2018 Mercedes GL-Class Could Underpin Aston SUV, Have Pullman Variant

Reports about the Mercedes wanting to help/buy Aston Martin are coming in fast and hot. A few days ago, we learned that CEO and mustache man Dieter Zetsche wants to support the "fantastic brand" and now details are coming in as to how he plans on doing that.

An unnamed source within the German company recently spoke to Automobile Magazine and told that “Dieter [Zetsche] is quite chuffed about the Aston thing and he is willing to let them in on X167. Money, however, is a big issue. Aston’s £500 ($825) million four-year investment plan is just not enough when you need to renew your entire model range and think about adding an SUV.”

X167 is the codename of the next generation GL-Class fullsize SUV, which of course Aston Martin needs to make its first offroader ever. You guys will of course remember that the Lagonda concept they showed was actually based on the GL.

Regardless of whether or not the partnership will happen, there's a lot to be excited about when it comes to the next-gen GL. According to the same report, this would finally act as a true flagship of the model range. Mercedes is considering adding a Pullman version, just like with the S-Class.
Regarding the German insider's opinion about Aston's lack of finance, it seems the Brits have already developed the new DB9. It's reportedly been shown to Mercedes already and will be offered with not one but two engines, one from the Germans which is likely a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 and the other an updated V12. The Vanquish range is another pressing concern for the company.