This article was originally produced on 22 November 2019, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Mercedes Maybach GLS

If you feel that the already lavish Mercedes GLS isn't luxurious enough, there's now a solution in the form of an all-new Maybach version of the brand's largest SUV. 

In a "secret" photo studio near Mercedes' headquarters, I am the only Scandinavian media to have the opportunity to photograph the at the time secret and brand new Maybach model. The car is based on the GLS model, which is Mercedes' largest SUV and will be presented at the time of writing at the LA motor show. 

The first thing that strikes you when you see this creation is the grill. Big and massive in chrome, it shines like a big dollar grin. Instead of having the star in the grill as in other suv models from Mercedes, it has been placed on top of the hood. Something all Maybach models now have, but the first time for an SUV. 

The history of Maybach goes back a long way. Right up to 1909 when Wilhelm Maybach started manufacturing airship engines, but from 1919 also cars. The company was badly damaged during the war and in 1960 it was bought by Daimler-Benz to be part of MTU which produced diesel engines. In 2002, the brand was reintroduced to the market. Then as extremely luxurious limousines based on the Mercedes S-Class but properly modified and with a remarkably high price. Unfortunately, the brand could not be made to work financially and eventually it disappeared and was instead resurrected as versions of existing Mercedes models.

The Maybach GLS will be the first SUV model with the Maybach emblem. However, a Maybach based on the G-Class has been produced and has the name G 650 Landaulet. A further development of the G500 4×4 with a longer wheelbase and with a so-called landaulette construction of the roof. A type of cabriolet construction which means that the driver sits under a normal roof and those in the back seat can open a sunroof.

When designing the Maybach GLS, they wanted to make a unique car that stood out from other luxury SUVs. The biggest competitors are the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls Royce Cullinan. However, the price of these two is to the right of the Maybach GLS where the Cullinan is the most expensive. If you look below the Maybach GLS, you will find, for example, the Autobiography's version of the Range Rover Vogue. 

Among the exclusives you get when you order a Maybach GLS, one of them is eight two-tone paint options. This means that the hood and roof are painted in one colour and the lower part of the body in another. What distinguishes the colours is a thin pinstripe. A detail mainly found on historic luxury cars. The lower parts of the car are painted glossy black instead of matte black plastic on the regular GLS. In addition to the grill I already mentioned, a lot of work has been done on the headlights to get a special look and that distinguishes the Maybach GLS from a regular GLS. It should be clearly visible that it is a Maybach GLS that comes even when it is dark. The amount of chrome used on the Maybach GLS definitely exceeds what you normally see on a regular car. Both front, rims and a variety of other details are in shiny chrome. Another detail that can be found in several places is a design element in the grille that can be found in several places on the car. This is the vertical ribs in the grille, which are narrow at the bottom but just before they meet the upper part of the grille have a bulge on one side. This shape is also found on the exclusive 23-inch rims and the electronically controlled steps. The inserts also feature the Maybach emblem. The Maybach emblem is also found in several places on the car. It is clear that they want to signal this brand with the associated logo. At the rear of the D-pillar is a shiny shiny Maybach emblem just like on other models but made in a larger size for Maybach GLS.

Unlike the regular GLS, the Maybach GLS is only available with one row of seats in the back and not three. However, you can choose one way for three people but prefer a row of seats designed for two with seats that can be folded out so you can barely lie straight in the seat. The advantage of having only two seats is that you can fit a well-stocked wine fridge between the chairs that holds up to three bottles of champagne or water if you prefer. The beautiful wooden panel that covers the fridge is called the waterfall and is, of course, provided with a Maybach emblem. It's not often that wood panelling looks good in modern cars but here you can't complain as it really shines with luxury. Otherwise, it is almost impossible to find a single surface that is not chrome or wood or nappa clad. It's not just in the back seat that you should feel like you're travelling in a Maybach. Even the driver's seat has a lot of exclusive things that only the Maybach GLS has. For example, brand new and unique Maybach pedals and steering wheel and gear selector with Maybach emblem. But above all, a driving programme unique to the Maybach GLS that also has its own interface in the digital dashboard in front of the steering wheel. The fully digital infotainment system can be controlled either via the 11.6" rear touchscreen or via a tablet that can be separated from the car. Here you can set most things like seat heating etc. Many of the features of the Maybach GLS are taken directly from the sibling S-Class Maybach. In addition to the fantastic panoramic glass roof, the interior is also filled with light from the backlit panels everywhere. In your preferred colour, of course. What also fills the cabin with warmth is the magnificent sound system from Burmester. It's not just the sound system that makes the interior of the Maybach GLS sound so good. The nappa leather on the interior panels also has a dampening effect on unwanted noise. The car is also equipped with acoustic glass that cancels out outside noise. 

The unique driving program for the Maybach GLS is completely designed for maximum comfort in the back seat. A variety of powertrain and air suspension parameters have been tuned to achieve the desired result. Something we'll be allowed to come back to when it's time for a test drive. On the engine front, there is only one alternative, which is a four-liter V8 that generates 558 horsepower. Thanks to "mild hybrid technology", you get an acceleration from zero to hundred in under five seconds. The power can be distributed dynamically between the front and rear axle with so-called "torque on demand". 

The Maybach GLS is primarily intended for the American and Asian markets as well as the Midlands. How many will be sold in Europe and Scandinavia is difficult to answer given the prevailing attitude towards luxury cars in this format. But if you can and want to travel in a car in a way that is rather found in a private jet, a Maybach GLS is the way to go. 

Mercedes Maybach GLS

Price: From 1.914.000 SEK

Engine: 4.0L V8, petrol

Power: 558 hp, 730 Nm. 

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, four-wheel drive.  

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)

Weight: 2818 kg.

Dimensions (length/width/height): 5205 x 2157 x 1838 mm.