2022 Mercedes-Maybach GLS-Class

Overview

Vehicles wearing the Maybach badge, such as the 2022 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600, offer the utmost in luxury and deliver a transportation experience as rich as caviar. A twin-turbocharged V-8 is under the hood and drives all four wheels through a standard nine-speed automatic. Power is plentiful and the GLS600 glides along with on air suspension. But the GLS600 is less about its powertrain and chassis and more about its overstuffed cabin, which is fit for the real kings, sports stars, and hedge-fund managers who will own one of these posh palaces-on-wheels. Nappa leather, premium wood, and other high-end finishes give the interior a lounge-like environment. A pair of rear seats recline and massage you. The trade-off is that the GLS600 isn't as practical as its Benz- and AMG-branded counterparts, as it is not offered with a third row of seats and its cargo area is far less capacious. That won’t be a problem for those buyers who seek out its sybaritic qualities.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Bentley Flying Spur

STARTING AT: $211,325

2

Bentley Continental GT

STARTING AT: $238,325

3

Rolls-Royce Phantom

STARTING AT: $460,000

4

Rolls-Royce Ghost

STARTING AT: $400,000

5

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

STARTING AT: $194,550

9

Mercedes-Maybach GLS-class

STARTING AT: $166,150

What's New for 2022?

For its sophomore year on the market, Mercedes-Maybach has made no notable changes to the GLS600. That means it's just as luxurious, just as exclusive, and just as expensive as it was last year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

If you're in the market for a high-dollar luxury SUV, you're hardly going to listen to the likes of us when deciding which options to order. Plus, Mercedes-Maybach is making most things standard, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, nappa leather upholstery, and handsome interior and exterior trimmings. We'd suggest perusing the numerous personalization options, though, to really make the GLS600 your own.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The GLS600's twin-turbocharged V-8 makes 558 horsepower and can motivate the big luxury SUV from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, according to Mercedes-Maybach. The engine is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system that gives a little extra shove right from the start. If that's not fast enough for you, check out the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, which offers a 603-hp version of this powertrain and leapt to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds at our test track. During our initial test drive, we came away impressed with both its silky-smooth ride quality and its confident handling. An air suspension is standard, and it features a Maybach mode that all but erases bumps in the road.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has given the GLS600 fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Those aren't particularly efficient estimates, but we're certain the big spenders who will be cross-shopping the GLS600 against the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan won't be too concerned with fuel efficiency. When we get a chance to test the GLS600, we'll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with results. For more information about the GLS-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the regular Benz-branded GLS-class SUV is a three-row affair, the Maybach GLS600 offers just two rows, both of which offer heat and massage functions. The rear seats are the place to be; with acres of legroom and two power-adjustable recliner seats, riding in the back is akin to traveling in the fanciest first-class airline cabins. A three-across bench is also offered, but c'mon, the executive treatment is what this SUV is all about. Nappa leather covers the dash, door panels, and seats, while real wood trim with a handsome pin stripe add a touch of class. A fragrance diffuser helps occupants create the sensory oasis they deserve after a hard day of being filthy rich. Cargo capacity isn't as generous here as it is in the regular GLS-class since the rear seats are fixed and don't fold to accommodate larger items. Mercedes-Maybach says there's still about 19 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and will offer a handsome set of custom-fitted luggage.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays utilize Mercedes-Benz's latest MBUX software interface and rear-seat passengers get two 11.6-inch displays that can play movies or control the sound system. A Burmester audio system is also available and features an incredible 27 speakers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A suite of high-tech driver-assistance features is standard to give your chauffeur a hand on long trips. For more information about the GLS600's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Maybach's warranty coverage is fairly basic, but it offers coverage for up to a year longer than the policies that come with new Bentleys. There's no complimentary scheduled maintenance included in the sale, but oil changes and tire rotations are another expense we expect the owners of such an expensive SUV will find affordable when paying for them on their own.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs