Mercedes Benz Maybach GLS-Class

The cabin layout of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is very much similar to that of the GLS-Class. However, being a Maybach product, the GLS 600 gets choices of personalization and customized elements of the highest order of quality and attention-to-detailing. The choices of materials and leather upholsteries in different shades of Nappa leather are the best in the business. The Malaysian-spec model is being offered as a strict four-seater, with ample space and features on offer for each of the occupants.

Like the GLS-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 also welcomes one with its humongous TFT cockpit screen which incorporates two 12.3-inch screens side-by-side – one for the instrument console and the other for a touch-sensitive infotainment system. The GLS 600 gets the latest ‘Mercedes Me’ connected car technology and ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command system incorporated in its infotainment system. 

The extremely luxurious and well-crafted cabin of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 makes one special with its exclusive features like champagne bottles and silver champagne flutes as well as touch-sensitive tablet screen to control various functions and features of the SUV, which are present in the wide and large rear centre console. The cabin further gets equipment like an air balance package with customizable fragrances for the interior cabin, four-zone automatic climate control, powered and ventilated seats with massaging functions, Burmester 3D surround sound system, customizable ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof with opaque roller blinds and more. 

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 shares much of the exterior of the GLS-Class on which it is based, which is why both SUVs have similar silhouettes. However, Mercedes-Benz has done a terrific job in distinguishing both the SUVs with the help of heavy tweaks and larger-than-life design elements on the Maybach version. With that respect, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 looks richer and much more opulent than the GLS-Class. 

At the front, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has a different, bolder-looking grille, which comes with a typical Maybach grille with rounded edges, chrome surrounds, and vertical slats. The dual-tone bonnet of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gets the coveted Maybach badge sitting above the grille. The all-LED Multibeam headlamps with daytime running LEDs have been retained from the GLS-Class, while the front bumper is new with unique-looking fog lamps and their surrounds and a premium-looking satin silver scuff plate in the middle. 

The dual-tone treatment of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 extends from the bonnet to the roof, pillars, and rearview mirrors, with the side profile looking similar to that of the GLS-Class. However, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gets a different set of 23-inch Maybach alloy wheels, which look extremely exclusive and give this mammoth SUV an additional shot of extravagance. The B-pillar and side window surrounds are finished in a theme of chrome, with the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 getting a Maybach badge on the D-pillar. 

The rear profile of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 looks more or less similar to that of the GLS-Class, with the former also getting combination LED tail lamps with curved edges and a chrome bar connecting the tail lamps. However, the rear bumper here looks different and more premium with a satin silver diffuser and surrounds for the unique-looking exhaust ports. 

Mercedes-Benz has kept its entire focus on making the rear seat occupants as comfortable and pampered as possible. An SUV that is majorly projected as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has been fitted with Adaptive Damping System Plus for its air-controlled suspension. Along with E-Active body control separate for each wheel with Maybach-specific drive program tuning, the GLS 600 offers a tremendously comfortable ride quality, no matter what the speed or type of terrain is. While the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gets 4MATIC all-wheel drive, it is not an outright off-roader. 

Unlike the GLS-Class SUV, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gets a different 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful V8 engine from Mercedes-Benz at the moment, this engine is paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. 

Here in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, this twin-turbo V8 engine produces 550 PS of maximum power output and 730 Nm of maximum torque output. The 48V mild hybrid system with EQ boost function is on offer in the powertrain boosts with power and torque outputs of 21 PS and 250 Nm respectively. Despite being a mammoth-sized SUV, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 can go from a standstill to 100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed is electronically restricted at 250 kmph. 

The comprehensive suite of safety features in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has been shared with the GLS-Class SUV, with it also having a Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, preinstallation for live traffic information, 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, ten airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, driving assistance package (full suite of ADAS features), adaptive high beam assist plus, active parking assist, active distance assist and more.

With its astronomical price point, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is not for everyone but only for the uber-rich people who can afford to pay for the sheer elegance and extravagance in the level of luxury it provides. This SUV from Mercedes-Benz's Maybach division ranks highly in offering a plush and premium interior and driving experience.