As we expected, the upcoming Mercedes-Maybach concept set to premiere at the Beijing Auto Show will indeed be based on the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Mercedes has been toying with the idea of creating an ultra-luxurious SUV from the moment it reintroduced the Maybach badge. Given the demand for the likes of the Bentley Bentagya and high-end Range Rover models, it seems as though now is the perfect time to make put such a vehicle into production.
A high level Mercedes-Benz official broke the news to Autocar regarding what’s next within the Maybach lineup, stating: “We have been quietly surprised by the sales success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which is proving extremely popular in many key markets. The plan now is to extend the exclusivity surrounding the Maybach name into the upper end of the SUV segment. We’re confident that this new model will leave little to be desired in terms of luxury.”
A teaser video published by the German marque a few days ago revealed that the new Maybach concept will receive a number of substantial modifications over any run-of-the-mill GLS. For example, the video revealed a plethora of components finished in luscious white leather, a selection of chrome parts, Maybach badges and some seductive blue lighting.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan will have to watch its back
The exterior of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will also benefit from some modifications, chief of which could be a revised front grille and bespoke wheels.
Upgrades won’t just stop on a visual front. It is speculated that the Maybach GLS will receive the latest and greatest semi-autonomous technology from Mercedes-Benz, ensuring that it doesn’t just offer an alternative to Bentleys and Range Rovers, but that it also pulls buyers away from the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Following the concept’s premiere later this month, the production-spec Mercedes-Maybach GLS should launch by the end of the year or in early 2019.