Mercedes-Benz GLS

Darcy Foster • Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the GLE63 S and GLS63 S at the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, complete with hybrid power for the first time in an AMG V8. The performance versions of Mercedes-Benz’s two largest SUVs are both powered by Mercedes-AMG’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, backed for the first time by mild-hybrid power. Previously the EQ Boost system has been used on AMG 53 models with an inline-six, but never a V8.

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).

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS has been spied again, but this latest prototype has lost a lot of camouflage compared to its predecessors. There's still a substantial amount of disguise at both ends, but we can now clearly see the shape of the headlights, grille and front fascia. At rear, the GLS looks set to feature a thin strip of tail-lights stretching into the tailgate. Under the skin, the new GLS will ride on a version of the MHA platform underpinning the smaller GLE.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has expanded its Takata airbag recall campaign, which affects the 2006-12 model-year GL, ML and SLK model lines. The German marque says the number of units affected by the campaign has grown to 8817 vehicles – up from the 2850 previously reported. It's worth noting the Mercedes-Benz models included in this notice are fitted with the less-dangerous 'beta' inflators, though the recall is still related to a major safety issue.

A prototype believed to be the next-generation Mercedes-AMG GLS63 has been spied this week on the snowy roads of Europe, ahead of an anticipated market introduction sometime in 2019. The burly SUV test vehicle is the first time we've seen pictures of the AMG-fettled version of Mercedes-Benz's upcoming full-size SUV, complete with pumped guards, larger alloy wheels, and an early version of the company's new Panamericana front grille.