Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC

Dubbed as the epitome of luxury, the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, facelifted for the year 2024 and launched in Malaysia.

An S-Class-esque SUV, it blends the robust functionality of the GLS series with the exclusivity of the Maybach brand.

Fully-imported (CBU - USA), the third-generation (X167) model is priced at MYR 1,918,888 (OTR, w/o insurance, four-year/unlimited mileage warranty).

Standard Maybach (single-tone) exterior colours (Emerald Green, High-Tech Silver, Obsidian Black, Selenite Grey, Sodalite Blue).

Optional MANUFAKTUR (single-tone) exterior colours (Hyacinth Red - MYR 12,000, Diamond White Bright - MYR 12,000, Alpine Grey Solid - MYR 38,000).

Optional Maybach/MANUFAKTUR (two-tone) exterior colours (Obsidian Black/Kalahari Gold - MYR 170,000, Obsidian Black/Rubellite Red - MYR 170,000, High-Tech Silver/Nautical Blue - MYR 170,000, Emerald Green/Mojave Silver - MYR 170,000, Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl - MYR 130,000, Mahogany Brown/Macchiato Beige - MYR 4,000).

A tiered design, the dashboard of the new Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is uber premium and sportily elegant, linked to a centre console with angularly robust handles.

Soft-touch panels are in Nappa leather upholstery (MANUFAKTUR Leather Package - Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl, Mahogany Brown/Macchiato Beige).

Hard-touch panels are in High-Gloss Black Flowing Lines Piano Lacquer trim (MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Trim Package - dash, centre console, door beltlines).

Optional are Black Nappa leather with contrast stitching (Maybach Exclusive) and Anthracite Open-Pore-Oak-Wood/Brown-Open-Pore-Walnut-Wood trim elements.

Centre-staged is the Widescreen Cockpit (glass-covered MBUX multimedia system - instrument/infotainment displays), and trims in Chrome (Interior Chrome Package).

Heightening the layout are the MANUFAKTUR Leather Package (colour-match Nappa leather - window frames, door panels) and ambient lights (64-colour).

Overall, the accessibilities is driver-centric and strategically placed.

One half of a twin unit, installed is a 12.3-Inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7) with a Heads-Up Display (HUD).

Features are three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Accessing its electronic-powered doors (soft-close - front, rear), sees the interior in Nappa leather upholstery (MANUFAKTUR Leather Package - Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl, Mahogany Brown/Macchiato Beige, optional - Black Nappa leather with contrast stitching - Maybach Exclusive).

Additionally, the front’s seat backs feature the MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Trim Package (High-Gloss Black Flowing Lines Piano Lacquer).

Luxuriously comfortable, the front comes with diamond-quilted electronic-powered seats (multi-way/-contour, lumbar, memory, active cushions, hot stone massage, heating/ventilation).

The rear gets the First-Class Rear Compartment treatment, featuring two Executive Seats (electronic-powered - multi-way/-contour, lumbar, memory, active cushions, hot stone massage, heating/ventilation - diamond-quilted, leg rest, backrest cushions).

Also included is a Rear Comfort Package (luxury head restraints), the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System (MBUX monitors, armrest controls), a refrigerated centre seat compartment (storage cooler), and folding tables.

Completing the environment are high-pile floor mats, window sun-blinds (electric - rear doors), a Nappa leather headliner (MANUFAKTUR interior colour dependant), and a panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide).

Being a four-seater (configuration - 2+2) SUV, it offers very generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front and rear occupants get ample space and mobility.

Mounted is Mercedes-Maybach’s latest-generation steering wheel. A sleek three-spoke design, detailed with the Mercedes moniker (centre) and Maybach script (bottom), and finished in a two-tone colour-way.

Features are multi-switches (capacitive touch controls), paddle shifters, electric column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS).

Practical storage spaces. E.g., a centre console storage box and compartmentalised spaces (covered), medium sized glove box, rear cooler, and seat back and side door pockets.

Temperature controlled, provided are four cup holders (two-front, two-rear), with the rear in a centre-placed cooler storage. Also present are four bottle holders (door pockets - front, rear).

Equipped are seven USB ports (two-front, four-rear), two 12 V power sockets (front, boot) and two wireless chargers (front, rear).

The boot comes with the Easy-Pack Tailgate feature (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor).

Accessing its contactless function opens up to 520-Litres of load space. Also provided is the Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage nets).

Tipping the scale at 2,815 KG, the new Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC stands at 5,205 MM long, 2,157 MM wide, 1,823 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 3,135 MM.

A definitively distinct demeanour, it struts with a seamlessly robust and elegant exterior, amplified by Chrome details.

Upgraded, the front-end sees a sculpted bonnet, flared fenders, a vertical-Chrome-bar grille (Maybach script), and bumper air-inlets (Maybach logo) with Chrome surrounds.

Adding to the layout is a bumper under-guard trim, aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs (sides - auto retract) and Chrome side window surrounds.

Sophisticatedly minimalistic, it parades a smoothly contoured and fairly curvaceous silhouette, accentuated by Chrome details.

The rear-end sees a roof-edge spoiler, flared fenders, a tailgate Chrome trim underscoring the Mercedes moniker, and a Chrome diffuser with Chrome exhaust tips.

Complementing the layout are aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs (sides - auto retract) and Chrome side window surrounds.

Thick and angular, the headlamps are Multibeam LED units with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Features are automatic On/Off, Adaptive High-Beam Assist Plus, and dynamic turn-indicators.

Upgraded, the fairly-squared and wrapped-around tail lamps are full LED units, with new tri-horizontal-block light graphics and dynamic turn-indicators. Also included is a set of LED fog lamps.

The body-coloured side mirrors are electronic-powered (auto-fold, adjust), with turn- and blind spot-indicators, and an automatic-dimming function (Mirror Package).

Installed is a set of ventilated/cross-drilled (front) and ventilated (rear) disc brakes. Aiding the drive is an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold system.

Tailor-made, fitted is a set of 23-Inch Maybach multi-spoke, forged light-alloy rims, wrapped in 285/40 R23 (front, rear) Pirelli P-Zero MO-S tyres.

Optional (MYR 2,000) is a set of 23-Inch polished, Maybach five-hole, forged light-alloy rims.

The new Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Grouped under Driving Assistance Package are Active Steering Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Extended Automatic Re-start in Traffic Jams, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, and Active Brake Assist. Grouped under Parking Package are Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, 360-degree surround camera, and transparent bonnet (camera ground view).

Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Blind Spot Assist (BSA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA) with immobiliser, interior monitoring system, and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side.

Others include nine airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front/rear side, front/rear curtains), airbag disable function (front passenger), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), passive person presence reminder, parking sensors (six - front, rear), door ajar warning, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, TIREFIT, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Multiple drive modes available via DYNAMIC SELECT (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, Off-Road).

Another half of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7), installed is a 12.3-Inch touchscreen display. 

System supports three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Features are MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, Mercedes-me Services, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wireless). 

Also included is the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System (11.6-Inch rear monitors (two), second-row armrest control panel (MBUX Command Centre), wireless headphones). 

Audio is by a 28-speaker, Burmester 3D surround sound system. 

The new GLS 450 4MATIC harbours a 4.0-Litre, eight-cylinder 32-valve, twin-turbo petrol engine (557 HP/410 KW at 6,000 RPM - 770 NM at 2,500-4,500 RPM).

Fused to the mill is a 48 V mild hybrid setup, utilising an electric Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG), providing an extra boost of 21 HP/16 KW and 250 NM.

Installed is a 9G-Tronic, nine-speed automatic transmission.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels, via the fully-variable 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (4WD) system.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is 250 KM/H.

Fuel tank capacity is at 90-Litres.

The new Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC features these conveniences.

E.g., KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless/hands-free access, engine Start/Stop button), Easy-Pack Tailgate (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor), Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage net), electronic-powered doors (soft-close - front, rear), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control (rear air-vents, AIR BALANCE Package - air purification, fragrance system), electronic-powered seats (multi-function - front, rear), First-Class Rear Compartment (electronic-powered Executive Seats), window sun-blinds (electric - rear doors), steering wheel (electric column adjustments, multi-switches, paddle shifters, EPAS), Light and Sight Package (64-colour ambient lights, illuminated door sills, exterior Mercedes-Benz surround lighting projection, interior map LED lights), MBUX Multimedia System (MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, MBUX High-End Rear Entertainment, MBUX Command Centre), multiple power outlets (USBs, 12 V sockets, wireless chargers), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors (exterior, interior), parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), automatic headlamps/wipers, auto-pinch windows (up/down), temperature-controlled cup holders (rear cooler), and aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs (sides - auto retract).

Installed for the cabin is the THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, AIR BALANCE Package - air purification, fragrance system).

Suspension setup consist of double wishbones with air suspension (front) and multi-link with air suspension (rear), incorporating the AIRMATIC Package (ADS PLUS - AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System), and E-ACTIVE Body Control system.

Overall, it is very spacious and extremely comfortable, suitable as a luxury daily driver. Inside and out, performance- and comfort-wise, the ride quality is satisfactory. 

Good sound insulation with most of the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects accounted for.

Part of the aero-acoustic measures used at reducing wind, tyre and road noise includes the installation of heat- and noise-insulating acoustic glass (Acoustic Comfort Package).

Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well, and make them barely noticeable even when cruising through bumpy asphalts. 

The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is a luxury incarnate, built with an elegantly strong appeal, offering style, space, and practicality.

An outstanding exterior, it is very well designed, with the bold and seamless lines donating a powerful contour, emphasising its robust body.

Interior-wise, the quality of the equipment installed impresses with the upscale, mature design and polished detailing. 

Ultimately, offering more than just good looks, it also provides an absolute driving pleasure with its dual-natured drive.