Mercedes-Maybach renews its commitment to luxury SUVs with the new GLS

If you are looking for a large SUV with all the luxury a brand can offer, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of those models you should consider. It is a car that the German brand renewed last spring following the current design standard of Mercedes and which now makes a qualitative leap in terms of luxury through Maybach, the Mercedes-Benz division responsible for reinforcing the distinctive appearance of its models.

In the words of Mercedes-Maybach itself, the new GLS seeks to “convey even more status and presence through precision and design quality.” To achieve this, they begin with a specific Maybach grille with its illuminated outline and the Maybach inscription itself, slightly illuminated within the grille frame. In certain markets, the Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet will also light up.

Moving on to the front section, Mercedes-Maybach has fitted the GLS with specific headlights featuring small rose gold details and ambient lighting running along the sides of the star modules and the transition between the headlights and the grille frame. A black panel also connects the headlights with the grille frame, while a little lower down there is a new bumper with chrome-finished air intake inserts and a chrome lower protection panel specific to Maybach.

From the side, we can see that Mercedes-Maybach will offer a new 22-inch alloy wheel with the characteristic 20-hole design with the new GLS. Optionally, forged 23-inch wheels will be available, featuring a three-pointed star mounted in the centre that is self-levelling so that it always remains vertically aligned even as the wheel turns. At the rear, the tailgate has been redesigned with an elegant design panel connecting the rear lights, which incorporate three-dimensional star motifs framed in chrome.

Mercedes-Maybach will offer greater customisation possibilities with the new colours Dark Petrol non-metallic, Manufaktur Patagonia Red metallic, and the exclusive two-tone Dark Petrol non-metallic/Green Silver metallic, which join Maybach’s existing colour palette. In addition, the brand’s customers also have access to the Manufaktur personalisation programme, which is in increasing demand, as every Maybach customer chooses at least one option from the Manufaktur programme.

For customers who want a Mercedes-Maybach GLS with a more discreet and technical look, there is the Night Series version, in which the chrome elements take on a darker tone, such as the aluminium electric running boards, along with exclusive 23-inch wheels with a seven-spoke design and Maybach pattern inserts. Inside, the combination of black with black pearl Napa leather has been chosen, although optionally it can be replaced with crystal white with black pearl accents, finished with open-pore brown walnut wood inserts.

Upon entering the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, the illuminated electric running boards welcome us with their smooth operation, and we find a cabin with the latest design and technological innovations already seen in the presentation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, such as the new generation of MBUX Superscreen, fitted as standard, consisting of three 12.3-inch screens plus a configurable lower bar. In the rear seats there are two 11.6-inch Full HD screens, which also provide access to functions such as climate control, privacy blinds and rear entertainment.

While enjoying this technology during the drive, those in the front seats can travel in complete comfort thanks to the multicontour front seats with newly developed massage function, and for the rear seats, the two Executive Seats with massage function now also extend to the calves. The sound system is provided by the Burmester 3D surround system with Dolby Atmos, featuring 15 speakers and a 710-watt amplifier which, together with improved cabin insulation, will completely isolate you from the outside for the duration of the journey.

Mechanically, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is equipped with the V8 (M177 EVO) producing 610 CV and 850 Nm of torque, supported by the 48 V mild-hybrid system, acting as an integrated starter-generator. The steering system has also been revised to be more direct and provide greater precision, agility and responsiveness. Additionally, it features a new Airmatic air suspension with intelligent, predictive damping, and optionally, comfort can be further enhanced with E-Active Body Control, which reduces body roll, pitch and lift.

For now, Mercedes-Maybach has not revealed the price of the GLS for the European market, where it will arrive over the remainder of the summer, with China being the first market where it can already be ordered.