The facelifted 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS680 has been revealed, just three months after the three-pointed star brand pulled the sheet off the updated ‘regular’ GLS.
Buyers in China, the US and Europe will be able to place an order from this month, with markets like Australia to follow.
As before, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is offered exclusively with a petrol V8 engine, however it’s a new mill called the ‘M177 Evo’ with a second-generation integrated starter-generator.
Mercedes-Benz claims the mild-hybrid V8 powertrain is smoother, more responsive and more efficient than the one in the outgoing Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.
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There’s 450kW (with an available 17kW of extra boost) and 850Nm of torque on tap, up from 410kW/770Nm in the GLS600.
Fuel consumption is between 13.3L/100km and 13.7L/100km depending on specification, with CO2 emissions of 304-312g/km.
Airmatic air suspension is standard and can use real-time Car-to-X information from Mercedes-Benz vehicles on the road ahead to adjust for the road surface, and a selectable Maybach drive mode has been developed specifically for “supreme” ride comfort.
Optional E-Active Body Control uses five multi-core processors and more than 20 sensors to individually control spring and damper forces at each wheel, to maintain ride height regardless of load or terrain.
This also enables the selectable Offroad mode to automatically raise and lower the vehicle, when it’s stuck in deep sand or mud, to ‘rock’ it to freedom.
There’s a revised steering system said to provide greater responsiveness and agility with a more direct steering ratio.
The cabin has been further quietened through the use of additional insulation, with the transmission tunnel and engine bulkhead lined with a non-woven material, acoustic foam used in various body shell cavities, and a heavy mat used on the engine cover to reduce high-frequency noise.
Exterior design changes include larger headlights with new internals and rose-gold detailing; plus a revised front bumper; new tail-lights situated within a full-width panel; and a new waterfall grille with an illuminated surround and Maybach lettering. The bonnet ornament can also be had with illumination.
As with many other new Mercedes products, you’ll be seeing stars everywhere, from the LED daytime running lights to the tail-lights. But the Mercedes-Maybach logo pops in seemingly just as many locations, including on the front bumper, within the headlights, as well as on the electric running boards and puddle lights.
In a Rolls-Royce-like touch, the 23-inch forged wheels feature a centre-mounted logo engineered to remain perfectly upright at all times. A smaller 22-inch light-alloy wheel is also newly available.
There are new non-metallic and metallic exterior finishes, plus a new two-tone option that combines the two.
There’s new Beech Brown/Macchiato Beige Nappa leather upholstery, as well as new open-pore walnut and high-gloss patterned mixed fabric inlays.
You can also further customise your Maybach by selecting options from the Manufaktur portfolio, which includes a leather interior headliner.
The Maybach GLS moves to the latest generation of MBUX infotainment technology. The MBUX Superscreen is standard, and incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual 12.3-inch touchscreens for the driver and passenger, with Maybach-specific graphics; these screens are flanked by new illuminated air vents.
In the second row, there’s a pair of 11.6-inch displays that passengers can use to watch media or adjust the climate control and privacy blinds. These also come with remote controls and integrated cameras, allowing you to make video calls during your chauffeured commute.
The front seats feature a new vibration massage in the seat cushions, while the rear Executive Seats have a new massage function that can now work on your calves – naturally, “because no part of the body should be left unattended”, says Mercedes.
A new electric cabin air filter is said to further improve air quality inside the GLS680, while the Burmester 3D sound system has gained a pair of additional speakers in the rear – bringing the count to 15 – while also receiving a more powerful 710W amplifier.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is built in the company’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant in the US, and while it goes down the same line as other GLS models there are dedicated stations where Mercedes-Maybach team members are responsible for hand-finishing the model-specific interior features.
The Maybach version of the GLS debuted in 2019, two years after the limited-run G650 Landaulet became the first Maybach-badged SUV.
The GLS served as Mercedes-Maybach’s only SUV until an even more deluxe version of the electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV debuted in 2023.
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