Sumptuous Mercedes-Maybach GLS impresses.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is a new luxury SUV that delivers an incredibly comfortable ride and lots of high-tech driver assistance.
It’s taking on the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and brings something fresh to the table when doing so.
And with both of those two models being a sales success, Mercedes was bound to deliver a luxurious offering to match from its ultra-luxury arm, Maybach.
So, a year after the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was unveiled, it’s now upgraded, what is the automaker’s largest SUV, with Maybach to create the excellent Mercedes-Maybach GLS.
This model retains a similar wheelbase and dimensions but adds lots of glamour as well as glitz to create a sparkling SUV to enjoy. It does have a gaudy style about it, and it certainly looks different from the Rolls-Royce, but this is a brash upstart in a refined world.
Also, the two-tone paintwork makes this SUV stand out with an impressive mix and match offer.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS has two lounge-like armchairs.
And unlike the seven-seat GLS, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS has two lounge-like armchairs for those in the rear rather than the three-seat rear bench for the GLS.
The seats are an absolute delight with a reclining backrest, and the footrests extend upwards to transform the seats into first-class airline-style beds by simply pressing a button.
Mercedes has really thought about who will be driving and who will be passengers in this luxurious creation.
For example, the front passenger seat can be brought forward and practically folded underneath the dash to create more space for the person sitting in that rear armchair.
There’s also a pair of tables that will sprout from the rear center console whenever needed - though the champagne cooler that sits between the seats will probably be more popular!
Speaking of offering a first-class seating arrangement, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS carries a price tag of $160,500.
Though the styling for this new luxury SUV also helps it stand out in the marketplace.
There’s a lot of LED ambient lighting, lots of wood and leather - certainly more than most rivals - and lots of decorative stitching that must stretch for miles.
Along with enjoying lots of space onboard, the ride itself is super smooth and silent.
There’s also a cabin divide and a solid wall between the trunk and those in the rear seats.
Sense of tranquility for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS
This delivers a real sense of tranquility for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and if you’re interested in buying a luxury SUV to be chauffeured about in, then this is a car to be interested in.
The only downside is that the two British upmarket rivals have more powerful 12-cylinder engines, whereas the Maybach GLS comes with an eight-cylinder engine.
It’s a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that has mild-hybrid assistance.
Whoever drives this monster of a car will enjoy an engine producing 549 bhp, with a torque of 730Nm (538 lb-ft). The mild-hybrid assistance, which is called EQ Boost, does little to boost economy or the car’s green credentials, but it does help it shift from a standing start.
Fuel consumption for the Maybach GLS is around 20 mpg, with emissions of 304g/km.
The engine delivers a sparkling performance.
And since this SUV weighs in at nearly three tons, the engine delivers a sparkling performance considering the weight as it propels itself from 0 to 62 mph in less than five seconds.
There’s a nine-speed automatic transmission that smoothly delivers the power, and the engine noise never rises above a distant hum.
Out on the road, this is an SUV that always feels large though the steering is light and gives good feedback. It performs better on highways at speed rather than traveling in urban areas.
The air suspension helps deliver the smooth ride - with the e-active body control system eliminating body roll - and this is a refined offering to impress. There’s no doubt that the maximum comfort will be enjoyed by those sitting in the rear seats.
