The Maybach GLS is impressive in its level of luxury and refinement. It isolates you from the outside world with its smooth, quiet ride and pampers you with massaging seats and a superb climate system as you go about your daily life. And you could even call it a bargain when you line it up against high-dollar rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Mercedes only needs to offer more customization options to truly flaunt the Maybach's status.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at Edmunds and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.
Pros
Interior is exceptionally quiet and comfortable
Fully adaptive suspension offers an excellent ride
Smooth V8 power
Opulent in both technology and luxury
Cons
Lacks cargo capacity of other large luxury SUVs
What's new
Minor styling updates and feature upgrades
Diamond-stitched upholstery is now standard
Night Series will debut with a dark aesthetic
Part of the first Maybach GLS generation introduced for 2021
Overview
The GLS is Mercedes-Benz's largest SUV, but well-heeled customers can push the bounds of premium luxury even further with the Maybach GLS 600. With a price tag in the $175,000 range, it costs twice as much as the standard GLS, ensuring a higher level of exclusivity. For the money, you get a more stately appearance and an interior that rivals those assembled by Bentley and Rolls-Royce. This year, the big Maybach receives a minor nip-and-tuck but otherwise returns in the same exquisite form as before.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
The "regular" GLS is already an impressively luxurious SUV. Adding the Maybach touch doesn't just raise its prominence with a distinctive grille and available two-tone paint scheme, it also upgrades the interior with a slew of noticeable improvements. The quality of materials, from the supple leather surfaces to the rich wood trim, makes a strong impression, while the smooth ride quality will fool you into thinking the vehicle is floating rather than rolling. Add in Mercedes' excellent technology features and the Maybach is nearly unassailable, as pointed out in our Expert Rating below.
Competitors to consider
At this level of luxury and price, there are few SUVs that could be considered a rival to the Maybach GLS. The Bentley Bentayga costs more and boasts one of the plushest interiors on the road, and the even pricier extended-wheelbase version is a better match to the Maybach since its rear legroom is comparable. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan takes old-school luxury to its zenith but costs twice as much as the Maybach. Closer to Earth, the Land Rover Range Rover is impressive for its off-road abilities while the BMW Alpina B7 makes a strong impression with its effortless performance. In the last year, however, the all-electric Maybach EQS SUV thoroughly impressed us and is quiet as a crypt on the highway.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Maybach GLS is impressive in its level of luxury and refinement. It isolates you from the outside world with its smooth, quiet ride and pampers you with massaging seats and a superb climate system as you go about your daily life. And you could even call it a bargain when you line it up against high-dollar rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Mercedes only needs to offer more customization options to truly flaunt the Maybach's status.
How does the Maybach GLS drive? For a vehicle with the size and mass of a small asteroid, the Maybach GLS is a fairly amazing performer. Our test vehicle took only 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is more than adequate for such a large, luxurious SUV. It feels strong too, with plenty of power on tap no matter the situation. The engine's mild hybrid system improves both performance and efficiency and helps with its smooth power delivery.
Stops from 60 mph came in just 102 feet, one of the best results we've seen from any SUV and close to serious performance-car territory. Part of that is due to the Pirelli summer tires equipped on our test vehicle. The steering is light and quick, making the Maybach GLS easy to maneuver through a parking lot, traffic or the occasional mountain pass.
Comfort
9.0/10
How comfortable is the Maybach GLS? Mercedes-Benz has a fantastic formula for on-road comfort. The seats are supportive with a ton of adjustability, and the standard front and rear massaging seats help keep you relaxed even after a few hours on the road. The heated and ventilated seats work well, and the automatic climate control quickly evens out cabin temperatures with rear passengers getting their own focused system.
There's little intrusion from the outside, with just a bit of road noise on rougher pavement. The ride quality is excellent due to the standard E-Active Body Control suspension. It's smooth and composed, ironing out most road imperfections without feeling floaty.
How’s the interior? The Maybach GLS' interior is excellent from almost every perspective. The driving position is upright and commanding, but you always feel comfortably enveloped by the GLS. Since there are only two rows in a vehicle traditionally meant to have three, there is plenty of room for occupants of all sizes. But if you want to experience the full recline of the rear seats, you'll need to be no taller than 5-foot-9. The large windows help all-around visibility and make rear passengers feel as if they have an expansive view of the world.
Most of the controls are well placed and easy to reach, but there are a lot of them and the small text means you have to take your eyes off the road until you memorize their locations. Another minor fumble: Some seat controls and settings are buried in touchscreen menus.
Technology
9.0/10
How’s the tech? Mercedes' infotainment system is a benchmark for the class even if it does look a little intimidating. MBUX voice controls are top-of-the-class due to the use of natural speech, and the navigation system is a standout with its augmented reality overlay projected in the head-up display. It could be a reason to ditch the navigation app on your phone. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are standard though not wireless. And there are seven total (three front, four rear) USB-C ports for occupants, along with two wireless charging pads — one in front of the cupholders and another in between the two rear passengers.
The driver aids are also comprehensive. The adaptive cruise control is among the best we've tested, maintaining a reasonable gap from the car ahead. And it slows the Maybach down to a complete stop without a hint of uncertainty.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? Inside the cabin, there are plenty of places to put items — whether large or small — and an equal abundance of cupholders. The front cupholders can even hold a 40-ounce water bottle. There are child safety seat anchor points in the second row with so much room that a rear-facing seat won't bother anyone, but we don't really see Maybach owners having child seats buckled in the exec-status second row.
Cargo space is really where the Maybach falls a bit short, and that's due to the mini refrigerator for second-row occupants. At this level, cold beverages take precedence over luggage. Should you want to tow with your Maybach, it is rated to tow 7,700 pounds when equipped with the optional trailer hitch.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA puts fuel economy at 17 mpg combined, which isn't surprising for a vehicle this powerful that weighs close to 6,300 pounds. The Maybach GLS averaged 16.7 mpg combined on our 115-mile evaluation loop, though the display estimated 18 mpg.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Maybach GLS a good value? You're not looking for value if you want a Maybach GLS, but at $172,200 (as equipped) it's definitely the least expensive of the uber-luxury SUVs. No other competitor puts together such a well-appointed package for anywhere near the same money. It feels solid, pristine and opulent — easily matching rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga. If anything, Mercedes could offer more options for personalization. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average for the class.
Wildcard
8.5/10
On the outside, the Maybach GLS has the appearance of a standard Mercedes GLS with larger wheels and a two-tone paint job. Inside, it delivers everything you expect from a more premium version of an already luxurious Mercedes-Benz. Loaded with the latest tech and equipped with reclining rear heated/ventilated seats with full massaging, the Maybach is sure to impress. It even offers a cold box for your Champagne. Even with all this luxury, it remains easy to drive and is a remarkably comfortable place to spend an hour, or 10, whether behind the wheel or being driven around.
Which Maybach GLS does Edmunds recommend?
Since the Maybach GLS 600 is only offered in a single trim level, which leaves only aesthetics and options for you to dwell on. Two-tone paint schemes and wheel choices can drastically alter the look, so knock yourself out playing with Mercedes' online configurator.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS models
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 comes in a single well-equipped trim level. The only available engine is a mild hybrid twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (550 horsepower, 538 lb-ft of torque) that puts power to the ground via a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Seating for four passengers is standard, but a five-seat configuration is available.
Standard feature highlights include:
22-inch wheels
E-Active Body Control adaptive air suspension (dramatically improves ride comfort and cornering stability)
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Power-folding, heated and auto-dimming mirrors
Power liftgate
Panoramic sunroof
Two executive-style rear seats with center console
Leather upholstery, headliner, dashboard and door panels
Front and rear heated and cooled cupholders
Front and rear heated, ventilated and massaging seats
This car rides like a dream and looks good doing it. The seats are soft and comfy, and the back seats operate like a recliner. It is expensive, but we plan to keep for many years so the cost will be spread over that time. It is a keeper!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, so we've included reviews for other years of the Maybach GLS since its last redesign.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Maybach GLS both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Maybach GLS gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Maybach GLS has 18.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS:
Minor styling updates and feature upgrades
Diamond-stitched upholstery is now standard
Night Series will debut with a dark aesthetic
Part of the first Maybach GLS generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Maybach GLS. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Maybach GLS's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Maybach GLS and gave it a 8.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Maybach GLS gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Maybach GLS is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $174,350.
Other versions include:
GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $174,350
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, the next question is, which Maybach GLS model is right for you? Maybach GLS variants include GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of Maybach GLS models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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