While American automakers are just trying to survive (both the changing market and the same old tweets), foreign automakers are going gangbusters in the States. Case in point: the title of most expensive passenger vehicle built in America is about to be handed over from the Japanese to the Germans.
According to Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz is planning to build the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS exclusively at its facility in Vance, Alabama. The SUV will sell for an approximate price of $200K, which is about $42,500 more than the current most expensive vehicle, the Acura NSX.
As a refresher, the Maybach name is now used by Mercedes-Benz to brand its ultra-luxury models, and is currently available in the S-Class sedans. Here, the new SUV will be “based on the all-new third-generation GLS platform,” pack a 560-HP spewing V8 and capitalize on the popularity of vehicles like the $200K Lamborghini Urus and $325K Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Additionally, the marque plans to extend the nameplate to even more models.
Unfortunately, we don’t have photos just yet, but Automotive News speculates it’ll look something like the year-old Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept pictured above.
No matter what it looks like, the U.S. is moving up the high-end-vehicle totem pole, and that’s good news. But who, exactly, does Mercedes-Benz expect to buy the new Maybach? According to Tim Urquhart, an analyst in London with IHS Markit who spoke to Automotive News, it will “appeal to the Kardashians … if they want something slightly different to the G wagon.”
If we’re stuck with the Kardashians, I guess it’s best if they hop on the made-in-America bandwagon, too.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz USA
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