2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
We’ve known all year that Mercedes would resurrect its failed Maybach superluxury brand into an AMG-like trim for the current S-class. What we didn’t see coming was a Maybach SUV.
The Aussies at Motoring report that Mercedes executives have “floated” several models worthy of Maybach treatment, including the full-size GL-class SUV, the S-class coupe, and the MLC coupe SUV that will compete against the BMW X4. Motoring says the models will be restyled and based on each car’s existing chassis with a “by Maybach” designation.
“Of course we see the luxurious [SUV] segment has huge growing potential, and the answer then is why not?” R&D chief Thomas Weber said to the website. “The question is how fast and how parallel we can go with production for something like this.”
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Given Benz’s overflowing success with $140,000 AMG G-wagens (plus the stupid-crazy G65 AMG and G63 AMG 6×6 for the Middle East and Russia), a Maybach-branded SUV could be very profitable. Plus, with $200,000 SUVs from Bentley, Lamborghini, and likely Rolls-Royce arriving in the next few years, the market for exotic four-by-fours is apparently ready and waiting. The new stretched-wheelbase Range Rover that debuted this year is just too lonely. “You will see more in the months to come, and maybe next year will be the year of our SUV offensive,” Weber said.
We’re expecting the first Mercedes Maybach—or S-class by Maybach—to appear at the Paris auto show and go on sale in the middle of 2015. Mercedes is mum on the rest, but if Maybach is to get a new life, it’ll have to branch out.
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