Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

Model Overview

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the flagship full-size luxury SUV under the Mercedes-Maybach brand, and it is also the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to feature a bonnet-mounted three-pointed star emblem. Built on Mercedes-Benz's MHA modular platform, the vehicle officially made its Chinese market debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2020. As of June 2026, the line-up on sale is led by the 2026 model year, offered in three variants: GLS 480 4MATIC Liyi Edition, GLS 600 4MATIC Liyue Edition, and GLS 600 4MATIC Night Edition. The official recommended retail pricing across the range spans from RM1,498,000 to RM2,788,000. Compared to the 2025 model year, the 2026 line-up dropped the previous entry-level GLS 480 4MATIC variant. As the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family, the Maybach GLS precisely bridges the market gap between conventional luxury flagship SUVs and top-tier ultra-luxury contenders such as the Bentley Bentayga.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Maybach GLS is centred around majesty and prestige. Up front, it features a signature large-format chrome grille with vertical waterfall slats, crowned with prominent "MAYBACH" lettering. A classic stand-up three-pointed star emblem graces the bonnet, marking the first time a Mercedes-Benz SUV has adopted an upright hood ornament. The darkened headlamp clusters integrate LED light units and daytime running lights (DRLs). Down the sides, sleek and elongated lines are complemented by the exclusive Maybach emblem embedded on the D-pillars. Dimension-wise, the vehicle measures 5,208 mm long, 2,030 mm wide, and 1,838 mm tall, riding on an expansive 3,135 mm wheelbase. For wheels, the 2026 model offers bespoke 22-inch or 23-inch Maybach alloy wheels. At the rear, quad chrome exhaust tailpipes on both sides serve as a signature Maybach design hallmark. Inside, the Maybach GLS retains the familiar T-shaped dashboard architecture of the standard Mercedes-Benz GLS while being thoroughly elevated with exquisite Maybach craftsmanship. Surfaces including the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, headliner, and door waistlines are swathed in supple Nappa leather, accented by Maybach-exclusive rose gold contrast stitching and designo high-gloss wood veneers. For 2026, new bespoke exterior paint options such as Silicon Grey and Côte d'Azur Light Blue have also been introduced.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Maybach GLS offers two powertrain options, both paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLS 480 4MATIC Liyi Edition is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine producing 280 kW (381 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. The GLS 600 4MATIC Liyue Edition and Night Edition pack a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine churning out 410 kW (558 hp) and 770 Nm of peak torque. An EQ Boost integrated starter-generator (ISG) delivers an additional power assist of approximately 22 hp. The GLS 600 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 250 km/h. On the WLTC combined test cycle, the GLS 600 is rated at a fuel consumption of 12.8 L/100 km. Fuel tank capacity stands at 90 litres. The 4MATIC intelligent on-demand all-wheel-drive system is fitted as standard across the entire range.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Maybach GLS employs a double-wishbone independent suspension setup at both the front and rear. The AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS+) comes standard across the range. The GLS 600 models are further enhanced with the E-Active Body Control active suspension system as standard. Utilising a stereo camera with Road Surface Scan, the system reads road undulations ahead and adjusts each suspension strut in milliseconds to iron out body roll, pitch, and road harshness. For the 2026 model year, the Magic Body Control intelligent suspension is offered as an optional extra. Power is distributed via a front-mounted full-time all-wheel-drive layout with a multi-plate clutch centre differential. It is equipped with electric power steering (EPS) and a unibody chassis structure. When the bespoke Maybach driving mode is selected, the vehicle deactivates the engine auto stop-start function and moves off in second gear for an ultra-smooth, linear throttle response.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the Maybach GLS is available in both 5-seater and 4-seater configurations. The 4-seater version boasts two individual executive rear seats complete with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, alongside a built-in refrigerated compartment in the rear centre console. Up front sits a dual-screen widescreen cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display. The infotainment system supports the "Hey Mercedes" intelligent voice assistant as well as 4G/5G connectivity. Audiophiles are treated to a standard 13-speaker Burmester® surround sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 26-speaker setup. A 64-colour ambient lighting system and the exclusive No. 8 interior fragrancing system create an immersive sensory experience. A key specification adjustment for the 2026 model year sees the GLS 480 4MATIC Liyue Edition lose its standard rear entertainment screens, which are now available as an optional extra priced at RM44,900. Additionally, an optional Night Edition exterior package is offered at RM100,000.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

In terms of safety equipment, the Maybach GLS comes with a real-time tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) display. Active safety kit includes Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. On the driver assistance front, the vehicle is equipped with a Level 2 intelligent driving assistance suite. Key functions include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Lane Centring, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Parking Assist, and blind-spot camera monitoring. A 540-degree surround-view camera system with a transparent chassis function further enhances driving safety over tricky terrains. Drive modes include Standard/Comfort, Eco, Sport, Individual, Snow, and Off-road.

Market Performance and Evaluation

Since its launch, the Maybach GLS has demonstrated robust performance in the ultra-luxury SUV segment. In 2025, combined annual sales of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and GLS grew by approximately 5% year-on-year, with the Chinese market contributing over 60% of total deliveries. Full-year deliveries of the Maybach GLS SUV alone charted a year-on-year growth of nearly 14%. Within China's RM1,000,000-and-above luxury segment, cumulative sales of the Maybach GLS reached 1,181 units in the first three quarters of 2025. Against the backdrop of a broader market downturn—where the market share of high-end vehicles priced above RM300,000 in China contracted and imported vehicle sales dropped 29.7% year-on-year over the first 11 months of 2025—the Maybach GLS's buck-the-trend growth was particularly remarkable. In its class, primary competitors of the Maybach GLS include the Bentley Bentayga (priced between RM2,755,000 and RM4,288,000) and the Toyota Century SUV (priced at RM1,980,000). The Maybach GLS holds a 140 mm wheelbase advantage over the Bentley Bentayga, providing significantly more longitudinal legroom for rear passengers. Following the discontinuation of the entry-level 480 trim for 2026, the model range has concentrated further towards the high end. Amid the sweeping wave of global electrification, the Maybach GLS continues to solidify its benchmark status in the ultra-luxury SUV market by pairing time-honoured V8 power with cutting-edge 48V mild-hybrid efficiency.