When it comes to ultra-luxury SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS stands tall among the competition. Combining the legendary opulence of the Maybach name with the cutting-edge engineering of Mercedes-Benz, the Maybach GLS is designed to offer a first-class experience on four wheels. From its majestic presence to its indulgent interior and powerful performance, this SUV redefines what it means to travel in style.
In this blog post, we dive deep into every aspect of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, providing over 1900 words of comprehensive, SEO-friendly, and human-style content. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a potential buyer, or just someone fascinated by automotive excellence, this full review will guide you through the luxury, performance, and prestige this magnificent SUV embodies.
Table of Contents
1. The Maybach Legacy: A Century of Prestige
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS brand has always been synonymous with ultra-luxury, exclusivity, and meticulous craftsmanship. Originally founded in the early 20th century by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl, the brand quickly became known for producing some of the most luxurious cars in the world.
After being integrated into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, Maybach has evolved into the pinnacle of premium automotive luxury. The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS reflects this legacy with every stitch of leather and every whisper-quiet ride.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vehicles have long served as status symbols for world leaders, celebrities, and the ultra-wealthy, and the GLS extends that tradition in the SUV space, bridging the gap between power and poise.
2. Exterior Design: Elegant Power
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS exudes a majestic presence, combining traditional luxury with contemporary styling:
- Exclusive Maybach Grille: Featuring vertical chrome slats and the Maybach emblem
- Two-Tone Exterior Paint: A signature Maybach design cue, offering up to nine unique combinations
- Multi-Beam LED Headlights: With Adaptive High Beam Assist
- Soft-Close Doors and Illuminated Running Boards
- Panoramic Sliding Sunroof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL
Its commanding stance and unique finishes make it immediately recognizable as a flagship luxury SUV.
Further enhancing its character are 22 or 23-inch wheels with Maybach-specific designs, chrome detailing on the B-pillars, and even bespoke Maybach logos engraved on the D-pillars. The aesthetic attention to detail sets this SUV apart from the standard GLS.
3. Dimensions and Presence
- Length: 5205 mm
- Width: 2157 mm
- Height: 1838 mm
- Wheelbase: 3135 mm
- Ground Clearance: 200 mm (adaptive)
Its spacious proportions not only contribute to road dominance but also translate into cavernous cabin space and optimum ride comfort. The extended wheelbase ensures more legroom, especially in the rear lounge, which is a hallmark of chauffeur-driven opulence.
4. Interior Luxury: A Rolling Sanctuary
Step into the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS and you’ll experience unmatched comfort and indulgence:
- Executive Rear Lounge: Two fully adjustable seats with ventilation, massage, and memory functions
- MBUX Rear Tablet: Lets passengers control all cabin features
- Champagne Flutes and Refrigerator: Located between the rear seats
- Foldable Rear Tables: Ideal for business or leisure use
- Material Quality: From quilted Nappa leather to real wood and polished metal accents
The rear seats are positioned further back than the standard GLS to provide additional legroom—perfect for chauffeured driving.
Additional touches include ambient lighting with customizable themes, heated and cooled cup holders, and a cabin so silent, it’s as though you’re in a soundproof vault. The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS delivers a sense of serenity unmatched by other SUVs.
5. Performance That Matches the Prestige
Under the hood lies a beast that balances power and refinement:
- Engine: 4.0L V8 bi-turbo petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid system (EQ Boost)
- Power: 550 hp
- Torque: 730 Nm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic (9G-TRONIC)
- 0 to 100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 250 km/h
The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL and 4MATIC all-wheel drive make for a ride that’s smooth, composed, and dynamically adaptive. Whether on city roads or highways, it glides effortlessly.
6. Maybach-Specific Driving Modes
A unique Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Mode modifies the engine, suspension, and gearbox responses to prioritize comfort. Unlike sport-focused luxury SUVs, this mode ensures minimal body movement for rear-seat passengers, even on rough roads.
The vehicle even lowers itself by 25 mm for easier ingress and egress when Maybach mode is engaged.
7. Advanced Technology & Infotainment
Luxury is not just about comfort—it’s also about intelligent innovation:
- MBUX Dual 12.3-inch Screens
- Natural Voice Commands (“Hey Mercedes”)
- Gesture Control
- Augmented Reality Navigation
- Wireless Smartphone Integration
- Rear Entertainment Package: Dual 11.6-inch HD displays
Additionally, the Burmester 3D Surround Sound System delivers exceptional audio quality. Every note, every beat is rendered in studio-grade clarity.
8. Safety: Built Like a Fortress
Mercedes leaves no room for compromise when it comes to safety:
- 9 Airbags
- Active Brake Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360-degree Camera with 3D View
- PRE-SAFE Plus: Predictive occupant protection
Also included are adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and night vision assist. Whether in traffic or open roads, peace of mind is standard.
9. Comfort Features That Go Beyond
Passengers are pampered with features that redefine what it means to travel:
- Four-Zone Climate Control
- Ionization and Air Purification
- Footrests with Heating Function
- Adaptive Ambient Lighting (64 Colors)
- Powered Sunshades on All Windows
- Interior Fragrance Diffuser (AIR BALANCE Package)
Even the suspension adjusts to potholes using cameras that scan the road ahead. This predictive comfort tech is unique in the segment.
10. Pricing & Variants (India)
As of 2024, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is priced at:
- Ex-Showroom Price: ₹2.96 Crore
- On-Road Price: Varies based on city and optional features
Only a single, fully-loaded variant is offered in India, featuring almost every luxury imaginable.
11. How It Compares: Rivals in the Segment (List Format)
- Bentley Bentayga: Slightly more bespoke, significantly pricier
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Ultra-exclusive, but 2x the price
- Range Rover SV: Excellent off-roader, less luxurious rear seats
- BMW X7 M60i: More performance-focused, not as plush
While rivals offer strengths in various niches, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the most well-rounded ultra-luxury SUV in terms of comfort, performance, and tech.
12. Pros and Cons List
Pros:
- Palatial rear cabin
- V8 with mild hybrid EQ boost
- Superior infotainment and connectivity
- Maybach-specific comfort tuning
- Distinctive, elegant exterior
Cons:
- Large size can be challenging in tight city spaces
- High price tag
- Limited availability
13. Ideal Buyers: Who Should Buy This?
- Corporate Executives
- Film and Sports Celebrities
- Business Tycoons
- Heads of State and Diplomats
Anyone looking for a prestigious, ultra-luxurious, and chauffeur-driven experience will find the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS unmatched.
14. Fuel Efficiency & Real-World Running Costs
- Fuel Efficiency: ~8–9 km/l (combined)
- Service Intervals: Every 15,000 km or 1 year
- Extended Warranty & Maintenance Plans: Up to 5 years
While fuel economy isn’t its strongest point, running costs are manageable for the segment, especially with corporate packages.
15. Ownership Experience: Red Carpet Every Day
Owners receive:
- Dedicated Relationship Manager
- Concierge Services
- Pick-up & Drop-off for Servicing
- Priority Delivery & Booking Slots
This isn’t just luxury—it’s a lifestyle.
16. Future of Maybach SUVs
Mercedes is planning to electrify its Maybach lineup, with an all-electric Maybach EQS SUV expected soon. This will mark a new chapter in luxury that combines sustainability with opulence.
17. Final Verdict: A Class Apart
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS represents the zenith of SUV luxury. Whether you’re reclining in the back seat sipping champagne or cruising down the highway with the V8 humming under the hood, every detail of this vehicle is tailored for those who accept no compromise.
