The Mercedes-Maybach GLS has never been about making a statement. It has been about making one without trying. Seven years after the luxury SUV first arrived, Mercedes-Maybach has revealed a comprehensively updated version that builds on refinement rather than reinvention. The facelift brings a more powerful electrified V8, subtle design revisions, a more luxurious cabin and the latest digital technology, while preserving the effortless character that has defined the flagship SUV since 2019.
At first glance, the changes appear restrained, but there is plenty to spot. The front receives a redesigned Maybach-specific grille with an illuminated surround and, for the first time, illuminated ‘MAYBACH’ lettering integrated into the grille frame. In selected markets, even the upright Mercedes-Benz bonnet star is illuminated. The headlamps gain rose-gold detailing, while the rear gets redesigned tail lamps featuring three-dimensional star motifs linked by a new design panel that visually widens the SUV. New paint options, including an exclusive dark petrol and verde silver two-tone finish, further expand the already extensive list of customisation options.
One of the more interesting details sits at wheel level. The optional 23-inch forged alloys feature floating centre caps that keep the Mercedes-Benz star perfectly upright while the wheels rotate. It is an unnecessary piece of engineering by most standards, which perhaps makes it entirely appropriate for a Maybach.
Inside, Mercedes has concentrated on making an already plush cabin feel even more isolated from the outside world. A new beech brown and macchiato beige Nappa leather upholstery joins the options list, alongside fresh wood and mixed-fabric trim finishes. The rear executive seats now feature calf massage for the first time, while the front seats receive a new vibration massage programme. A refrigerated compartment for champagne bottles, Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with 15 speakers and a more powerful 710-watt amplifier continue to underline the GLS’s limousine-like intentions.
Mercedes has also focused heavily on refinement. Additional insulation around the engine bay, transmission tunnel and bodyshell cavities is claimed to reduce engine, wind and road noise even further. The result, according to brand, is the quietest GLS it has produced to date.
Power comes from an updated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The electrified engine now develops 612 bhp, with an additional 23 bhp available temporarily through the integrated starter generator. Peak torque stands at 850 Nm. Mercedes-Maybach says the revised powertrain offers quicker responses, smoother power delivery and lower vibration levels than before, thanks in part to new balance shafts and a refined engine setup.
Ride quality remains the centrepiece of the experience. A revised steering system promises greater precision, while the latest AIRMATIC suspension now uses cloud-based predictive damping by analysing road surface information shared by other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Buyers can also specify E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, which monitors driving conditions 1,000 times every second and actively controls body movements. In CURVE mode, the SUV leans into corners by up to three degrees to reduce lateral forces on passengers.
Technology has moved forward as well. Running on the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, the facelifted GLS receives the new MBUX Superscreen with three integrated displays beneath a single glass panel. The updated MBUX Virtual Assistant now incorporates ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing Search, allowing for more natural conversations and contextual responses. Rear passengers also benefit from twin 11.6-inch displays, configurable controls and integrated cameras for video calls.
The SUV also gains Mercedes-Benz’s latest driver assistance technology. Urban point-to-point assisted driving combines navigation and Level 2 driver assistance to guide the vehicle through city streets, while updated parking assistance can identify diagonal parking spaces, retrace the last 150 metres when reversing and even warn drivers before the wheels brush against kerbs.
The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS is already available to order in China, with order books opening in Europe and the United States later this month. The updated Maybach GLS should make its way to India too, however it definitely will come at a decent price hike.
