2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Debuts As The Ultimate S-Class Of SUVs

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS has been a long time coming, but now it’s finally here – except it debuts at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China instead of the ongoing LA Auto Show.

Marking the first time the Maybach emblem is put on a production model that’s not an S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC represents Stuttgart’s pinnacle in luxury SUVs. As such, it is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 550 HP (558 PS) at 6,000 – 6,500 rpm and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque at 2,500 – 5,000 rpm.

This engine variant was developed exclusively for Maybach and is combined with the 48-volt system EQ Boost, which adds 22 HP (16 kW) of power and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of instant torque.

Watch: 2020 Mercedes GLS: Luxurious And Comfortable, But Not As Cool As An X7 Or Range Rover

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS has the same wheelbase as the regular GLS: 3,135 mm / 123.4 in

The powertrain enables the 2.78-tonne (6,140-lbs) Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). For those interested in trivial details like fuel economy, the top-dog GLS’s combined fuel consumption is rated as low as 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 mpg US), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 266 g/km.

Styling-wise, the GLS 600 is easy to recognize thanks to the Maybach grille with vertical chrome slats, chrome window trim and B-pillars, chrome inserts in the side sill panels, exclusive 22-inch alloys (23-inch ones are an option), tailpipe trim elements with a small cross rib, and the Maybach emblem on the D-pillars.

But the most Maybach-like design feature is the available two-tone paintwork which will be offered in eight different combinations. Also unique to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS are the electrically extending running boards with surfaces of anodized aluminum laced with black rubber strips. They’re also illuminated in the dark, so passengers don’t trip and damage the lavish interior.

Inside, the luxury SUV only offers two rows of seats to ensure maximum levels of space in the rear. Backseat passengers get two business-class reclining seats, just as they would in a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, for ultimate comfort.

The list of standard features is extensive and includes fine Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof with an opaque roller blind, heated and ventilated massage seats, electrically operated rear roller sun blinds, separate air conditioner for the back seats, Airmatic suspension, and much more.

The MBUX Rear Tablet in the center console or the armrest between the rear seats is also standard and enables passengers to control comfort and entertainment functions. The fixed center console is optional and can be fitted with extending and folding tables and even a refrigerator with space for champagne bottles.

The automaker has even developed a dedicated fragrance (white osmanthus blossom) for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS as part of the optional Air-Balance package. Other options include the fully-active suspension with E-Active Body Control, which offers a dedicated Maybach drive program ensuring an even more comfortable ride.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC will arrive in dealerships in the second half of 2020. The automaker did not reveal pricing details, but it is expected to start at around $200,000, targeting rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX and the like. Built in the U.S., it will obviously be available Stateside as well as China, the Middle East and Europe.