Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV looks set to take on the Bentley Benyatga

Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV planned (current GL pictured)

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A Maybach version of Mercedes’ range-topping GLS SUV (the Mercedes GL as was) now looks certain to be built to take on ultra luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga.

Mercedes’ foray in to the world of Bentley and Rolls Royce with the Maybach brand was pretty much an unmitigated disaster, but the Maybach badge is now back as a Mercedes sub-brand and adorning the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. And it looks like it will soon be spreading to the GL SUV too.

Talking to Automotive News, Andreas Zygan – MB’s director of development for SUVs – confirmed that Mercedes are looking at expanding the Maybach brand, and Steve Cannon – MB’s Brand boss in the US – called a Maybach GLS a ‘”natural fit” and said there seemed to be an “unending appetite for luxury SUVs”. But can a Mercedes-Maybach GLS really compete with a Bentley Bentayga?

Clearly, the new Maybach S-Class is a much better car than the Maybach 57 and 62 ever were, but is it stealing sales from Rolls Royce and Bentley, or is it just another way for Mercedes to charge more for an S-Class? We’re inclined to the latter train of thought.

Similarly, could a titivated GL with a Maybach badge ever make anyone seriously considering a Bentley Bentayga think again and head for a car with the three-pointed star? It seems highly unlikely.

Still, it’s almost certainly not going to stop a Mercedes-Maybach SUV hitting MB’s showrooms when the GL gets a tweak and turns in to the 2016 Mercedes GLS.