New Mercedes-Maybach GLS unveiled as ‘ultimate’ luxury flagship SUV

By: CAR magazine

The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS has been revealed in China, billed as the “ultimate” variant in the German firm’s flagship SUV range.

Set to be offered in GLS600 4Matic guise, the poshest GLS yet is powered by a version of the brand’s familiar twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8, “developed exclusively for Maybach” and here offering 410 kW and 730 N.m. It drives all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The powerplant is combined with the brand’s 48 V system, which allows 16 kW and 250 N.m to be briefly added (something the firm calls “EQ Boost”). Mercedes-Maybach says the sprint (or should that be “waft”?) from zero to 100 km/h is completed in 4,9 seconds, while top speed comes in at 250 km/h.

Offered in four- and five-seat forms, Mercedes-Maybach says the two-row newcomer – which will hit initial markets in the second half of 2020 – features the “highest-grade materials and extremely effective noise insulation”.

When the doors are opened, the vehicle automatically lowers slightly and an illuminated running board (fashioned from anodised aluminium) “quickly and silently” emerges. While air suspension ships standard, there’s also an optional “fully active” suspension complete with a dedicated Maybach drive programme that “ensures even more comfort in the rear”.

The GLS600 measures 5 205 mm long, 2 030 mm wide and 1 838 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3 135 mm. This results in claimed rear legroom of 1 103 mm, in which the calf supports for both outer rear seats can be extended. If the front passenger seat is moved into the “chauffeur position”, legroom expands to a claimed 1 340 mm.

While the vehicle still features the Mercedes-Benz star atop its bonnet, it also gains a unique Maybach grille, extra chrome highlights around the side windows as well as chrome inserts in the side-sill panels. The 22- and 23-inch wheels were developed exclusively for this model, while the tailpipe trim is also model-specific.

Of course, the Mercedes-Maybach badge has been added in various places, while new two-tone paintwork is available in eight different colour combinations.

Inside the suitable opulent cabin, the two outer rear seats can be electrically converted into reclining pews, while padded areas and the facia are finished in Nappa leather as standard. An electrically operated panoramic sunroof (with an opaque roller blind) is also standard, as are climatised massage seats.

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