The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the ultra-luxury version of Mercedes-Benz’s full-size GLS SUV, revealed in late 2019. Unlike the regular seven-seat GLS, the Maybach is usually configured with four or five seats, with two reclining executive rear seats, a rear refrigerator and champagne flutes, and a suspension mode designed specifically for rear-passenger comfort. It is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with mild-hybrid assistance.

At a glance
Revealed November 2019
Base vehicle Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)
Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt mild hybrid
Seats Four or five
Built Tuscaloosa, Alabama (base vehicle production), with Maybach finishing

An SUV designed for being driven

Mercedes noticed that in markets such as China, the Middle East and Russia, wealthy owners increasingly preferred SUVs to sedans — but still wanted to be chauffeured. The Maybach GLS keeps the SUV’s commanding view and space but reconfigures the rear:

  • Executive rear seats that recline, with calf rests and massage.
  • A center console between the rear seats with a refrigerator and holders for champagne flutes.
  • Rear tablet controls for seats, climate and entertainment.
  • Heated and ventilated seats with extended legroom from the absent third row.

The “Maybach” drive mode

The GLS 600’s E-Active Body Control suspension can scan the road ahead and actively counteract body movement. A dedicated Maybach mode tunes the powertrain and suspension for the smoothest possible ride in the rear — gentler acceleration and reduced body motion.

Design

The Maybach GLS has a chrome pinstriped grille, Maybach badging, optional two-tone paint and illuminated running boards that extend automatically when a door opens.

Maybach GLS vs rivals

Its rivals include the Bentley Bentayga EWB and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Maybach focuses most on rear-seat technology and comfort per dollar; the Cullinan is more exclusive. Read Escalade vs Mercedes GLS for the regular GLS compared with Cadillac’s flagship SUV.

For groups, a different answer

The Maybach GLS is a four-seater. For chauffeured families and groups, a full-size SUV with three rows — like our Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon XL — carries more people and luggage.