Even though it looks like that the model is late for the party called ultra-luxurious SUVs, that won’t be the case at all, because the upcoming 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is going to have everything what’s necessary to compete with the gorgeous Bentley Bentayga and the absolutely awesome Rolls-Royce Cullinan, as well as with the upcoming Aston Martin’s SUV which rived Lagonda brand lately.
Mercedes’ new luxury SUV hasn’t shown its face yet, and it won’t before either Los Angeles Auto Show or Auto Guangzhou, but the latest testing prototype points out pretty much everything from the outside. Although essentially based on the regular new-gen GLS, the 2021 Maybach GLS will have its own identity, so to say. More precisely, the luxury SUV shares lights with its $76k sibling, but it gets a unique grille which appears to be borrowed from the Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept. We also expect to see the concept’s gorgeous aluminum wheels when the production model appears, as well as unique bumpers and exhaust tips. Of course, the SUV with a price tag at about $200k will get some unique exterior paints too.
The cabin of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is where the party becomes better. The prototype doesn’t reveals anything inside, but we’re pretty sure we know what’s going on. First of all, the model will ride on a stretched version of Mercedes’ MHA platform for SUVs which will enable plenty of space inside. The Maybach GLS comes with two rows of seats, so there has to be plenty of room for sure. Moreover, there is a strong possibility of seeing a four-seat model which will be extra-spacious for sure. The strongest card of the upcoming SUV will be its entertainment system and driving aids, but we don’t have the details right now.
On the other hand, we know the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is going to use a familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 which comes supported by a mild-hybrid system and produces 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes will reportedly offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain too, and this one could easily be a 600+ hp model. Of course, both of them will exploit an ultrafast and precise 9-speed auto gearbox and all-wheel drive.
