Mercedes-Benz is planning to add an SUV to its exclusive Mercedes-Maybach range.
According to reports, the ultra-luxurious SUV, will be called the Mercedes-Maybach 9 Concept, and will be based on the upcoming third-generation GLS-Class. It's also claimed that it will be unveiled at next month's Beijing Motor Show.
While little is known about the SUV, we do know that it will draw inspiration from other Maybach models like the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. A radiator grille with vertical slats, a two-tone paint scheme and the double-M logo on the pillars will be a few of the exterior elements adorning the Mercedes-Maybach 9 - as seen in the attached render.
The regular GLS will likely debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year, before going on sale in early 2019, with the Maybach variant following shortly thereafter. It's unlikely the AMG-built 6.0-litre V12 twin-turbo will feature under the hood of the Maybach SUV, as it will most probably sport a variant of Mercedes-AMG's brilliant 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8.
The Mercedes-Maybach SUV will go up against other ultra-luxurious SUV's like the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls Royce Cullinan and the Range Rover Autobiography.
Also worth a look: the Latest Mercedes-Benz S Class ushers a new standard in luxury and the Mercedes-Maybach introduce new models to celebrate 100-year .
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Maybach 9 Concept cost in South Africa?
Pricing hasn't been officially announced yet, but expect the Mercedes-Maybach 9 Concept to start around R4,500,000 when it arrives in South Africa, putting it squarely in Bentley Bentayga territory at around R4,200,000 and well above the regular GLS at approximately R2,800,000.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Maybach SUV worth buying over a Bentley Bentayga?
The Mercedes-Maybach SUV offers similar ultra-luxury credentials to the Bentayga but with Mercedes' superior tech and reliability record, making it a smarter long-term investment despite similar pricing around R4,500,000.
Q: What engine does the Mercedes-Maybach 9 Concept have?
The Mercedes-Maybach 9 Concept will likely feature Mercedes-AMG's 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine producing around 430kW, rather than the 6.0-litre V12 from other Maybach models, offering better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Q: When will the Mercedes-Maybach SUV be available in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Maybach SUV should arrive in South African showrooms by late 2019 or early 2020, following the regular GLS launch in early 2019 and the concept's debut at the Beijing Motor Show.
Q: How does the Mercedes-Maybach SUV compare to the Rolls Royce Cullinan?
The Mercedes-Maybach SUV at around R4,500,000 offers better value than the Cullinan at approximately R6,800,000, delivering 90% of the luxury experience for two-thirds of the price, plus superior technology and dealer network coverage in South Africa.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you've got R4,500,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate luxury SUV experience. The Mercedes-Maybach 9 Concept represents the sweet spot in the ultra-luxury SUV market, offering Bentayga-beating technology, better reliability than a Range Rover Autobiography, and significantly better value than the Rolls Royce Cullinan at R6,800,000. With Mercedes' excellent dealer network in South Africa and that brilliant 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 under the bonnet, this is the thinking person's choice in the silly-money SUV segment. Just make sure your driveway can handle the presence.
