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Mercedes-Maybach is cooking up its own version of the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLS and has confirmed the vehicle for launch at this month's Auto Guangzhou in China.

Being based on the GLS, production will be handled at Mercedes' plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which is already churning out the standard GLS. Naturally, the Maybach version will come with a much higher price tag than the $76,195 base sticker of the GLS, with the starting point rumored to be about $200,000. That will make the Maybach GLS one of the most expensive vehicles built in North America. Critically, the vehicle's arrival will push Maybach into an ever-expanding segment: ultra-luxury SUVs.

As for the design, the Maybach GLS should pull cues from the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept unveiled last year, also in China. Judging by our spy shots of prototypes, the Maybach GLS will share its body and lights with the standard GLS but wear a unique grille like the one on the concept.

The cabin is where we'll likely see the biggest departures from the standard GLS versus the Maybach model. The latter should put an emphasis on even grander materials and potentially focus on rear-seat passenger comfort as well, perhaps even offering up the option for the rear bench to be swapped for a pair of reclining executive chairs. If the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept is any gauge, the back seats will be a very nice place to be.

The standard powertrain is expected to be the GLS580's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 which comes mated to a mild-hybrid system and delivers 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain potentially in a GLS680 is expected at some point. In both cases a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive should be standard.

 

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept

Mercedes likely has high hopes for the Maybach GLS. Since the brand revived the Maybach name, which is currently reserved for the S-Class, it's been a smash hit. Last year, we reported one in 10 S-Class sedans sold was a Maybach model. China, Russia, and the U.S. have been the key markets.

Note, the GLS won't be the first SUV to wear the Maybach badge. That honor goes to the Maybach G650 Landaulet launched last year and limited to just 99 units.

We'll have all the details soon as the Guangzhou auto show starts November 22. For more coverage, head to our dedicated hub.

source:  https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1122135_mercedes-maybach-gls-to-debut-at-2019-guangzhou-auto-show-with-rumored-200-000-sticker

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http//:www.boscheuropean.com