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Daimler CEO Zetsche answers 'Most likely' to question of a Maybach SUV

When Dieter Zetsche was asked about the possibility of getting Maybach, the reimagined Mercedes-Benz ultra-luxury sub-brand, into the premium SUV game, the Daimler CEO reportedly told Auto Express, "Most likely." Those two little words aren't a firm answer – let alone an indication of timing – but we wouldn't be shocked to find out Mercedes is already working on one. Range Rover has gone even more upscale, the Bentley Bentayga is coming this year, as will the Maserati Levante. Rolls-Royce is deciding on an SUV this year (we think it's only a matter of time before they say "yes"), the Lamborghini Urus is still expected in 2018, Aston Martin is raising funds to build a crossover, and there have been rumors of a BMW X7 and Audi Q9 for years. Point being, everyone is busy writing their own invite to this ultra posh party. The latest comments would appear to put to rest any will-they/won't-they questions around a high-riding Maybach offering. There were rumors last summer that a GL-Class SUV (a model range shortly to be known as GLS-Class) with revamped styling and lots of luxury touches would join the top-tier sub-brand, but then in November, Mercedes' global head of sales and marketing told Automotive News, "I don't want to categorically rule anything out, but at this stage we have no plans for it [a Maybach SUV]." If and when a Maybach utility does become official, we'll only be picking up where we left off with the brand's previous incarnation: a GL-based Maybach was rumored way back in 2007. News Source: Auto ExpressImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Steven Ewing / AOL Maybach Mercedes-Benz SUV Luxury mercedes gl-class

Singer Porsche, Koenigsegg, NSX: Leno's life doesn't suck

Jay Leno had quite a productive trip this year during Monterey Car Week. Not only did he get to pal around with Ian Callum and check out the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, but the denim-clad comedian also headed to The Quail to talk to some prominent figures in the modern sports car scene. Capping off the fun, he got to take a drive in a Mercedes-AMG GT S, too Perhaps the highlight of this show is a nearly 10-minute interview with Christian von Koenigsegg. The founder of the Swedish hypercar company digs deep into the Agera One:1's engineering details, relating interesting facts about the aerodynamics and transmission. In addition, Leno chats with Rob Dickenson of Singer about its newly reimagined Porsche 911 Targa, and he gets the latest scoop on the Acura NSX's progress from newly promoted Acura Vice President and General Manager Jon Ikeda. If you like hearing about the nuts and bolts of sports car development, then this video can't be missed. Of course, we were there at Monterey, too, and we pointed our own cameras at some of the amazing machinery, both vintage and modern, at all the various car-focused events of the week. Take a look back at some of our own cool footage in the videos below. Related Video:

Your guide to vehicle subscription services

They might be extremely limited in scope because of location availability, but vehicle subscription services are a growing trend that most luxury manufacturers are jumping on. Plans are expensive, but you're paying for much more than just the car typically. We highlighted four of the larger plans with a few more listed at the end. Care by Volvo Volvo launched its subscription service last year with its brand-new XC40. It was the only vehicle available for a time, but subscribers can now get an S60 sedan as well. Subscriptions are for two years, with the monthly price including insurance, a concierge service, wear-and-tear item replacements and all maintenance. You'll be able to drive 15,000 miles per year with whichever Volvo you choose, and although there are no options to extend that mileage, you can swap cars after a year. Pricing for the XC40 is $650 per month in base trim, while an S60 can be as expensive as $850 for the R-Design. Volvo's plan is to offer more cars soon through the service, but it's relatively limited compared to others right now. Porsche Passport Porsche has two levels in its subscription service: Launch and Accelerate. Launch will cost $2,000 per month and give you access to the Cayman, Boxster, Macan and Cayenne. All of those but the Cayenne can be had in "S" trim as well. Accelerate is where the fun really starts. For $3,000 per month you can choose from a fleet of 911s, including the S, 4S, Cabriolet and Cabriolet S. If those aren't enough, you can also get the Panamera 4S, Macan GTS and Cayenne S. There are no mileage limits and you can change vehicles as often as you'd like. Also included in the price is insurance, repairs, detailing and any maintenance. It might be extremely expensive and limited to Atlanta only, but this subscription service is second-to-none for what you get. Audi Select Audi just launched its subscription car service, and it's offered in one version for a flat fee of $1,395 per month. For that you'll have access to five different cars including the A4, S5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, Q5, and Q7. Not a bad range of vehicles, but it would've been neat to see the recently updated A7 in there too. Maybe in time. Like the others, insurance and maintenance are wrapped up in the price. Audi is allowing for unlimited miles and two car swaps per month here. In addition to that, you'll get two days of free rentals through Audi's Silvercar rental agency should you go on a trip.