Marton Pettendy•16 Jan 2015
NEWS
Mercedes plotting Bentley Bentayga rival
Replacement for GL-Class SUV in line for Mercedes-Maybach treatmentMercedes-Benz has all but confirmed a super-luxury SUV based on its seven-seat GL-Class replacement will become a Maybach model to rival Bentley's upcoming Bentayga.
Expected to be priced close to $300,000, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS could feature a longer wheelbase, lounge seating and even a V12 engine when it emerges around 2018.
Speaking at this week's launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 limousine, the first Maybach model since the marque was axed in 2011, S-Class product management director Martin Hulder made it clear SUVs were on the agenda for the new super-luxury sub-brand.
"Our focus here has been on the topic of luxury vehicles. In Detroit, however, there's a lot of emphasis being placed right now by Mercedes-Benz and by other manufacturers too on SUVs. But even SUVs can have a connection to super-luxury, as indicated by some manufacturers."
That's a direct reference to both the all-new GLE Coupe, which Mercedes launched at the Detroit motor show this week, and the first SUV from the Volkswagen-owned Bentley brand – the name of which and a teaser shot were also revealed at the show.
As we've reported, BMW-owned Rolls-Royce – the other direct British rival for Mercedes-Maybach – will decide this year whether to produce its first SUV.
Questioned further about expanding the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand beyond the S-Class, Hulder said: "We haven't decided about that, but theoretically it's possible right?
"Take a look to Mercedes-AMG; we also use Mercedes-AMG in other car lines – almost all of them. Obviously Mercedes-Maybach has maybe a little bit more limitations than Mercedes-AMG, but let's take a look at that. We're thinking about that. We'll see."
Hulder said a Maybach-spec SUV would be a big hit in markets like the Middle East, Russia and China, which is expected to account for half of all S-Class Maybach sales.
"Markets like Russia, China and the middle East are very strong with SUVs and SUVs also have some advantages against a sedan – seating position for example – so therefore you can take a look to GL which has a certain substance and you then offer a Maybach package on that and a six-digit [Euro] price range."
Hulder said that, like the S-Class based Mercedes-Maybach sedan, Daimler will take a similar 'top-down' approach with its super-luxury SUV range.
The current GL-Class seven-seater – Mercedes' largest and most expensive SUV – will soon receive a midlife makeover, as pictured here in spy shots. The facelifted and renamed GLS-Class is expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt show in September.
Asked if it made sense to release a Maybach version of the upcoming GLS or wait until the next-generation model in a few years' time, he said: "It makes more sense to wait.
"We have plenty of S-Class variants to roll out in the meantime, like the Pullman."
Hulder would not confirm whether the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will be offered with a longer wheelbase, exclusive engine or six seats like the upcoming Pullman, but promised it will deliver more luxury and stretching space.
"It will offer much more legroom, for a start – whether that's with packaging or wheelbase..."
The priciest current GL-Class is the GL 63 AMG at almost $217,000, but it's possible the top-shelf GLS could offer a 6.0-litre V12 from the Mercedes-Maybach S 600.
It could also be produced on an extended wheelbase, fitted with S-Class technology such as Magic Body Control semi-active suspension, and with either two enormous reclining rear seats, or six seats across three rows including four opposing rear 'lounge' chairs.
News of a Mercedes-Maybach SUV isn't new and there's also been reports of other Maybach SUVs including the large GLE (facelifted M-Class) and mid-size GLC (GLK replacement).
But Hulder suggested smaller Maybach-badged sedans were also under consideration, including next year's all-new E-Class. In the meantime, Daimler's answer to bigger and pricier super-luxury limousines like the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Phantom will appear later this year in the form of the six-seat S 600 Pullman.
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Mercedes-Benz
GL-Class
Car News
SUV
4x4 Offroad Cars
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Prestige Cars
Written byMarton Pettendy
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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