Mercedes-Maybach concept SUV images leak ahead of Beijing reveal

Mercedes-Maybach GLS due later this year

The concept is only a design study and is not set for production.

Mercedes has previously previewed the concept with a video (below) of a luxurious, futuristic interior and released a sketch of its dashboard.

While the concept has been created for the Chinese market, it is likely that design elements will make their way into Western Maybach models.

Currently, the only model on sale by Mercedes-Maybach worldwide is the S-Class. However, a GLS – unrelated to the Beijing show concept – is expected at the Los Angeles motor show in November.  The car is tipped to be priced at around £120,000 when sales begin in 2019.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS will share the same basic aluminium-and-steel bodyshell and advanced four-wheel drive underpinnings as the regular Mercedes-Benz GLS. However, its upmarket positioning will be justified by a series of subtle exterior design tweaks and a significantly more luxurious interior.

A high-level Mercedes official previously told Autocar: “We have been quietly surprised by the sales success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which is proving extremely popular in many key markets. The plan now is to extend the exclusivity surrounding the Maybach name into the upper end of the SUV segment. We’re confident that this new model will leave little to be desired in terms of luxury.”

Mercedes is also showing a production version of its A-Class saloon at the Beijing motor show, following the concept’s appearance at 2017’s Shanghai motor show. While this model is set for China, a similar one will arrive in Europe at a later date. 

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