[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC represents a new form of luxury in the SUV segment. 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 pleasantly elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sun blinds on the two rear side windows, the 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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Back in 2017, we heard a rumor Mercedes would built a Maybach version of its biggest, luxurious SUV, the GLS, to compete against cars like the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and Range Rover SVAutobiography. Now, that car has finally arrived. Meet the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.
Obviously, the GLS 600 is more than just a normal GLS with a different fascia and a two-tone paint job. The biggest change comes inside, where the second and third row of seats have been deleted for a more appropriate individualized three-seater setup with adjustable heated, ventilated, and massaging outer seats plus a bunch of extra legroom.
Shown here is the split two-seat setup with a fixed center console, available “on special request.” It gets extendable folding tables, and even a refrigerator for champagne bottles (Maybach branded champagne flutes are, of course, available as an option).
Should I Buy a New or Used Mercedes-Benz GLS?
If you can swing it, buy a new GLS. Mercedes redesigned the GLS for the 2020 model year, bringing improved fuel economy (19/23 mpg versus 16/22 mpg), a revamped suspension system, and more standard and available features, such as a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument display and second-row captain’s chairs.
If the price of a new GLS is a bit out of your range, look to a previous-generation GLS. It’s still a great vehicle and likely much less expensive. Aim for a 2017 GLS, as it’s nearly identical to the 2018 and 2019 models.
Models older than 2017 were called GL-Class and were the predecessor to the GLS. These models lack some of the features and styling of the 2017 to 2019 GLS SUVs, but if you stick with a 2013 or newer model, it’s largely the same vehicle.
If you’re considering an older model, be sure to read our 2017 GLS, 2018 GLS, and 2019 GLS reviews to help make your decision. Also check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used vehicles.
GLS Interior
How Many People Does the GLS Seat?
You can seat six or seven people in this Mercedes, depending on whether you choose captain’s chairs or a bench seat for the second row. Heated and power-adjustable front seats are standard, as is synthetic leather upholstery. Upgrades include ventilated and massaging first- and second-row seats, heated second- and third-row seats, heated first- and second-row armrests, heated and ventilated first- and second-row cup holders, and a heated steering wheel.
The seats are comfortable, and there’s ample head- and legroom in the first two rows. Most adults will be fine in the third row for shorter trips.
GLS and Child Car Seats
This Mercedes-Benz has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second and third rows.
GLS Interior Quality
The GLS has an opulent cabin full of lavish materials, and it has excellent fit and finish.
GLS Cargo Space
The GLS has 17.4 cubic feet of space behind the third row. That’s decent for a three-row luxury SUV and surpasses the standard-wheelbase Cadillac Escalade. Folding down the third row opens up 42.7 cubic feet of space (48.7 if you slide the front seats forward). There’s a total of 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. That’s an average total for the luxury large SUV class, but it’s about 9 inches less than the outgoing 2019 GLS.
GLS Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, a 13-speaker Burmester premium stereo, nine USB ports, and wireless device charging. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also comes standard.
Gesture-based infotainment controls and a 7-inch tablet for operating the MBUX interface from the second row are available. Other optional features include a Wi-Fi hot spot, second-row wireless device charging, a 26-speaker Burmester sound system, and a panoramic roof.
The infotainment system works fairly well, but it takes some to master its many controls.
The most luxurious version of the Maybach GLS accommodates only four people, but a five-seat configuration is also available. From folding tables and champagne flutes to a dedicated fragrance and a rear-seat entertainment system, the luxobarge has just about every high-end feature you could think of, and then some. Goodies such as ventilated and heated massaging seats and an opaque roller blind come as standard, as does the electronic panoramic sunroof. A refrigerator with space for champagne bottles can be ordered for the four-seat model if you really want to go all out.
Power comes from a twin-turbo V8 4.0-liter engine providing effortless cruising thanks to 550 hp and 538 lb-ft (729 Nm) of torque, plus the EQ Boost offering an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) for a limited time. Mercedes-Maybach says the U.S.-spec GLS 600 4Matic does 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in an estimated 4.8 seconds and tops out at a limited 130 mph (209 km/h), which is more than the owner of such an SUV will ever need. On the other hand, the Euro model can hit 155 mph (250 km/h).
It will reach the U.S. market in the second half of next year, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]