THE MAYBACH NAME has a long and illustrious history, but few Australians have ever heard of it, or are aware that Mercedes-Benz has revived it for its top-of-the-line luxury models.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is the latest to wear the badge. It extends the portfolio of the Mercedes-Maybach brand by combining the body design and technical basis of the GLS with the luxury of a top-class saloon car. Its spacious interior with the highest-grade materials and extremely effective noise insulation creates a stylish, cocoon-like feel-good atmosphere. From their elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sun blinds on the two rear side windows, 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 can develop 410 kW and 730 Nm of torque, and has been developed exclusively for Maybach. 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 sits atop 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 seven different, elegant colour combinations.
Another eye-catching feature of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS are 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 equipment features: luxury, leather and reclining seats
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.
From the power transfer and suspension to the headlamp technology, the technical systems of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS at least correspond to the most comfortable equipment level of the technically related 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 for faster and draught-free temperature control. There is a dedicated Maybach drive program for the suspension and powertrain.
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 controlled from the rear seats. The integration of digital devices used by passengers comprises all of the common standards.
Selected technical data
| GLS 600 4MATIC | ||
| Number of cylinders/arrangement | 8/V | |
| Displacement | cc | 3982 |
| Rated output | kW | 410 |
| at | rpm | 6000-6500 |
| Add. output with EQ Boost | kW/hp | 16 |
| Rated torque | Nm | 730 |
| at | rpm | 2500-5000 |
| Add. torque with EQ Boost | Nm | 250 |
| Combined fuel consumption | L/100 km | 12.0-11.7 |
| Combined CO2 emissions1 | g/km | 273-266 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | sec | 4.9 |
| Top speed | km/h | 250 |
| Length/width/height | mm | 5205/2030/1838 |
| Wheelbase | mm | 3135 |
| Track, front/rear | mm | 1699/1723 |
| Turning circle | m | 12.5 |