Mercedes-Maybach GLS firming for late-2019 launch – report
Benz's ultra-luxe competitor to the Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan could be revealed before the end of the year.
There's been rumours of a flagship Maybach variant of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS for some time, and it appears the three-pointed star could reveal it before the end of the year – according to a report out of the UK.
Autocar claims "sources at the Frankfurt motor show" have confirmed the Maybach GLS will be launched later in 2019 and be priced from around £150,000 ($269,280).
"It has been developed to offer performance, accommodation and features commensurate with the existing Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched in 2015, according to senior Mercedes-Benz officials," the publication reports.
Key markets for the luxe SUV include China, North America and Russia.
The British publication says the Maybach GLS will get numerous exclusive styling appointments to distinguish it from lesser variants, inspired by the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach 6 coupe concept revealed for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance of that year.
Expect the option of two-tone paint finishes, a unique front grille insert, Maybach badging, and model-specific wheels.
Above: Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept interior
Inside, there should be swathes of nappa leather with quilting and various wood trim options, while under the bonnet the Maybach GLS should be offered solely with the flagship powertrains in the GLS line-up.
The Mercedes-Maybach S560 uses a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 making 345kW and 700Nm, while the Maybach S650 draws upon a 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 pumping out 463kW and 1000Nm.
Currently, the most powerful GLS is the GLS580 offered in the US, which gets a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid assistance for outputs of 360kW and 700Nm, augmented by the MHEV setup's 16kW and 250Nm for short periods.
It's unclear whether the old-school V12 will be offered in Benz's flagship SUV, but Autocar reports insiders have hinted it could be in the pipeline.
As for when the Maybach GLS will be revealed, we could see it pop up at the Los Angeles motor show, which kicks off on November 22, or the Guangzhou motor show which starts on the same day.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest.
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