Another reason for Stuttgart greenlighting the model has been the rapid proliferation and commercial success of ultra-luxury SUVs such as the long-wheelbase Range Rover SVAutobiography, the Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS-Class will be previewed in near-production form in Beijing, and like the S-Class sedan. It is expected to feature a number of exterior design changes as well as a distinct grille and front fascia. On the inside, the GLS-Class will feature a reworked rear passenger compartment that will buy the rear-seat passengers more legroom, as well as power-reclining seats. After all, the rear passenger compartment will be the main selling point of the Maybachs. It aims to offer first-class comfort geared toward those who employ a chauffeur.
When it comes to engines, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS-Class is likely to borrow a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine from the S560, which produces 469 hp in the S-Class. The GLS-Class could also receive the plug-in hybrid powertrain recently announced in the S560e. It pairs a 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with an electric motor that adds an additional 121 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. This version will debut on the S-Class in 2019, and it will have a pure-electric range of 25 miles.
How much will all of this goodness cost?
Expect this Mercedes-Maybach model to start at around $170,000 and (rapidly) progress from there. This is the same general price range of the Range Rover Autobiography LWB . Fair bit south of the $230,000 starting price of the Bentley Bentayga. The difference in the market may be that the Mercedes-Maybach GLS-Class will lean toward owners of chauffeured cars. On the other side, the Bentayga is more at ease with being owner-driven. And unlike the Range Rover, the GLS Maybach is expected be more on-road biased. This may well be an SUV alternative for those already looking at an S-Class Maybach or its competitors.
