Following the debut of the facelifted Mercedes GLS, Mercedes has now unveiled the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680, powered by the new mild-hybrid V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft and available with wheels up to 23 inches in diameter. However, the E-Active Body Control suspension remains an optional extra.
After introducing the facelifted Mercedes GLS at the end of March 2026, Mercedes has now revealed its flagship luxury derivative, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680.
As with its predecessor, a V12 engine is no longer offered. Instead, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is powered by the new M177 Evo 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system featuring a 23 PS electric motor. The combined output is 612 PS and 850 Nm of torque.
Mercedes says the new V8 delivers performance comparable to that of a V12. To achieve even greater refinement, the engine is additionally equipped with two newly developed Lanchester balance shafts that further reduce vibrations. The steering system has also been revised with a quicker steering ratio, providing improved precision and enhanced agility.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 adopts the facelifted GLS’s Airmatic adaptive air suspension with cloud-based predictive damping control. Using real-time Car-to-X information from Mercedes-Benz vehicles ahead via the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, the system scans the road surface in advance and adjusts the suspension accordingly.
Despite being an ultra-luxury model, the E-Active Body Control suspension is still optional. It includes the Curve function, which allows the vehicle to lean by up to three degrees when cornering, reducing the lateral forces experienced by passengers. Compared with the standard GLS models, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS also features a dedicated Maybach driving mode that delivers an even softer and more comfort-oriented suspension setup than Comfort mode.
A new set of 22-inch alloy wheels in the signature 20-hole design joins the range. Optional 23-inch forged wheels are also available, featuring a center-mounted three-pointed star that always remains upright. A precision ball-bearing mechanism allows the iconic star to self-level using gravity, ensuring it stays perfectly vertical as the wheels rotate.
Ultra-luxurious four-seat interior
Unlike the standard Mercedes GLS, which comes with seven seats as standard, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 offers only four seats, with the rear passengers enjoying exceptional levels of comfort.
The front seats feature a new vibration massage function integrated into the seat cushions. At the rear, the Executive seats also receive a new massage program that extends to the calves.
Also new is the Maybach Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery in Beech Brown/Macchiato Beige. Two new decorative trim options further enhance the cabin: open-pore brown walnut wood with a V-groove finish and an exclusive high-gloss silver-and-black diamond-pattern fabric trim.
In the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is also available with an optional rear entertainment system featuring two 11.6-inch displays mounted on the backs of the front seats. The system comes with a new touchscreen controller that provides access to the climate control, electrically operated sunblinds, and the audio system. Integrated cameras enable video calls while on the move, while the MBUX Virtual Assistant is powered by Google Gemini AI and ChatGPT.
The dashboard adopts the architecture introduced with the facelifted GLS, including the new MBUX Superscreen with three standard 12.3-inch displays. The digital instrument cluster has been specially customized for Maybach with Rose Gold dials and a gold Maybach emblem. Unfortunately, just like the facelifted GLS, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS does not offer the full-width single display available in the new electric Mercedes GLC.
Refined exterior styling
The exterior design follows the facelifted GLS, featuring larger headlights with a new light signature composed of two horizontally stacked stars on each side, echoing the Mercedes logo.
The radiator grille has also been redesigned and differs from the standard GLS with its vertical slats and the Maybach emblem mounted above it on the hood. Not only is the grille illuminated, but so is the Maybach script at its upper edge and, depending on local regulations, the hood-mounted Mercedes star can also be illuminated in certain markets.
At the front, the bumper has been redesigned. In addition to the protective skid plate carried over from the GLS, the lower air intake is framed by a chrome surround that clearly distinguishes the Maybach GLS from the rest of the range. At the rear, the taillights feature a light signature inspired by the Mercedes star, and they are now connected by a horizontal design element. The exterior color palette has been expanded with Dark Petrol non-metallic, Manufaktur Patagonia Red metallic, and an exclusive two-tone Dark Petrol non-metallic/Verde Silver metallic finish.
The Progressive Night Series package adds dark chrome exterior accents, electrically extending running boards finished in dark anodized aluminum, and exclusive 23-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels. Exterior finishes available with this package include Obsidian Black metallic, Manufaktur Opalite White Bright, Manufaktur Opalite White Magno, and the exclusive two-tone Obsidian Black metallic/Mojave Silver metallic combination.
Mercedes has not yet announced pricing. The previous-generation Mercedes-Maybach GLS started at around €188,000.
By comparison, the Bentley Bentayga plug-in hybrid, powered by a V6 engine shared with the Volkswagen Touareg and producing a combined 462 PS, costs just over €200,000, while the V8 version without a mild-hybrid system, producing 549 PS, starts at around €260,000 and is not as generously equipped as standard as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is significantly more expensive still, with prices starting at approximately €440,000. For that reason, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 remains something of a bargain in the world of ultra-luxury SUVs.
