Mercedes-Maybach GLS: Price, Specs, Review
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxury two-row SUV built around rear-seat comfort, V8 power, and highly detailed interior finishes. It is not simply a better-equipped GLS. The Maybach GLS 600 has a different purpose: it is for buyers who want to be driven as often as they drive, and who place individual rear-seat comfort ahead of third-row seating or maximum cargo volume.
The current U.S. lineup has one model, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV. It has a 550-hp twin-turbocharged V8, standard all-wheel drive, air-suspension technology, and a five-seat layout. A four-seat executive cabin is optional and adds a fixed rear center console in place of the middle rear seat.
The Maybach GLS is exceptionally comfortable and well equipped, but its $180,000 starting MSRP places it well beyond the regular GLS. Buyers who need seven seats should choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS instead.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.1/10
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS earns an 8.1/10 WheelPedia Rating for its rear-seat comfort, rich standard equipment, smooth V8 performance, and quiet long-distance ride.
Its main compromises are its very high price, two-row-only layout, limited cargo space for its size, premium-fuel use, and high long-term ownership costs.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 8.2/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 7.2/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 8.9/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 9.8/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency, fuel economy, or range | 6.5/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 9.8/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 6.2/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.1/10 | — |
See how WheelPedia rates cars for the full scoring method.
Key Highlights
- Starts from $180,000 MSRP in the United States, before destination, taxes, registration, and options.
- One current model: the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV.
- Seats five as standard; an executive four-seat cabin is optional.
- Uses a 550-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with mild-hybrid assistance.
- Produces 568 lb-ft of torque and reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
- Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension.
- Rear-seat legroom measures 43.4 inches, or up to 52.8 inches in the chauffeur position.
- Standard equipment includes rear-seat massage, ventilation, heating, and a Burmester High-End 3D sound system.
- Cargo capacity is 18.4 cubic feet.
- Can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 |
| Vehicle type | Ultra-luxury SUV |
| Seating capacity | 5 standard; 4 optional |
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 with mild-hybrid assist |
| Power | 550 hp |
| Torque | 568 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph | 4.6 seconds |
| Cargo capacity | 18.4 cu. ft. |
| Length | 204.9 in. |
| Width without mirrors | 79.9 in. |
| Height | 72.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 123.4 in. |
| Towing capacity | Up to 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped |
| Fuel requirement | Premium unleaded gasoline |
Expert Tip:
Choose the five-seat configuration if you expect to carry a fifth passenger or need a little more flexibility. The optional four-seat executive cabin is the better choice when the rear right seat will be used primarily by one passenger.
About the Mercedes-Maybach GLS
The Maybach GLS 600 shares its basic architecture with the GLS but is tuned and equipped for a much more exclusive role. Its focus is not on three-row family transportation. Instead, it prioritizes rear-seat comfort, interior materials, and a highly isolated ride.
The standard five-seat cabin provides generous second-row space. The available four-seat layout turns the rear cabin into a more individual experience, with executive rear seats and a center console. Its rear-right chauffeur position can provide up to 52.8 inches of legroom when the front passenger seat is adjusted forward.
This is a niche luxury SUV, not a conventional value purchase. Its buyers should want its specific rear-cabin experience and Maybach design details, rather than simply needing a large Mercedes-Benz SUV.
Price and Trim
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS range has one current U.S. model. Final pricing can change with destination charges, paint, wheel choices, option packages, dealer-installed accessories, and local market conditions.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Powertrain | Drivetrain | 0–60 mph |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV | $180,000 | 550-hp 4.0L twin-turbo V8 mild hybrid | AWD | 4.6 sec |
The five-seat layout is the more flexible configuration. The four-seat cabin is the right choice only when rear-seat comfort for two people matters more than carrying a fifth passenger.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with mild-hybrid assistance. It produces 550 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
The mild-hybrid system supports smooth stop-start operation and low-speed response. It does not make the GLS 600 an electric vehicle and does not offer electric-only driving.
The V8 is calibrated for quiet, effortless acceleration. It is less focused on the sharp, dramatic character of an AMG engine and more suited to the Maybach’s relaxed, long-distance role.
0–60 MPH Performance
| Model | Manufacturer-Claimed 0–60 mph Time |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV | 4.6 sec |
A 4.6-second 0–60 mph time is very quick for a 6,327-pound luxury SUV. The important point is not outright speed but the reserve of power available for quiet highway passing and a fully loaded vehicle.
Driving Experience
The Maybach GLS is designed to isolate passengers from rough roads, wind noise, and long-trip fatigue. Its E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension is self-leveling and can manage body movement more actively than a conventional suspension.
The ride is its defining feature. It is especially suited to highway travel and well-maintained roads, where the cabin feels calm and controlled. The GLS is still a large SUV, though: it is more than 17 feet long and nearly 80 inches wide without mirrors, so tight parking spaces and narrow urban streets need care.
The Maybach GLS is capable of towing, but that is not its main purpose. Buyers who frequently tow should confirm the exact trailer-hitch equipment and weight rating before ordering.
Fuel Economy
Mercedes-Benz had not published EPA fuel-economy figures for the current Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 at the time of this update. It is a large, heavy, twin-turbo V8 SUV that requires premium gasoline, so fuel costs should be a clear part of the ownership calculation.
The 23.8-gallon fuel tank can support long highway stretches, but gasoline, insurance, tires, and maintenance will be expensive compared with a mainstream SUV or a regular GLS 450.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Maybach GLS cabin is its main reason to exist. It has exclusive Nappa leather, wood trim, a quieter cabin treatment, and a standard level of rear-seat comfort that goes far beyond the regular GLS.
Standard and available features include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- MBUX infotainment with “Hey, Mercedes” voice control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos
- Head-up display
- Front and rear wireless charging
- Seven USB-C ports
- Standard five-seat cabin or optional four-seat executive cabin
- Power executive rear seats with memory
- Rear multicontour seats with massage
- Heated and ventilated rear seats
- Heated rear armrests and cupholders
- Four-zone climate control with air purification and fragrance functions
- Rear-cabin MBUX tablet and two-way in-car communication system
- Standard panoramic roof
- Available rear-seat entertainment screens, refrigerator box, and champagne-flute holders
The standard five-seat cabin is already very luxurious. The four-seat setup is the standout version for chauffeur use, but it removes the middle rear seat and limits the vehicle’s flexibility.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 204.9 in. |
| Width without mirrors | 79.9 in. |
| Width with mirrors | 84.9 in. |
| Height | 72.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 123.4 in. |
| Front legroom | 40.3 in. |
| Rear legroom | 43.4 in. |
| Rear legroom, chauffeur position | Up to 52.8 in. |
| Cargo capacity | 18.4 cu. ft. |
| Seating capacity | 5 standard; 4 optional |
The Maybach GLS has useful space behind the rear seats for luggage, but it is not a maximum-cargo SUV. The two-row layout favors rear-passenger room over cargo capacity and does not have the regular GLS’s third-row flexibility.
If seven-seat capacity and a large maximum cargo area matter more than rear-seat luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the more suitable choice. Buyers looking for an electric Maybach SUV should consider the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV.
Exterior Design
The Maybach GLS has a distinctive vertical-bar grille, Maybach-specific wheels, extensive chrome trim, and available two-tone paint. It is visibly different from a regular GLS without using the aggressive styling associated with AMG models.
Standard 22-inch Maybach wheels reinforce its formal appearance. Available 23-inch designs and optional two-tone paint make the vehicle more visually distinctive, but they also increase cost and can make wheel or tire damage more expensive.
The optional Maybach Night Series changes exterior details to dark chrome and can add a more subdued appearance. It is a design preference, not a mechanical upgrade.
Safety Features and Ratings
The Maybach GLS 600 includes an extensive standard driver-assistance package:
- Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Active Speed Limit Assist
- Active Stop-and-Go Assist
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Surround View System
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- PRE-SAFE, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRE-SAFE Sound, and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side
- Nine airbags
- LED Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist
IIHS does not currently publish a crash-test rating page specifically for the current Mercedes-Maybach GLS. Buyers should check the latest IIHS and NHTSA records for the exact vehicle before purchase.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Maybach GLS 600 has advanced suspension systems, turbocharged V8 power, mild-hybrid hardware, extensive electronics, and exclusive cabin components. It will be expensive to maintain and repair, particularly after the factory warranty ends.
Routine costs such as premium fuel, large tires, insurance, detailing, and replacement parts are likely to be high. Its ownership case is strongest for buyers who value its rear-seat experience enough to accept those costs.
| Coverage | Length |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Federal Emissions Warranty | Up to 8 years / 80,000 miles on selected components |
Before buying a used Maybach GLS, check service history, wheel and tire condition, suspension operation, power-seat functions, rear-cabin electronics, infotainment features, and open recalls. A Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle can be worth considering when available.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Exceptional rear-seat comfort
- Strong, quiet V8 performance
- Very complete standard driver-assistance package
- Standard rear-seat heating, ventilation, and massage
- High-quality audio, navigation, and rear-cabin technology
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension
- Distinctive Maybach design and available two-tone paint
- High towing capacity when properly equipped
What We Don’t Like
- Extremely high starting price
- Only two rows of seating
- Four-seat layout removes the middle rear seat
- Cargo area is modest for such a large SUV
- Premium gasoline is required
- No current IIHS crash-test rating page
- Long-term maintenance, repairs, tires, and insurance will be costly
Competitors
The Maybach GLS competes with a small group of ultra-luxury SUVs:
- The Bentley Bentayga is a strong alternative for buyers who want a more driver-focused luxury SUV.
- The Rolls-Royce Cullinan targets buyers who want the highest level of rear-seat luxury and brand exclusivity.
- The Range Rover SV is worth considering for buyers who want a more understated design and strong off-road ability.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides three rows and more family flexibility for a lower price.
- The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is the electric alternative for buyers who want a Maybach-level SUV without a gasoline engine.
Related Content
Before financing a Maybach GLS, read our guide to car loan preapproval and understand the difference between APR and interest rate on a car loan.
Used-car buyers should also read how to check a car’s accident history and how to read a VIN number before completing a purchase.
Should You Buy the Mercedes-Maybach GLS?
Buy the Mercedes-Maybach GLS if you want a large, ultra-luxury SUV primarily for outstanding rear-seat comfort, quiet V8 performance, and a high level of standard equipment.
Choose the five-seat GLS 600 if you want the most useful configuration. Choose the optional four-seat executive cabin if the vehicle will regularly carry one or two rear passengers and their comfort matters more than carrying a fifth person.
Skip the Maybach GLS if you need a third row, want the largest cargo area, prefer an efficient powertrain, or do not place a high value on the rear-seat experience.
FAQs
How much does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS cost?
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 starts from $180,000 MSRP in the United States, before destination, taxes, registration, and options.
How many seats does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS have?
It seats five as standard. An optional executive cabin uses two individual rear seats and reduces capacity to four.
Does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS have a third row?
No. The Maybach GLS is a two-row SUV. Choose the regular Mercedes-Benz GLS if you need three rows and seating for up to seven.
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 have?
The Maybach GLS 600 has a 550-hp twin-turbocharged V8 with 568 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS fast?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz states that the Maybach GLS 600 reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS require premium gas?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz specifies premium unleaded gasoline for the Maybach GLS 600.
How much cargo space does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS have?
The Maybach GLS 600 has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Can the Mercedes-Maybach GLS tow?
Yes. When properly equipped, the Maybach GLS 600 can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Confirm the exact towing equipment and rating before ordering.
What is special about the Mercedes-Maybach GLS rear seat?
The rear cabin includes power executive seats, massage, heating, ventilation, heated armrests and cupholders, rear-seat controls, and available entertainment equipment. In the optional four-seat layout, the rear-right chauffeur position can provide up to 52.8 inches of legroom.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS safe?
It includes a wide range of standard driver-assistance features, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Check current IIHS and NHTSA information for the exact model before buying.
Final Verdict
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is one of the most luxurious gasoline SUVs available. Its rear cabin, V8 power, suspension technology, and standard equipment make it a very different experience from the regular GLS.
The five-seat GLS 600 is the sensible configuration for most owners, while the optional four-seat cabin is the best fit for buyers who want a chauffeur-focused rear cabin. It is not the choice for maximum seating or cargo flexibility.
The price is the main trade-off. Buyers who need a three-row SUV will be better served by the GLS, while buyers who want exceptional rear-seat comfort and are comfortable with the ownership costs will find the Maybach GLS highly compelling.
Prices, specifications, fuel-economy ratings, safety results, and feature availability can change by trim, model year, and market.