Daimler to Build $200,000 SUV in Alabama

Daimler AG says it plans to add an ultra-pricy luxury SUV/crossover vehicle to its Mercedes-Benz lineup and build the car at its plant in Vance, Ala.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS—which could be priced around $200,000—will be propelled by a V-8 engine that makes at least 560 hp, according to Automotive News Europe. It says Mercedes is likely to introduce the “halo” model in China later this year and begin sales in 2020.

The Vance plant already makes a 7-passenger GLS large SUV that starts at $70,200. The high-performance AMG version, which comes with a V-8 engine rated at 577 hp, lists for $125,200. A next-generation of the GLS will go on sale later this year.
 

Daimler offered a glimpse at the possible styling of the Maybach variant when it unveiled the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept (pictured) at the Beijing auto show last April. That all-electric model is equipped by four motors that deliver 750 hp, along with a 80 kWh battery with capacity to travel about 200 miles per charge.

Global demand for ultra-luxury SUVs could climb from 7,500 units in 2018 to 20,000 by 2023, says Automotive News Europe, which cites an estimate by Pennsylvania-based AutoForecast Solutions LLC. The analytics firm says China and the U.S. represent about 75% of the worldwide market for such vehicles.