Mercedes-Benz, the claimants to the title of the best car in the world, thanks to the S-Class sedans have now revealed the ultimate luxury SUV from their stable. The Mercedes- Maybach GLS 600 4Matic is based on the Mercedes GLS. It uses the body and systems from the GLS but is powered by an engine only available as an option with the Maybach. Inside, the car has been upgraded to the Maybach level of trim which pampers the occupants with the ultimate in luxury.
Inside the rear seats are independent and can be converted to reclining seats electrically. They are obviously in leather. All the padded areas like door trims and the dashboard are covered in Nappa leather. The car is offered in dual tone paint scheme using eight exclusive colours. The rear windows have been provided with electrically operated roller sun blinds giving the occupant complete control over how much blind is deployed. For ingress and egress an anodised aluminium running board is provided. Whenever a door is opened, the car is lowered and the lighted running board pops out from under the vehicle. Though the default setting is one second, if you want some drama, the speed at which the running board is deployed can be controlled from the MBUX infotainment system.
To offer the magic carpet feel, the car comes standard with an airmatic suspension. However, one can order the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC with a fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension. The rear seats have been provided with touch screen control for accessing the climate control and infotainment system. There is enough space at the back to either relax or work. The car has an electrically opening panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind. Ventillated heated and cooled seats are a standard fit. One can order her Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC with rear seats with a fixed centre console which transforms the car into a spacious four-seater. This console is available with extending, folding tables, even a refrigerator with space for champagne bottles. Suitable silver champagne flutes for this are available from the accessories range. The engineers at Mercedes have improved noise insulation in the interior by installing a rigid partition and a fixed parcel shelf behind the rear seats. This helps separate the interior from the luggage compartment. A separate air conditioner has been provided for the rear seats. This AC features additional outlets and heater boosters which control the temperature faster and without a draught.
Going back to their tradition, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4 MATIC comes with a three pointed star bonnet ornament. However, the grille has fine vertical chrome struts which create a pinstripe effect. Mercedes offers the car with either 22 or 23″ alloy wheels. Again, the 23″ wheels come with the pinstripe effect. Another identifying feature is the Maybach logo on the D-pillar of the car.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is not all show only. The car comes with serious go features also. The car is powered by a 3,982 cc V8 engine breathing through 4 valves per cylinder. Its installed with a 48V EQ boost for instant acceleration. The engine produces 558 BHP at 6,000 to 6,500 rpm and 730 N-m of torque at 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. The EQ boost systems adds another 22 BHP and 250 N-m of torque. The power and twist is transferred to all 4 wheels at all times using a 9-speed 9-GTRONIC automatic transmission. This power pack generates sufficient power and torque to push this 5,205 mm long, 2,030 mm wide and 1,838 mm tall SUV weighing 3,250 kg from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The top speed is 250 Km/h. A 90 litre tank gives this car a maximum range of 770 km.
The front suspension of the car comprises double wishbone, air springs, single-tube gas-filled shock absorber and a stabiliser bar, while a multi-link suspension, air springs, twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers and stabiliser bar keeps the vehicle in touch with mother earth at the rear. Steering is electrically assisted rack and pinion arrangement while internally ventilated disc brakes on all wheels with ABS, Brake Assist and ESP provide the stopping power. Parking duties are done by electric parking brake.
Mercedes will offer the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC to public from the second half of 2020.
The Transport Journal 