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Mercedes-Maybach SUV concept headed for Beijing reveal in April

Mercedes-Benz has toyed with the idea of a Maybach SUV for at least 11 years. According to Autocar, we'll finally see a concept with production intent at the Beijing Motor Show next month, the luxury SUV slated for market release next year. As has been the rumor for at least six years, the Maybach people carrier will be based on a stretched version of the GLS, which moves to the company's new Modular High Architecture with the 2019 model. Back in 2007 when Maybach was its own brand and selling roughly 300 units per year, Car magazine reported that brand chiefs were interested in convertible versions of the Maybach 57 and 62 sedans, and an SUV. Maybach built a one-off concept based on the GL — the former GLS-Class — in 2009, but never took the idea further. The rumor popped up again in 2014, then in 2015, reaching not-if-but-when status early last year. A decade on, it's finally time to play the hand. Even though the super-luxe SUV would sit on a stretched version of what is already a three-row SUV, it's reasonable to expect the Maybach SUV will only get two rows. That would give designers plenty of extra room for seating luxury and amenities even beyond the S-Class Maybach. On the other hand, if Mercedes sticks to the rough Maybach playbook so far, a triple-row Maybach would be the only such SUV in the mid- to upper-six-figures. The S-Class 560 4Matic starts at $102,990, the S 560 4Matic Maybach starts at $168,600. Applying that spread to the $94,500 GLS 550, you'd land around $160,000 before adding the markup for a new generation. That kind of starter pricing might make a great tweener proposition. Mercedes could focus on a range of buyers who want to go upscale from the $125,300 AMG GLS 63, without needing to worry — yet — about challenging Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Power is said to come from some version of the company's oft-applied 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts out 462 horsepower in the S 560, but the 3.0-liter inline-six hybrid in the S 560e is under consideration. We'll know next month, when the lightly veiled concept takes the stand in China. The full-on production version should get an introduction at this year's L.A. Auto Show. Related Video:

Mercedes GLE Coupe spotted in almost undisguised AMG form

Say what you will regarding the form and function of the BMW X6, the bottom line is that BMW essentially pioneered a winning formula, sloping a roofline onto an existing model to make a new and highly lucrative) derivative. No wonder rival Mercedes-Benz is clamoring to follow suit with models like the one pictured here. Under development for some time now, the model originally slated to be called the MLC and now expected to be dubbed GLE Coupe looks about ready for its big debut. It's based on the replacement for the current M-Class (to be rechristened GLE) but with that vital sloping roofline to make it more rakish. This particular example seems to be an AMG version and was spied with only minimal camouflage around the front and rear bumpers while undergoing testing in snowy climes. That could be the full-on GLE63 AMG performance variant, or the new AMG Sport model destined to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month. If it's the former, expect it to be packing the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 as the new Mercedes-AMG GT, where it produces either 462 horsepower or 510 depending on spec - ready to take on the X6 M and whatever Audi is preparing to throw at it.

Mercedes GLE to debut in NY, will get plug-in variant

On the eve of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG, said that 2015 will be the "Year of the SUV" at Mercedes-Benz. This means a host of new and updated sport-utility and crossover models, kicked off with the debut of the GLE-Class Coupe (pictured above) – in 450 AMG Sport and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 variants – here in the Motor City. But there's far more in store throughout the year. First, Mercedes has confirmed it will debut the non-coupe GLE-Class – the M-Class replacement – at the New York Auto Show in April. It will share most of its architecture with the GLE Coupe revealed here in Detroit, but will also come with a plug-in hybrid option. Mercedes-Benz debuted an S-Class Plug-In Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, and will expand this technology to other core models in its range. First, we will see the C350 Plug-In Hybrid, which also makes its debut here in Detroit. Beyond that, Mercedes has confirmed that the GLE-Class will benefit from a plug-in option, as will the upcoming GLC-Class crossover – the renamed replacement for the GLK. No official timing has been given for the GLC, but Mercedes confirms that both it and its largest utility vehicle – the GLS-Class (currently known as the GL-Class) – will debut "later this year." Year of the SUV, indeed. Featured Gallery 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe View 9 Photos Green Detroit Auto Show New York Auto Show Mercedes-Benz Crossover SUV Hybrid Luxury PHEV 2015 Detroit Auto Show mercedes glk-class mercedes gl-class mercedes gle-class mercedes glc-class mercedes gls-class