2024 MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS 600: GERMANY'S ULTRA-LUXE BOUGIE SWISS ARMY KNIFE

If this was the 1920s and someone walked into Wilhelm Maybach's office with the prospect of producing a crossover SUV, he likely would've kicked them out and told them to work for Opel. Not only did crossover SUVs not exist in the early 20th century, but any automobile that resembled a "sports utility vehicle" back in the day was likely some piece of four-wheeled, diesel-powered farm equipment or a military vehicle.

They didn't really start taking shape until the 1930s, when military outfits started experimenting, grafting sedan bodies onto four-wheel-drive chassis for passenger transport vehicles. With Maybach busy producing the polar opposite, ultra-luxurious and low-volume coachbuilt limousines and heavy-duty marine and rail engines, any idea of combining opulence with utilitarianism didn't even cross anyone's minds.

But here we are, nearly a whole century later, even after reentering the car business in 2002, Maybach finally made its first-ever crossover SUV, the GLS 600. It may be an apple that fell very far from the tree as Maybach never in its prior history ever made one. After making tank engines in World War II, it disappeared entirely from the car-making scene, building heavy-duty marine diesel engines as MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH.

In 1960, Mercedes-Benz completely bought out Maybach as a manufacturing division to build special-edition W108 and W116 S-Classes, however, it wouldn't be another 42 years later that Maybach would return as a carmaker under the then DaimlerChrysler merger of equals.

In 2002, it gave the world the 52 and extended-wheelbase 62 ultra-luxury sedans to compete with Rolls-Royce's BMW-ized Phantom. Though its driving experience and seemingly haphazard construction based off of the outgoing W140 S-Class was met with lukewarm press when the next-generation W220 was already in production. It disappeared again from the car making scene in 2012 before being revitalized as a subdivision of Mercedes-Benz in 2015, selling high-dollar variants of the W222 S-Class.

What didn't disappear, however, was its reputation and status as a luxury vehicle for the one percent, despite trailing in recognition behind Britain's finest. So does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 continue to show that it could give a Cullinan or a Bentayga a run for its money?

2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 First Impressions

Like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the GLS 600 starts life, as you guessed, an X167 GLS-Class, which is Benz's third-generation full-size three-row luxury crossover, sharing its backbones with the midsize GLE. It's then given plusher interior bits and bespoke exterior appointments, unique lighting, and wheel designs at Maybach finishing division, and all the best options that the GLS lineup has to offer.

So while it may have the same dimensions and silhouette as a regular GLS, it certainly has far more curb swagger and presence, which was immediately obvious from its share of thumbs-ups and nods from onlookers and fellow motorists. This is because the GLS 600 certainly makes it a point that it's no standard, plebian GLS, with its Maybach-only appointments, like its massive vertical lined chrome grille, exquisite two-tone paintwork, slightly cheesy Maybach badge festooned front lower fascia inserts, and the Maybach insignia on the rear D-pillars. If one of these randomly pulls up in your driveway, you can bet either a famous rapper or an overpaid professional sports player's just arrived on your property.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Being based off of Mercedes-Benz's flagship full-size SUV and going further to be the range-topping flagship of Benz's flagship SUV (yo dawg, I heard you like flagships), world-class expectations behind the wheel are certainly met. Mercedes' ubiquitous and superbly advanced 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8 powers all four wheels through a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Though the 600 is fortunate enough to get the hand-built M177 AMG variant with 48-volt Mild Hybrid EQ Boost to differentiate it from the GLS 580's standard-spec M176 variant.

The 48-volt Mild Hybrid EQ Boost consists of a more powerful electrical system on top of the car's standard 12-volt charging system for the on-board electronics. An "Integrated Starter Generator" (ISG) sits between the engine and transmission and provides mild electric drive assist to the engine, providing up to an additional 22 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for short periods under heavy acceleration loads and smoother operation of the fuel-saving automatic stop-start system during stop-and-go traffic. On top of the bi-turbo V-8's 550 hp and 538 lb-ft, overall output totals 579 hp and a colossal 723 pound-feet with the assist of the ISG.

Suspending this three-plus-ton mammoth is Benz's latest iteration of AIRMATIC air suspension with E-ACTIVE Body Control, also powered by the 48-volt system, which enables greater capability and adaptability to road surfaces of all kinds. The result is equally world-class body control and suspension responses that are quite simply some of the best in the industry. Mercedes-Benz has always been a purveyor and innovator of active suspension and body control, both of which have established the brand as an automaker of driver's cars.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 may seem like the sort of vehicle you want to be driven in, but the GLS 600 isn't anything short of spectacular to pilot. It may not be the same sort of sharp-edged performance-oriented driver's car as a top-spec BMW X7, but it portrays itself as the sort of driver's car that simply makes the act of driving a completely seamless and effortless experience. It's one that just encourages you to gobble up asphalt by the hundreds of miles rather than bombing an off-ramp or technical S-bend at the highest of speeds--a signature Mercedes-Benz road-going trait.

For instance, even though the GLS 600 does without the W223 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class's trick four-wheel steering system, the GLS 600 is still a pinky breeze to drive, whether it's navigating tight shopping mall parking lots, traveling long distances, or tackling long swooping mountainous county roads.

And yes, the GLS 600's 4MATIC all-wheel drive makes it quite the parking lot snow-drifter, which I thoroughly tested when a late-winter snow storm dropped several inches of fresh powder on the region during my time with it. That said, the other best seat in the house, besides the reclining rear buckets, is undoubtedly the driver's seat.

Braking And Acceleration

With its AMG heart's force-fed thundering ocho, the GLS 600 certainly sucks you into the seat and snaps your neck as you'd expect with its power figures and 48-volt mild-hybrid assist, corroborating the manufacturer's claimed 4.2-second sprint to 100 KPH (62 MPH) from a standstill. No matter the speed or the situation, the smooth and velvety, yet punchy V-8 is always ready and primed to catapult the GLS 600's three-plus tons to the horizon without avail and onto its USA-market electronically limited top-speed of 130 miles per hour.

Should you want to drive like a stately chauffeur however, one can enable the car's "Maybach" drive mode on the selector. The latter alters the throttle pedal response for a more linear acceleration curve and the V-8 hardly makes itself known, other than its signature, yet mostly muted burly V-8 engine note. The brakes, supplied by massive six-piston calipers up front and four-caliper pistons at the rear with ventilated drilled discs, have plenty of grip to bring three-tons of German opulence from Autobahn-storming speeds down to legal ones over and over again without fade or fail.

• Acceleration 0-62 MPH: 4.2 seconds (manufacturer estimated)

Performance Specifications

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Fuel Economy

People dropping over $174,375 on an opulent and flagship luxury SUV don't typically have fuel economy in mind. But if you had to ask, the Environmental Protection Agency rates the GLS 600 at 14 MPG city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. During our week-long evaluation, it was easy to see sub-14 MPG figures on the onboard trip computer, whenever making good use of the V-8's excellent power delivery.

Having to deal with keeping up with fast-paced New York City Metro and New Jersey traffic and constant stop-and-go didn't help the cause. On longer, freer flowing highway sprints with liberal use of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive radar-guided cruise control, the GLS 600's computer climbed closer to 18-19 MPG. If anything's certain, you'll be making good friends with your local gas station attendants.

Interior Design And Comfort

The comfort levels of a Mercedes-Maybach really need no explanation. First and foremost, it's still a Mercedes-Benz, an automaker that's built a reputation for making some of the most comfortable and refined automobiles to ever roam the Earth, this side of a Rolls or Bentley. But furthermore, it's a Mercedes-Maybach, which means it's designed and engineered to go head-to-head with other automotive pinnacles like the Rolls Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga.

The GLS 600, as opposed to the standard GLS, obviously comes with more bespoke interior trim appointments, richer and plusher leather surfaces and seats, heating, cooling, and massage capabilities all around, and all the adjustability one needs to find the perfect seating position.

Inside, at any speed, the minimal noise intrusion and overall serenity of the cabin rivals that of a church. Naturally, the overall ambiance of the GLS 600 is rather reserved, as the Germans always try to keep things low-key rather than flamboyant. But whatever surface or switch you touch, it's undoubtedly as rich and luscious as interiors can get. Space is also abundant for four full-size adults and the rear seats even come with all the mounts and room for baby seats.

Though because chauffeur-style reclining buckets for only two make up the second row, there's no third row of seating. Instead, a champagne cooler extends through the rear center console and into the trunk area.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

While dashboard gizmos and ginormous infotainment screens may be the first thing to come to mind when talking about in-car technology, the bigger highlights on the GLS 600 are skin-deep. For instance, the GLS 600's AIRMATIC with E-ACTIVE Body Control is simply an absolute technological marvel when it comes to active suspension systems. Not only does it smooth and iron out any road imperfections as if they don't exist, but it utilizes navigation data and forward-facing cameras to scan the road ahead. When it detects banking curves, potholes, or dips, the car automatically prepares the air suspension to compensate accordingly.

Adding to the comfort factor is the in-car's mood programs, or ENERGIZING Comfort and Coach modes, which alter the color of the ambient lighting and air conditioning inside the vehicle to preset modes in the infotainment system. So you can select "Freshness and Vitality" or "Warmth, Joy and Comfort" modes and the car will change its interior lighting colors, engage specific seat massaging modes, and adjust the HVAC accordingly.

The design of the dash and screens are still very much GLS-esque with the same dual-screen dashboard setup that's been around since the 2010s. But they're familiar and easy to use if you've been inside a newer Mercedes-Benz with the last version of COMAND and the newer MBUX interface over the past 10 or so years.

Cargo And Storage Space

Being based off of Mercedes-Benz's full-size GLS crossover SUV, the GLS 600 offers plenty of storage space in the form of sizable door map cubbies, and a large center console front and back. The third row may be absent, though rear trunk space behind the second row is considerably compromised from the rear center console's integrated champagne and beverage cooler. As a result, the trunk only offers 18.4 cubic feet. Because the fridge also sits in the middle, the layout of the rear trunk space is also a bit awkwardly laid out, which can make storing larger luggage or objects a bit challenging. Additionally, the second row does not fold flat to allow for more storage space.

2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Vs. Its Competitors

When it comes to the top echelon of luxury SUVs, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is one of a very select few that fights for supremacy at the top of the automotive totem pole with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Bentley Bentayga, and more recently, the long-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography. The Rolls however, is nearly three times the price of the GLS 600 with its standard V-12 and a base V-8 Bentayga is still about $30k more. The long Range Rover Autobiography is likely the closest competitor to the GLS 600 as it's the only other of the four that's based off of a preexisting model. Either way, the GLS 600 may be one of the cheapest of the group and yet, it's no less posh, opulent, or technologically impressive to experience. It comes with plenty of brand cache, which means that at $174,350 starting price, it's almost a bit of a bargain.

How The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach Compares To The Rolls-Royce Cullinan

• 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan	2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
  Model	Cullinan	GLS 600 4MATIC
  Engine	6.7L Twin Turbo V-12	4.0L Mild Hybrid Twin Turbo V-8
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	563 HP @ 5,000 RPM	579 @ 6,000-6,500 RPM (Boost Mode)
  Torque	627 LB-FT @ 1,600 RPM	723 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,000 RPM (Boost Mode)
  Driveline	Front Engine, AWD	Front Engine, Electric Motor, AWD
  MSRP	$391,750	$174,350
  Fuel Economy	19 MPG	16 MPG
  0-60 MPH	5.0 Seconds	4.1 Seconds (Manufacturer)
  Towing Capacity	7,275 Pounds	7,716 Pounds

If you've got the dough and would rather spend at least $400,000, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the pinnacle of crossover SUVs. Unlike the GLS 600, the Cullinan is its own model rather than being a gussied up variant of another vehicle and thus, it's far more bespoke in a variety of ways. The Rolls literally looks like a modernized Buckingham Palace on wheels and features a significant greater degree of hand-assembled craftsmanship, is considerably more plush and luxurious (as if the GLS 600 wasn't luxurious enough), and most of all, a BMW-sourced V-12 under the hood.

It also comes with the brand recognition and prestige of owning a Rolls-Royce and the retractable Spirit of Ecstasy, both of which are worth their weight in their own rights. But you're not really short on anything except appearances and brand recognition in the Mercedes-Maybach as both automakers have a long, vetted history of competing with each other on the ultra-lux sides of the automotive spectrum.

Performance

Despite having an extra four cylinders under the hood and slightly more power, the Rolls-Royce isn't that much faster to 60 in the acceleration department. Though neither of these vehicles are really calling cards for crazy performance numbers as they're meant to cosset and transport their occupants in the most seamless and opulent ways possible. Having driven a Cullinan very briefly, although a nice driving vehicle with its bespoke Rolls-Royce-only "Architecture of Luxury" modular platform that also underpins the Phantom VIII, current Ghost, Boat Tail and Spectre, it caters more to its passengers than its drivers.

The GLS 600 is a far more driver-oriented vehicle and just as wonderful pilot as it is to be chauffeured in. This is mostly attributed to the fact that the GLS 600 is essentially an X187 GLS full-size crossover in a tuxedo, which is already an outstanding vehicle by many measure.

Comfort

Trying to compare a Rolls Cullinan and a GLS 600 in the comfort department is like trying to compare a bottle of vintage Moët & Chandon to an equally vintage Dom Pérignon. Both ultra-lux SUVs offer unmatched levels of luxury and refinement that are specifically designed and engineered to cosset their occupants like a multi-million-dollar superyacht on wheels. If hairs were to be split, the Cullinan offers a more ethereal choice of materials, build quality, and design, as there are few things in the world, if any at all, that can rival British levels of luxury, refinement, and interior craftsmanship.

Technology

In addition to being pinnacles of luxury, both the Cullinan and the GLS 600 feature all the best and most bang-up-to-date automotive technology available for internal combustion-powered vehicles, which is expected when you're paying for such bougie forms of personalized individual transportation. Both come with every bell and whistle, and power-this and power-that amenity imaginable. While Rolls-Royce is still owned by BMW, it still picks its infotainment systems and other forms of tech from BMW's parts bins, though they're properly themed and masked to match the Cullinan. The GLS 600 still relies on the standard X187 GLS's technology and parts bins, so it's just as tech-laden and up-to-date as a fully-loaded GLS 580, but with Mercedes-Maybach insignias and graphics. Pick your poison.

How The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Compares To The Bentley Bentayga

• 2024 Bentley Bentayga	2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
  Model	Bentayga S	GLS 600 4MATIC
  Engine	4.0L Twin Turbo V-8	4.0L Mild Hybrid Twin Turbo V-8
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	542 @ 6,000 RPM	579 @ 6,000-6,500 RPM (Boost Mode)
  Torque	568 LB-FT @ 1,950-4,500 RPM	723 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,000 RPM (Boost Mode)
  Driveline	Front Engine, AWD	Front Engine, Electric Motor, AWD
  MSRP	$240,300	$174,350
  Fuel Economy	21.7 MPG	16 MPG
  Towing Capacity	7,716 Pounds	7,716 Pounds
  0-60 MPH	4.4 Seconds	4.1 Seconds (Manufacturer)

The Bentley Bentayga S, unlike the Rolls, is only the whole cost of a couple base Honda Civics more expensive than the GLS 600 and is a standalone model. It's based off of Volkswagen Group's latest MLB Evo platform, which also underpins the Audi Q7 and Q8, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg. It comes with the brand recognition of owning a Bentley and because the Bentayga is its own model, it comes with more bespoke styling and appointments. Unlike both the Rolls and the GLS 600, the Bentayga also offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6-based plug-in-hybrd powertrain and is available in short- and long-wheelbase form with up to seven seats.

Performance

If you're after the fastest stallion in this race, the Bentayga with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 is the one to go for. The manufacturer claims a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, but testers have seen as low as 3.5 seconds—acceleration numbers beyond impressive for a nearly three-ton ultra-opulent luxury SUV, despite having nearly the same power output as both the Rolls and the GLS 600. But the Bentayga's advantage, most particularly in its short-wheelbase form, is that it weighs close to 800 pounds less than either of its competitors.

Opt for the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase and the weight grows closer to the three-ton mark and the 0-60 time drops to 4.5 seconds. Nonetheless, the Bentayga is the closest competitor in terms of being an equal driver's car to the GLS 600, as Bentley has always positioned itself as the sportier alternative to Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach.

Comfort

Like the Rolls vs. the GLS 600, the Bentayga offers nearly unrivaled levels of comfort and refinement thanks to its German roots and British flavoring. Unlike the Rolls and the GLS 600, however, the Bentayga comes with a standard three-seat second row bench, allowing for more flexibility for its occupants. Limousine four-seating with executive-style bucket recliners in the second row are optional.

Technology

Because of its Volkswagen AG-based roots, the Bentley Bentayga also offers all the very best in automotive technology these days, including an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain to keep up with the Jonses and the push for more efficient transportation. You may find some hints and similarities with the interfaces and switchgear from its sharing of Porsche's and Audi's parts bins. Though Bentley does well to mask their German origins and make them feel special and bespoke inside the Bentayga.

How The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Compares To The Range Rover LWB Autobiography

• 2024 Range Rover LWB Autobiography	2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
  Model	P530 Gas Mild Hybrid	GLS 600 4MATIC
  Engine	4.4 L Mild Hybrid Twin Turbo V-8	4.0L Mild Hybrid Twin Turbo V-8
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	523 @ 5,000 RPM	579 @ 6,000-6,500 RPM (Boost Mode)
  Torque	553 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM	723 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,000 RPM (Boost Mode)
  Driveline	Front Engine, Electric Motor, 4WD	Front Engine, Electric Motor, AWD
  MSRP	$170,900	$174,350
  Fuel Economy	19 MPG	16 MPG
  Towing Capacity	8,200 Pounds	7,716 Pounds
  0-60 MPH	4.5 Seconds	4.1 Seconds (Manufacturer)

The long-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography with the executive rear seat package is the GLS 600's closest competitor. With nearly the same-size engines (the Range Rover's is a BMW N63, ironically), similar outputs, and both being totally ritzy versions of their already ritzy base models, and both starting in the neighborhood of $170,000, it doesn't get any closer than that. Spec-for-spec, they are almost clones and both will offer very similar posh and excellent driving experiences. It's simply down to which country flavor you want your bougie crossover SUV to be in.

Performance

Both the Range Rover Autobiography and the GLS 600 sport twin-fed V-8s displacing around 4-ish liters with similar outputs, so the figures are neck and neck. There's no real clear winner. The BMW-sourced N63 in the Range Rover is as good as it is anywhere else, as is the Maybach's AMG-sourced M177. These engines would normally compete with each other back down on Earth between the BMW X7 and the standard Mercedes-Benz GLS 580, though in detuned M176 form for the Benz.

Comfort

Since the Range Rover and GLS are both comfortable cars in their normal forms, the levels are simply cranked up on both ultra-fancy versions. While it may be splitting hairs, the Range Rover likely comes with a warmer ambiance as British interiors are known to be a bit more soothing when compared to the stark and stoic contrasts of Germany's take on ultra luxury. Neither car has any glaring issues or distinct enough differences to truly point out, other than which ever flavor suits one's tastes.

Technology

I often call the Range Rover the "Mercedes-Benz S-Class" of SUVs because it continues to be a technological benchmark in terms of road-biased off-roaders. Its trick air suspension and off-road capabilities are in some degrees enough to even put some capable stock Jeep Wranglers to the test. While the Maybach's GLS-based platform is also capable of off-roading, it's biased for the road and its technological highlights are associated with its road-going and performance abilities. The Range Rover's technology is geared to take you anywhere, whereas the GLS 600's is biased to take you there on paved roads in absolute speedy bliss.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

When you have this sort of eff-you money to buy one of these ultra-luxe crossover SUVs, choices are limited as it requires a lot of pay to play. While the Range Rover and the Bentayga come with a plethora of engine options and configurations, the GLS 600 is its own and only its own in the Daimler portfolio. So there are no additional trims or engine options to mull over for the Maybach. Though, with its $174,350 starting price, there really isn't a need for any additional models, as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is everything you'd ever want and need from a vehicle of this caliber and in this price bracket. You'll just have to make the hard decision whether you want to drive or be driven in it.

2024-04-06T00:11:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd