Daimler plans to roll out the Mercedes-Maybach GLS model, which is based on the Mercedes GLS-Class SUV, in the second half of 2020, Troska said, adding China is Mercedes-Maybach’s biggest market.
The move comes one day after James Bond’s carmaker of choice, Aston Martin, rolled out its first SUV model, the DBX. Luxury carmakers from Rolls-Royce to Lamborghini launched ultra-luxury SUV models in the past year to boost their brand’s overall profitability.
In 2012, Daimler, which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, stopped making Maybach’s iconic long limousines after the vehicles, which were based on a unique design and cost around US$380,000, failed to sell heavily enough.
At the time, Maybach vehicles were marketed as a separate brand from Mercedes-Benz. Among the owners were oligarchs, rap stars, and royals including Russia’s Roman Abramovich, musician Jay-Z and King Juan Carlos of Spain.
When the joint Mercedes-Maybach brand was launched in 2014, Ola Kaellenius, then the Mercedes-Benz executive responsible for marketing and sales, said the brand was expected to sell well in China, the United States, Russia and Japan.
At the Shanghai autoshow this year, Daimler’s Troska said demand for Maybachs was more than 600 a month in China.
From the first glimpse of the model, one can't help but notice the extreme opulence of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, thanks to the plethora of glossy chrome detailing and the extravagant two-tone paint job.
While the V8 engine -- which is paired with hybrid EQ Boost system -- is not the star component of the model, it still delivers a respectable 550hp and 731Nm of torque. Behind the hood, however, is where the SUV earns the Mercedes-Maybach designation.
The back seats, which have a touchscreen display fitted between them, can recline electronically and the padded areas -- as well as dash -- are finished with Nappa leather. A sliding and tilting sunroof comes standard, as do seats with heating and massaging capabilities. Available upon request is a center console with extending tables and a refrigerator "with space for champagne bottles," and a fragrance designed especially for the model.
In the front, the dash is also outfitted with a touchscreen display that appears to be floating. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is powered with artificially intelligent technology that has the ability to get smarter over time.
The components that are not covered in leather are finished in chrome, wood, or rose gold coloring to create an "ambience from the yachting world." LED optical fibers can be found throughout the front and back of the interior and are integrated into the roof liner as part of the ambient lighting system.
If a client desires, the SUV can be even further enhanced with the addition of various accessory and technology packages.
The price is expected to be just as out of this world as the luxuriousness. — Reuters/Relaxnews
