Bentley has already built their first-ever SUV, the Bentayga and Rolls Royce is not too far behind with the code-name Cullinan expected to debut next year. Mercedes already dominates the share amongst SUV sales across Europe and Asia and is now readying itself to enter the world of super luxury SUVs. Thus, Maybach is slated to get its first ever SUV as well and will be built on the Mercedes GLS.
The GLS is considered to be the S-Class of Mercedes SUVs and for a four-seat layout, the current length of 5130mm seems enough to provide Maybach standard of legroom and comfort. The aircraft business class-like layout would certainly feel commanding perched more than a metre above the ground level. Creature comforts will be abundant and will include everything from multi-coloured adjustable ambient lighting to options for seat back massage types and intensities, rear seat recliners et al.
Instead of the current 4.7-litre V8 from the current Maybach S500, the GLS 500 will get 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 motor which is compliant to the latest emission standard and built for the future. It is not sure of the Maybach GLS 600 will be built, but if it is, you might get to see the 6.0-litre V12 hauling the largest and most-luxurious Mercedes SUV to over 100kmph in less than five seconds. All-wheel-drive with active suspension and magic-carpet drive should be standard for the Maybach.
The Mercedes Maybach SUV is slated to arrive in 2019 and will be based on the new generation of the Mercedes GLS which is also due by then.
