Mercedes-Maybach

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Mercedes-Maybach

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By Andrew Wendler

Overview

The Mercedes Maybach GLS680 full-size SUV is a rolling study in the art of balancing luxury with swagger. Based on the proven Mercedes-Benz GLS class, it abandons any pretense of utility to focus on providing a cossetting experience for four lucky passengers. The third row is 86'd to make more room for the chosen few, and the nearly limitless choice of textiles, colors, and patterns, and infotainment features ensure no aesthetic desire goes unfulfilled.

The swagger portion is not entirely devoid of nuance—yes, Maybach logos adorn everything from the running boards to the wheels and from the D pillars to the headlamps—the latter blooming with a bumper crop of tiny Maybach logos arranged about the lens. But the application is, as they say, tasteful. The 2027 model also bumps engine output from the turbo-V-8 by 53 ponies to put a total of 603 at your—or your drivers—disposal.

Expert Tip: We’ve spent time in the plebian Mercedes-Benz GLS-class SUVs, and in the shadow of the Mercedes-Maybach's expected $183,000 starting price, the standard Benz SUV's sub-six-figure starting price looks like a pretty sweet deal.

What's New for 2027?

The 2027 GLS 680 now features subtly illuminated Maybach lettering within its new grille. As an option, buyers can also spec—and we predict most will—an illuminated Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star hood ornament. The headlamps are now accented with rose gold details, and a new tailgate design features even more three-pointed stars framing the taillamps. New 22-and 23-inch Maybach wheel designs are on offer, the latter featuring bearing-mounted center caps that keep the MB logo upright as the wheels rotate. A new Dark Petrol / Verde Silver Metallic two-tone finish joins the palette, but at this level we’re sure any color combo you desire is available if you have the cash.

Crucially, Mercedes has developed a new massage vibration formula for the front seat cushions, and the rear executive seats have a new massage function that now extends to the calves.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Engine: 603-hp turbocharged 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 is the new flat-plane-crank engine just introduced in the S-class sedan. It belts out 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, increases of 53 ponies and 89 pound-feet of twist compared to the previous Maybach GLS. Some of the credit for the power increase goes to a new, second-generation 48-volt starter/generator unit that contributes 23 horsepower. Refinement benefits from the introduction of a pair of weighted, counter-rotating balance shafts that are said to add another dimension of peacefulness to the V-8's operation.

The chassis sees a round of improvements with a revised steering setup with a quicker ratio, and the air suspension now has intelligent predictive damper control. The system allows the GLS to upload road condition information to the cloud, then share it with other Mercedes vehicles traveling the same route in its wake. An available E-Active Body Control system alters damper and spring settings in real time and can even recuperate energy from the movement of the system's four wheel-mounted motor/pump units.

0–60-MPH Times

C/D 60-mph Test: 3.9 seconds (2025 GLS63)

In Comparison: While we anxiously await the arrival of the new, more powerful 2027 GLS680 to test, consider that a Bentley Bentayga S V-8 managed the same feat in a tidy 3.5 seconds. But even the 2025 Maybach GLS's slightly slower 3.9-second 60-mph sprint is quick enough to dust most other—no doubt pedestrian—vehicles that you'll encounter. And we think the new 2027 GLS680 has enough added power to shave a couple of tenths from its 2025 time.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

EPA City Rating: 13 mpg (2025 GLS600)
EPA Highway Rating: 18 mpg (2025 GLS600)

The 2025 GLS680's EPA estimates aren't exactly stellar, but they're certainly in league with other hi-luxe heavy haulers like the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. We don't think the uptick in power with the 2027 GLS680 will affect fuel efficiency significantly and expect it to land in the same neighborhood. When we get a chance to test the new GLS680 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, we'll update this story with the results. For more information about the GLS-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: Nappa leather covers the dash, door panels, and seats, while real wood trim or piano black surfaces with a handsome pinstripe add a touch of class. A fragrance diffuser and full-vehicle multistage air filtration system help occupants create the sensory oasis they deserve after a hard day at the office.

Second Row: While the regular Benz-branded GLS-class SUV is a three-row affair, the Maybach GLS600 has just two rows, both of which offer heat and massage functions. The rear seats are the place to be, with a pair of individual 11.6-inch screens, a redesigned wireless charger, and two power-adjustable recliner seats; riding in the back is akin to traveling in the fanciest first-class airline cabins. A three-across bench is also offered, but c'mon, the executive treatment is what this SUV is all about.

Cargo Capacity: Maximum cargo capacity isn't as generous here as it is in the regular GLS-class since the rear seats are fixed and don't fold to accommodate larger items. Mercedes-Maybach says there's still about 19 cubic feet of space behind the second row and offers a handsome set of custom-fitted luggage to fill the space in style. In our testing, we fit five carry-on suitcases inside the GLS600's cargo bay.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment: 36.9-inch touchscreen (standard)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Audio System: 17-speaker Burmester audio with Dolby Atmos signal processing

Three 12.3-inch screens sit under a single panel, giving them the appearance of a seamless, dash-spanning 36.9-inch screen. The native operating system employs AI processing capabilities, and the entire system is connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and is capable of over-the-air updates. Mercedes added two speakers for 2027, bringing the total count to 17 for 2027, all driven by a 710-watt amplifier. Dolby Atmos sound processing is standard, and significant increases in sound deadening measures have been taken to improve interior acoustics.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A suite of high-tech driver-assistance features is standard to give your chauffeur a hand on long trips.

Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

For information about the GLS-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Maybach's warranty is basic, but it offers coverage for up to a year longer than the policies that come with new Bentleys. There's no complimentary scheduled maintenance included in the sale.

Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance: none

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:

Towing and Payload Capacity
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D Test Results and Specs

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Overview

What's New for 2027?

What's Your Car Worth?

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

0–60-MPH Times

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Infotainment and Connectivity

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:

Shopping Tools

Similar Vehicles

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