bottom of the bumper, including for the dual exhaust tips with a rectangular design. Rounding off the changes compared to the standard GLS is the model designation in a specific script reserved for Mercedes-Maybach models.
Before we jump in, we must mention the running board. They extend electronically and are each 2.06 meters (6.8 feet) long, with a maximum width of 21 centimeters in the back door area. These occupy the entire length of the sidebar and have a LED strip in the back door area where a Maybach emblem is projected. It's no problem if you carry a little extra weight as the treadmills can support a maximum load of 200 kilos. Rubber strips in the same design as the front grille plates are built into the anodized aluminum for better grip.
When you are inside, you will notice that the third row is gone. With Mercedes keeping the same wheelbase from the standard GLS – measuring 3135 mm (123.4 inches) – the only wait for more legroom was to eliminate the rear seats. Rear passengers enjoy 1103 mm of legroom and can relax on extendable seats. The front passenger seat can be moved forward to what is referred to as a driver's position for even more rear legroom, at 1.34 meters (4.4 feet).
The most luxurious version of the Maybach GLS has only four people, but a five-seater configuration is also available. From folding tables and champagne flutes to a dedicated scent and entertainment system in the back seat, luxobarge has just about every high-end feature you can imagine, and then some. Goodies like ventilated and heated massage chairs and an opaque roller blind come as standard, as does the electronic sunroof. A fridge with space for champagne bottles can be ordered for the four seater model if you really want to go all the way out.
Power comes from a twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter engine that provides easy cruising thanks to 550 hp and 538 lb 729 Nm of torque, plus the EQ Boost which offers an extra 21 hp and 249 Nm for a limited time. Mercedes-Maybach states that the US specification GLS 600 4Matic does 0 to 60 km / h (96 km / h) in an estimated 4.8 seconds and peaks at a limited 130 km / h (209 km / h), which is more than the owner of such an SUV will ever need. On the other hand, the Euro model can hit 250 km / h.
It will reach the US market in the second half of next year, with prices to be announced closer to launch.
