New Mercedes-Maybach GLS is a V8-powered super luxury SUV

The all-new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC debuts in China as a chrome lover's paradise.

After numerous teasers and countless businessmen waiting on the edge of their seats, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS has finally been revealed as the '5-Star' luxury SUV. Due to arrive in the second half of 2020 as the GLS 600 4MATIC, the latest addition to the elite 'Double M' club features a heavily updated exterior and the interior, the 'pièce de résistance' of any Maybach model, has been converted into a luxury lounge for four/five occupants. The latter has been achieved by removing the third row of seats in exchange for lounge-style recliners in the second row.

Starting with the exterior, the Maybach GLS gets a super-heavy dose of chrome - the new vertical multi-slat grille, a diamond-mesh lower grille with a chunky surrounding trim and the underbody guard have all received the chrome treatment. The chrome continues to the sides with thick chrome plates on the B-Pillar and a chrome trim surrounding the entire window area on either side. Even the roof rails seem to have chrome inserts.

At the back, a chrome strip runs just over the taillights onto to the fenders, while the rear bumper's top lip also features a reflector-inserted chrome strip and the exhaust surround has also been given a high-gloss chrome finish. The Maybach GLS also gets the signature Maybach lettering on the tailgate, instantly setting it apart from the standard GLS.

To add another touch of opulence, the Maybach GLS gets electronically-extending side steps, made of anodised aluminium. The 2.06m boards, on either side, are capable of supporting a max. weight of 200kg. Also included in the long list of bespoke Maybach elements are the wheels, with customers having a choice between 22- or 23-inch multi-spoke designs.

Inside, the Maybach GLS offers 1,103mm of rear legroom, thanks to the third row's exit. This has also allowed the Maybach GLS to retain the same wheelbase as the standard car (3,135mm). Available as a four- or five-seater, the Maybach GLS offers ludicrous levels of luxury, courtesy of features like silver champagne flutes (accessory), ventilated and heated massaging seats, fine Nappa leather upholstery, panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind, dedicated air fragrance (optional) and a refrigerator (optional, four-seater configuration).

Powering the GLS 600 4MATIC is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that, in this state of tune, has been designed exclusively for Maybach models. With the assistance of a 48-volt EQ Boost system, the V8 pumps out 550bhp & 729Nm of torque, enough to give this luxo-barge a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds! The Maybach GLS rides on AIRMATIC suspension as standard and can be ordered with the optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension.

As mentioned above, the GLS 600 4MATIC will hit the markets in the second half of 2020.

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