The Mercedes-Maybach GLS combines the body form and superior, robust technical basis provided by the GLS, the S-Class among SUVs, with all the technical and material luxury of a top-class saloon car.

Any car with a Mercedes-Maybach badge is an obvious sign of extreme luxury, quality and refinement. But, over time ‘some’ luxury motoring brands have opted to simply add a few cosmetic touches to an existing model from a sister brand and slap an enormous price tag on it. Frequently, these ‘improved’ models are hardly better than their high-end doners.

We haven’t seen this new model in person so cannot say whether this is the case. The price is undoubtedly going to be high and you need to be convinced that the extra premium is worth the slight boost to your ego and street-cred. In the near future, we should be in a position to offer more light on the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC. For now, below is the release text from the brand detailing what this vehicle has to offer for potential purchasers.

Release text
From their pleasantly elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sun blinds on the two rear side windows, the passengers can decide for themselves how much of their surroundings they want to see. The AIRMATIC suspension included as standard or the optional, fully-active suspension with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL effectively keep the road bumps at bay.

For the first time, there is a dedicated Maybach drive program that ensures even more comfort in the rear. Access and egress are also highly convenient: when the doors are opened, the vehicle is lowered slightly, and an illuminated running board quickly and silently emerges on the access or egress side. The running boards are made of anodised aluminium.

The V8 engine with a displacement of four litres, which can develop 410 kW (558 hp) and 730 Nm of torque, is an engine variant developed exclusively for Maybach and moves the car discreetly and powerfully. The engine is combined with the 48-volt system EQ Boost. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC will enter the market in the second half of 2020.

The Mercedes-Benz star surmounts the bonnet in the classic way, while the fine, vertical chrome struts of the Maybach radiator grille create a pinstripe effect. Effective chrome highlights around the side windows and the chrome inserts in the side sill panels lend dignity and elegance to the profile. The 22 or 23-inch wheels were developed exclusively for this model, with the 23-inch version echoing the pinstripe theme.

The tailpipe trim elements with a small cross rib emphasise the model’s identity as a Mercedes-Maybach. The same applies to the brand emblem, which is positioned at various points such as on the D-pillar. As a special, Maybach-specific feature, two-tone paintwork is available in eight different, elegant colour combinations.

Another eye-catching feature of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the electrically extending running boards. They make accessing and leaving the high seating position both convenient and safe. With surfaces of anodised aluminium laced with black rubber strips, illuminated in the dark and particularly wide in the area of the rear doors, they ensure a very special visual appeal.

When in their retracted state, the running boards are concealed behind the side sill panels. If a rear door is opened, the running board on the side concerned automatically swings into position in around one second. This default setting can be changed using a special menu in the MBUX infotainment system. In the interests of spaciousness in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is only available with two seat rows.

The two outer rear seats can be electrically converted into reclining seats. Padded areas and the dashboard are finished in fine Nappa leather as standard, with a range of further cushions and leather interior linings available on request.

An electrically opening panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind is standard equipment, as are climatised massage seats. Obtainable on special request, the fixed centre console transforms the car into a spacious four-seater whose rear is just as suitable for working as for relaxing. This console is available with extending, folding tables, even a refrigerator with space for champagne bottles. Suitable silver champagne flutes for this are available from the accessories range.

A dedicated fragrance was developed for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS for active fragrancing as part of the optional AIR BALANCE package: the white osmanthus blossom, floral and light, is rounded off by a gentle leather note and spicy tea.

From the power transfer and suspension to the headlamp technology, the technical systems of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS are at least on par with the levels found in other related high-end edition Mercedes-Benz SUVs. For example, noise insulation in the interior has been raised to an even higher level by installing a rigid partition and a fixed parcel shelf behind the rear seats, separating the interior from the luggage compartment.

A separate air conditioner for the rear seats is standard and features additional outlets and heater boosters with which temperature control is even faster and draught-free. There is a dedicated Maybach drive program for the suspension and powertrain; its settings offer rear-seat passengers, in particular, the ultimate in ride comfort.

With the standard MBUX Rear Tablet in the centre console or the armrest between the rear seats, the extensive comfort and entertainment functions can also be intuitively controlled from the rear seats. The integration of digital devices used by passengers comprises all of the common standards.

More information about the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the publication “Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” [“Guidelines concerning the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electricity consumption of new passenger cars”], available free of charge at all retailers and from the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (www.dat.de).