Just when you think you’ve seen the last ultra-bling SUV of the week, here’s one more to jar your senses. EPL footie stars and rap artists who covet exclusivity and opulence on oversized SUVs now have another option in the shape of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS – the first ever SUV in the exclusive sub-brand of Mercedes.
Before you wave it off as just a tarted up Mercedes-Benz GLS, you might want to consider some of its unique selling points. Take for instance the option to have it as a four-seater with two individual lounge chairs at the back with massaging functions, along with complementing silver champagne flutes and fridge, all of which are adorned with high polished chrome, aged wood and specially selected Nappa leather.
The generous serving of chrome on the Maybach GLS’ exterior, particular on its grille, lower intake and those 23-inch alloys transforms the regular item into something with a lot more opulence, it’s not out to please everyone’s palate, but a Maybach has always been an acquired taste. And yes, the two-tone paintwork is offered in eight different colour combinations.
But the feature which takes the cake has to be its powered running boards (or side steps); they are made of anodised aluminium, illuminates at night and fully retractable. Talk about making an entrance during the Grammys, or never having to risk straining your ligaments when travelling to receive FIFA’s Ballon d’Or.
The drivetrain providing thrust to Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is derived from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild hybrid system which powers the GLS 63, but tuned to waft, befitting a Maybach. Even so, the 2.7-tonne behemoth is capable of covering ground rapidly courtesy of 558 hp, 730 Nm and all-wheel drive traction; idle to 100 km/h takes only 4.9 seconds.
To ensure that its occupants never spill the champagne, the E-Active Body Control air suspension is able to react in milliseconds to cancel out body roll and is calibrated to soak up road bumps as if they weren’t there. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 will enter markets by the second half of 2020, expect it to be as pricey as a Bentley Bentayga.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gallery
