The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the only internal combustion engine sport-utility vehicle (SUV) sold by Maybach, the top-tier sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz Group. It made its global debut in 2020 and underwent a facelift in 2024.
While Benz is regarded as the epitome of luxury in the global market, the group operates the Maybach brand separately to highlight a level of exclusivity that goes beyond that of a luxury good. Rival BMW often earns praise for surpassing Benz in various areas such as driving performance, but in the ultra-luxury brand segment, it is sometimes judged to fall short of Maybach's stronghold.
Maybach is a representative "chauffeur-driven" brand. Chauffeur-driven cars are luxury vehicles in which a driver is at the wheel and the owner rides in the rear seat, typically large sedans or limousines.
Despite being a top-tier brand, the Maybach GLS is considered a model that suits an SUV often driven by owners themselves, combining a driver-focused front seat that preserves driving fun with a chauffeur-driven car's comfortable rear seat.
We tested the Maybach GLS in Seoul and northern Gyeonggi. The test drive covered a total of 100 kilometers, starting in downtown Seoul, reaching Tanhyeon-myeon in Paju, Gyeonggi, a region along the inter-Korean border, and returning.
We took the test drive with a companion to experience both the front and rear seats. The vehicle driven that day was the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC Manufaktur model with special exterior colors and interior specifications.
The exterior of the Maybach GLS conveyed elegance and a luxurious image that seemed to emphasize a distinction beyond Benz to the fullest.
In the case of the GLS, Benz's full-size SUV, the radiator grille is arranged horizontally with a large "three-pointed star" logo in the center, creating a strong and grand impression. By contrast, the Maybach GLS grille features densely spaced, vertically arranged high-gloss chrome bars with intricate lines, and Maybach lettering at the top, underscoring its status as a flagship model.
Maybach lettering appears not only around the grille but also under the front lamps, on the rear, on the wheels, and along the lower door panels, signaling its top-tier branding. Chrome trim applied to the front bumper and B-pillar covers, as well as the front air intakes adorned with a fine-patterned Maybach motif, also stood out.
The interior likewise applied top-quality materials and a lavish design, amplifying a luxury image. The seats were crafted from Nappa leather in Manufaktur Yacht Blue, evoking the feel of stepping into a high-end yacht lounge. The diamond-pattern embroidery on the seat surfaces and the center of the backrests also looked luxurious.
The Maybach GLS 600 is equipped with a 4-liter V8 M177 gasoline engine delivering a maximum output of 557 horsepower and peak torque of 78.5 kgf·m. It also features an integrated starter-generator and a 48-volt (V) electrical system that provide an additional 16 kilowatts (kW) of output. The setup enhances fuel efficiency.
After leaving downtown Seoul and entering Jayu-ro, pressing harder on the accelerator smoothly increased speed. Unlike many German luxury brand SUVs, including the BMW X series, which deliver brisk acceleration, the Maybach GLS felt like it took a bit more time to build speed. It felt more substantial than sharp.
The surprising part was the ride. We drove in varied conditions—from high-speed runs on curving courses to hard braking and unpaved roads—and it felt as if the vehicle was gliding comfortably on clouds.
After entering Paju's urban area, we continued along a winding mountain road, changing direction and increasing speed while maintaining composure, with the body holding its center steadily. It made me think that when an owner riding in the back wants to enjoy driving, they could take the wheel and have fun.
The Maybach GLS features E-Active Body Control (E-ABC), an electrohydraulic suspension. This system anticipates road conditions and independently controls the forces transmitted to each wheel, suppressing fore-and-aft and side-to-side motions and lifting (vertical body bobbing).
The Maybach GLS has a curb weight of 2,830 kilograms. It is heavier than top-end rival SUVs such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2,660 kilograms) and the Bentley Bentayga (2,388–2,648 kilograms). As a result, it delivers high stability at speed and strong road adhesion, yielding an excellent ride.
However, the hefty weight makes it hard to build speed quickly, and its agility felt ordinary compared with other premium SUVs.
The rear-seat ride, experienced after switching places with my companion, was top-notch. The Maybach GLS offers a dedicated driving mode focused on rear-passenger comfort called the "Maybach driving program."
The Maybach driving mode maximizes suspension capability and enhances impact absorption at the rear of the body to deliver a plush ride in the back seat. Even as we picked up speed through winding stretches, there was almost no sense of body roll or sway in the rear, and little of the fine vibrations from the road surface came through. It was especially impressive that there was no jolt when going over speed bumps in the city.
Rear-seat amenities befitting a top-tier brand are applied generously. The Maybach GLS is equipped with the second-generation MBUX infotainment system. Rear passengers can enjoy movies, music, and web browsing on the MBUX Entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreens. Two wireless headsets and two 7.4-inch detachable MBUX tablets for system control are also provided.
Like the front seats, the rear seats are finished in premium Nappa leather and feature power reclining, allowing the backrests to tilt up to 43.5 degrees. A leg rest extends as well, making long journeys feel almost like lying down. Power side-window sunblinds are also included, easily blocking harsh sunlight and outside views.
Cargo versatility was lower than expected. In the Mercedes-Benz GLS, both the third-row and even the second-row seats can be folded to greatly expand cargo capacity. Most rival full-size SUVs also offer folding functions.
By contrast, the Maybach GLS offers about 520 liters of capacity—enough to fit roughly three golf bags and three Boston bags—but the second row does not fold, so space cannot be expanded.
BMW's full-size SUV, the X7, can hold four golf bags and four Boston bags when the third row is folded. Its split tailgate opens top and bottom, making it convenient to rest heavy items and slide them in, and you can sit on the lower gate like a bench. The Maybach GLS lacks such features.
The base price of the 2026 Maybach GLS 600 is 293.6 million won. The high-end Manufaktur trim starts at 335.6 million won.