Mercedes-Benz keeps rolling out new variants of its luxury offerings, and with its newest Maybach expansion, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, there’s a new luxurious variant to compete with the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, et al.
Luxury sport-utilities are hot sellers these days, but not all of them have a price starting at $160,500. However, the newest Maybach is the “pinnacle” of refinement, comfort and power, the German automaker claims, and all that of that equates to big bucks, or euros, depending upon where you reside.
The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic is expected to hit U.S. dealership “in late 2020,” according to the company, just in time for one of those big red bows that automakers like to put on top of their vehicles in their end-of-the-year ads.
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Slight snark aside, the Maybach GLS 4Matic is the automaker top-of-the-line utility vehicle, and even a look at the exterior implies that this isn’t just any luxury utility vehicle. It comes with a slew of Maybach-specific styling cues, such as a massive grille with vertical chrome louvers, a first-ever tri-star on the hood, retractable running boards and 22-inch wheels – which can be upgraded to 23 inches – as well as plenty of chrome accents.
Equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with EQ boost and a 48-volt onboard electrical system, the Maybach GLS 600 4Matic boasts effortless and efficient power to meet even the most discerning standards. This powerplant puts out 550 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. The result is zero to 60 time of just 4.8 seconds. The integrated starter generator can also generate up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short periods, Mercedes notes.
While the power and the exterior looks are important, anything with the word “Maybach” attached to it is associated with otherworldly luxury on the inside of the vehicle and this model delivers. The spacious cabin is designed for four passengers, specifically it has just two rear seats, split by a center armrest with folding tables available to allow passengers to work while riding. It’s also available in a 5-seat configuration.
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All of the seats are heated and cooled while offering a multicontour adjustment function, including a massage option to make those long rides a little less taxing. In addition to the seats being heated and cooled, so too are the cupholders. Unsurprisingly, wireless charging for devices is available throughout the vehicle.