Meet the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: Germany’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga.
When it comes to buying a luxury SUV, the choice in the past was fairly simple, as the Range Rover was the only reasonable option. Millionaires and billionaires these days have a lot more thinking to do however, as nearly every luxury marque is currently offering a high-riding SUV in addition to their traditional luxury limo lineup.
Those who prefer a taste old-school British luxury can now choose between likes of the the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Bentley Bentayga, in addition to the Range Rover of course. For the smaller group of billionaires who wish for something a bit more Germanic though, there is always the option to go for the equally opulent Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.
Meant to be the high-riding alternative to the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 saloon, this flagship variant of the GLS range features a multitude of bespoke add-ons to further distinguish itself from the rest of its comparatively plebeian range. The most distinctive of which will perhaps be the immense amount of shiny stuff that is found on the exterior of this blinged out limo-SUV.
Starting from the front, the GLS 600 gains a more stately chrome grille in place of the more modern twin horizontal bar design of the standard variants. This is then topped off with a traditional three-pointed star bonnet emblem up top, as well as an additional dog-bone metallic mesh and skid plate combination on the lower apron of the big Benz for even more bling.
Continuing down the side and on the subject of bling, the Benz manages to pop even more when viewed from this angle thanks to those shiny 22-inch (or optional 23-inch) multi-spoke alloy wheels. Its (optional) two-tone paint job meanwhile is further complemented by chrome roof rails, chrome window surrounds, chrome door handles, chrome Maybach emblems on the D-pillars and anodised aluminium, illuminated, electrically-extending running boards down the side, with two thin chrome bars and a chromed rear diffuser that features twin chrome tail-pipes bringing up the shiny elements round the back of this luxo-SUV.
Now stepping inside this blinged-out Benz, the interior doesn’t perhaps feature as much bling as on the exterior. What is available instead is perhaps the most luxurious cabin to be found in any car on the road today.
Gone is the traditional 7-seat layout of the normal GLS, and in its place instead just the two rows of seats with rear thrones that are pushed some 30 cm further back that in the standard model. Those rear seats too naturally have all the heated, ventilated and standard massage features built-in, as well as offering up to 43.5° of backrest recline.
Expectedly for a limo-SUV, available on the GLS 600 are also the standard luxury accoutrements such as fine Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof with an opaque roller blind, electrically operated rear roller sun blinds and twin screens for the rear occupants. There is even the option for a fixed centre console with integrated foldaway tables and a champagne refrigerator in place of a central fifth seat, not to mention the Air-Balance fragrance dispenser with its own specially developed scent — white osmanthus blossom.
As for what lies under the hood of this GLS 600, the sole powertrain option available is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with a 48 V EQ Boost integrated starter motor for some mild-hybrid capabilities. Specially tuned by Daimler to produce a combined output of 558 PS and 730 Nm of torque, drive is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Other drivetrain highlights worth a mention is that this 2.7 tonne behemoth can amazingly rocket to 100 km/h from a standstill in just a whisker under 5 seconds and max out at the typical 250 km/h (155 mph). Interestingly though for such a comfort oriented car, Mercedes has decided to leave its E-Active Body Control system on the options list, with only AIRMATIC suspension with Adaptive Damping Systen Plus coming as standard on the GLS 600.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has went on sale in various markets worldwide since late last year, with prices starting from $160,000 (RM 660,000). It has yet to come to Malaysia though, but there is most probably a way for those who can afford it to obtain one locally.
