New Mercedes-Maybach GLS teased
German brand has teased new ultra-luxury SUV.
Mercedes-Benz is chasing the high-rollers.
The German brand is preparing to unveil a near-production ready version of its luxury Maybach GLS SUV which would take on the likes of the current Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Due to be unveiled in concept form at the upcoming Beijing motor show at the end of April, the luxury marque has released a teaser video on Facebook which gives a glimpse of the opulent nature of the high-riding limousine and what appears to be a 2+2 layout. The concept is also expected to debut fresh exterior styling - namely a new grille and plenty of chrome – to match the elegant nature of the interior.
The Maybach is tipped to be unveiled in full production guise at the Los Angeles motor show later this year.
Mercedes-Benz is expected to utilise a new Modula High Architecture (MHA) platform for the new GLS, which is expected to also underpin the next-generation GLE SUV. The MHA platform is set to offer advanced autonomous driving technology and will be compatible with a hybrid drivetrain.
In terms of engines the Mercedes-Maybach GLS could follow in the same footsteps as the S-Class based Maybach S560 and S650 that were revealed at the 2018 Geneva motor show in March. The two uber luxury sedans featured two engines: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that makes 345kW and a turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 producing 463kW.
However, Mercedes-Benz has said that it is focusing on electrification so there is a distinct possibility the range-topper could score a combination of the V8 engine and an electric motor, which is similar to the system previewed in the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door concept at the 2018 Geneva motor show. That system is believed to produce in excess of 600kW.
Mercedes-Benz could also opt to go for a more sensible hybrid system in its ultra luxury SUV, and instead hook up the electric motor to the brand's new supercharged inline six-cylinder.