Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Merc1]

Don’t forget we do have a smaller G coming. Maybe that will be boxy and rugged looking.

M

 

[Merc1]

It is definitely time for the GLS to be reimagined. It needs to go the true S-Class route, not related to the GLE in any obvious areas.

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

It is defining time for the GLS to be reimagined. It needs to go the true S-Class route, not related to the GLE in any obvious areas.

M

Or keep the current GLS concept as it is. Come up with some stupid name such as GLG, and then make a bespoke Maybach GLS.

If AMG can get bespoke models, Maybach can, even if all of the design and engineering is done alongside the S-class.

The SL and AMG GT could have been similarly treated.

So many benefits for them to follow this strategy, but I just don't think they have the foresight or balls.

 

[Swissbob]

Or keep the current GLS concept as it is. Come up with some stupid name such as GLG, and then make a bespoke Maybach GLS.

If AMG can get bespoke models, Maybach can, even if all of the design and engineering is done alongside the S-class.

The SL and AMG GT could have been similarly treated.

So many benefits for them to follow this strategy, but I just don't think they have the foresight or balls.

And add the V12 to the GLS Maybach lineup.

It’s like the perpetual calendar on a Swiss watch. You don’t need it, but it adds some sophistication.

 

[Merc1]

Or keep the current GLS concept as it is. Come up with some stupid name such as GLG, and then make a bespoke Maybach GLS.

If AMG can get bespoke models, Maybach can, even if all of the design and engineering is done alongside the S-class.

The SL and AMG GT could have been similarly treated.

So many benefits for them to follow this strategy, but I just don't think they have the foresight or balls.

I never thought about that but they could do that. The market is wide open for more luxury SUVs. I say still use the GLS and just totally rethink it but then do a related Maybach model with its own nameplate but yes on their own platform with the same relationship as the SL and GT. Totally unrelated to the GLE.


M

 

[Merc1]

I would love to see a GLS 680 V12 too.

M

 

[hannaz]

As I mentioned earlier a GLG with a unique design can be a great option, how to place it is the question! Whether it’ll be between GLE & GLS or above GLS.

A bespoke Maybach is highly recommended like the 600 Grosser, one of its kind big sedan rather than a SUV, like a Phantom & give a longer life span, stand out design, technologically advanced but not giving over emphasis to it so that won’t get outdated soon. The key focus of that should be long living design which stands out, comfort & powerful engine option + ev as options.

Hope Merc management will listen to it.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I never thought about that but they could do that. The market is wide open for more luxury SUVs. I say still use the GLS and just totally rethink it but then do a related Maybach model with its own nameplate but yes on their own platform with the same relationship as the SL and GT. Totally unrelated to the GLE.


M

I doubt they would want to lose the volume that the current GLS has by going fully upmarket. If this is what MB intended for the GLS, we would have gotten an SUV more like a Range Rover. The current GLS is easily the best so far, but it's still not an S.

In fact now that I think about it, the 'bespoke' AMG EV SUV coming up could have been engineered for both AMG and Maybach variants and styled and branded accordingly. This would have been a cheaper test of the high end Performance and Luxury SUV markets, albeit saddled with the resale issues all high end EV's are facing.

 

[MAJESTIC]

Wow, were they thinking about canceling it?

Yes, crazy to think about now, but the 463 G-Class was on the chopping block! So close in fact that if IIRC those of us in the US had a Grand Edition G500/ G55 marking the intended end of production. Due to immense backlash, Mercedes saved the G at the 11th hour and the 2007 model was released with updated HID headlights and interior upgrades.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

And add the V12 to the GLS Maybach lineup.

It’s like the perpetual calendar on a Swiss watch. You don’t need it, but it adds some sophistication.

They boldly stated they would be bringing back true luxury, but it seems they've lost the kahunas and are now back peddling with their small car range.

Let's hope they at least make a decent go of 'Manufactur'.

There's a problem when you can get luxuries like Nappa leather, rear climate control, trims etc. on a 3-series, X3, X5 etc., but can't get them on a GLE, CLE, E-Class, GLC, C-class etc.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Yes, crazy to think about now, but the 463 G-Class was on the chopping block! So close in fact that if IIRC those of us in the US had a Grand Edition G500/ G55 marking the intended end of production. Due to immense backlash, Mercedes saved the G at the 11th hour and the 2007 model was released with updated HID headlights and interior upgrades.

And now it's probably by far their most profitable model.

 

[Merc1]

I doubt they would want to lose the volume that the current GLS has by going fully upmarket. If this is what MB intended for the GLS, we would have gotten an SUV more like a Range Rover. The current GLS is easily the best so far, but it's still not an S.

In fact now that I think about it, the 'bespoke' AMG EV SUV coming up could have been engineered for both AMG and Maybach variants and styled and branded accordingly. This would have been a cheaper test of the high end Performance and Luxury SUV markets, albeit saddled with the resale issues all high end EV's are facing.

They can do better at its current price point and slightly more expensive won’t hurt sales much in today’s market. There are Range Rovers everywhere. All they need to do is match the S and rest will take care of itself.

M

 

[sako97]

Yes, crazy to think about now, but the 463 G-Class was on the chopping block! So close in fact that if IIRC those of us in the US had a Grand Edition G500/ G55 marking the intended end of production. Due to immense backlash, Mercedes saved the G at the 11th hour and the 2007 model was released with updated HID headlights and interior upgrades.

And now it's probably by far their most profitable model.

Although the GL concept came to market on an expedited timeline as a scramble to garner the large luxury SUV market then dominated by body-on-frame offerings, the initial proposal presented to the top was a unique chassis GL that was to be upmarket from the ML, and the size of the Escalade/Navigator of that vintage. Hence the plans/rumors of having it supersede the G, which had slumped in demand till late 2007 as @MAJESTIC mention.

With the competition then being glizzed up versions of utilitarian’s counterparts, MB followed suit to save on R&D and expedite time to market.. the difference was that they’d base it on the then new mid-entry ML and extend everything from the B-pillar back to make it a 7 seater.

Though almost 20 years ago, these were bits of the candid “raison d’être” conversation I had with a MBUSA rep at it’s debut at NAIAS 2006. The “GL” ideation came from MBUSA execs, which was the first time they had significant influence on a completely new product development. As a result, the execs at NAIAS were quite pompous about their concept coming to fruition, but also not certain that it’d be a commercial success.

With the GL being a runaway success following debut, MB then introuced the GL550 a year later with a larger grill and then huge 21” wheels to capture the Escalade clientele who liked “bling”. Otherwise, the GL450 had a very tepid design.

Fast forward 20 years, MB is still reaping the benefits of the platform sharing from a R&D and margin standpoint. I doubt they will go through the effort of making the GLS a unique offering this decade.

Regarding V12s - I love a V12 as much as the next guy, but we need to be real that MB won’t invest R&D into a new large displacement engine as a singular trim level. Unfortunately those days are over… as long as MB keeps trying to shove terrible looking EVs down our throats. The current V12’s bones are 30 years old and is barely meeting emissions standards in EU markets.

 

[Merc1]

All true, but it shouldn't be too hard to do a new V12 with an I6 being in the picture again.

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Although the GL concept came to market on an expedited timeline as a scramble to garner the large luxury SUV market then dominated by body-on-frame offerings, the initial proposal presented to the top was a unique chassis GL that was to be upmarket from the ML, and the size of the Escalade/Navigator of that vintage. Hence the plans/rumors of having it supersede the G, which had slumped in demand till late 2007 as @MAJESTIC mention.

With the competition then being glizzed up versions of utilitarian’s counterparts, MB followed suit to save on R&D and expedite time to market.. the difference was that they’d base it on the then new mid-entry ML and extend everything from the B-pillar back to make it a 7 seater.

Though almost 20 years ago, these were bits of the candid “raison d’être” conversation I had with a MBUSA rep at it’s debut at NAIAS 2006. The “GL” ideation came from MBUSA execs, which was the first time they had significant influence on a completely new product development. As a result, the execs at NAIAS were quite pompous about their concept coming to fruition, but also not certain that it’d be a commercial success.

With the GL being a runaway success following debut, MB then introuced the GL550 a year later with a larger grill and then huge 21” wheels to capture the Escalade clientele who liked “bling”. Otherwise, the GL450 had a very tepid design.

Fast forward 20 years, MB is still reaping the benefits of the platform sharing from a R&D and margin standpoint. I doubt they will go through the effort of making the GLS a unique offering this decade.

Regarding V12s - I love a V12 as much as the next guy, but we need to be real that MB won’t invest R&D into a new large displacement engine as a singular trim level. Unfortunately those days are over… as long as MB keeps trying to shove terrible looking EVs down our throats. The current V12’s bones are 30 years old and is barely meeting emissions standards in EU markets.

Very interesting background. Thanks matre.

I wish they had made the investment into a proper GLS and had not gone down the cheaper route.

 

[hannaz]

Not sure how much authentic this is.. but sounds interesting. Especially when it’s reported that Mercedes will bring ‘niche models’ according to recent article by motor1

Mercedes CEO: 'We Eat, Sleep, and Drink Cars'

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the German luxury brand is thinking about cars all the time, and despite having about 40 models, new products are possible.

www.motor1.com

 

[Design FIRST]

Not sure how much authentic this is.. but sounds interesting. Especially when it’s reported that Mercedes will bring ‘niche models’ according to recent article by motor1

Mercedes CEO: 'We Eat, Sleep, and Drink Cars'

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the German luxury brand is thinking about cars all the time, and despite having about 40 models, new products are possible.

www.motor1.com

Could it possibly be that these allude to kW outputs of future top-end electric E-and S Class models ?

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Not sure how much authentic this is.. but sounds interesting. Especially when it’s reported that Mercedes will bring ‘niche models’ according to recent article by motor1

Mercedes CEO: 'We Eat, Sleep, and Drink Cars'

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the German luxury brand is thinking about cars all the time, and despite having about 40 models, new products are possible.

www.motor1.com

I wouldn't take too much stock in them for now. Sometimes these types of trademarks are filed just for brand protection purposes.
Much as I'd love a V8 E600 and a V12 S700... Just don't see it happening.

Maybe high power EV variants for the MB.EA-L specs. But they're definitely not representing kW outputs - especially for non-AMG
Nobody needs close to a megawatt (1200+ hp) of power from a non-AMG S class.

 

[Jonathan19]

Not sure how much authentic this is.. but sounds interesting. Especially when it’s reported that Mercedes will bring ‘niche models’ according to recent article by motor1

Mercedes CEO: 'We Eat, Sleep, and Drink Cars'

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the German luxury brand is thinking about cars all the time, and despite having about 40 models, new products are possible.

www.motor1.com

"S900" is maybe the coupe style Maybach that the patents leak months ago?

 

[Design FIRST]

Nobody needs close to a megawatt (1200+ hp) of power from a non-AMG S class.

Things that promote "bragging rights" are seldom rational. But they can sure "sell".