Mercedes-Benz is planning an onslaught of SUVs next year, with the new-gen GLE and GLS, and the all-new GLB expected to launch in India. Aside from the normal GLS, Mercedes-Benz India is also actively considering a Maybach GLS launch in our country, which was unveiled last month at the 2019 Guangzhou motor show in China.
We first reported Mercedes’ interest in bringing the GLS Maybach to India in our December 2019 issue. Although there is no firm decision as yet, our sources say that Mercedes India is quite confident of its success. This is because the only Maybach model on sale in India, the S-class, has seen a decent response from buyers since its launch.
The four-seater model is expected to be brought in as a completely built-up unit (CBU) under the new rule which allows carmakers to import 2,500 units a year without having to homologate them. This enables Mercedes to save on time when it decides to launch the SUV here.
What community is saying on the GLS?
The Maybach comes in a solitary GLS 600 4Matic variant powered by a 4.0-litre, turbocharged V8 petrol engine with a 48V integrated starter motor to provide an overall output of 558hp at 6,000rpm and 730Nm of torque from 2,500-5,000rpm. Power is channelled through a 9-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100kph time for the 2,710kg Maybach GLS of 4.9sec, while top speed is limited to 250kph.
If and when the Maybach GLS makes it to the Indian market, it will compete with our uber-luxurious SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and the Range Rover.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
