What's the difference?
You could argue that no brand is more synonymous with luxury than Mercedes-Benz, but what happens with a standard GLS SUV just isn’t exclusive enough for your tastes?
Enter the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which builds on the brand’s large SUV offering with extra helpings of opulence and lavishness.
This thing screams money like Louis Vuitton or Cartier, only it has four wheels and will transport passengers in nearly unrivalled levels of refinement and comfort.
But is it more than just a showpiece? And can it handle the rigours of day-to-day life without losing its shiny, jewel-like lustre? Let’s go for a drive and find out.
This is a Lotus - but it’s not like any Lotus you’ve ever known.
In fact, forget everything you know about Lotus, the British brand previously famous for small, lightweight sports cars is now evolving into something very different. Very, very different.
Under the control of Chinese automotive giant Geely since 2017, Lotus will shed its past and focus its future on all-electric, luxury vehicles like the Eletre we’re testing here.
The Eletre is a full-size luxury electric SUV designed to take on the likes of the Audi SQ8 e-tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-AMG EQE on the electric side, while also trying to lure buyers away from the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
So, how does this radically different Lotus measure up to the brand’s reputation and stack up against its would-be competitors? Read on to find out…
It’s big, it’s bold and totally baller, but that’s kind of the point.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 might not win over many fans with its in-your-face design or its sky-high price tag, but there is definitely an appeal here.
Taking luxury to another level is no easy feat, especially in a Mercedes, but the attention to detail, lavish second row and butter-smooth V8 engine combine to turn the already-good GLS into this exquisite Maybach.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
So, how does this radically different Lotus measure up to the brand’s reputation and stack up against its would-be competitors in the final summation? It doesn’t reset the benchmark in any area or stand out head and shoulders above its competition, but crucially for Lotus (and its overlords at Geely) it doesn’t feel behind its rivals.Â
For the Lotus diehards this is an unrecognisable addition to the brand’s legacy of great sports cars. But this new version of the brand is looking to reach fresh customers and the Eletre will likely grab their eye with its dramatic looks.
It’s a highly competitive luxury, performance SUV that should have anyone considering a similar sized Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, or even the Lamborghini taking it for a test drive. It has both elements - luxury and performance - that will appeal to those looking for something special.