Review: 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

It's a car that offers the luxury of the S-class, the muscle of the GLS and of course the opulence of the Maybach brand. No wonder within no time, it has become the chosen set of wheels of the rich and famous here in India. The all-new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 aims to be a perfect example of a car that offers great luxury while still keeping the prices in check. It made its global debut towards the end of 2020 and came to India a few months later, only to be lapped up for 2021. The next lot only arrives in 2022.

Design

There's generous use of chrome on the grille and skid plates.  

On the exterior, there's enough for you differentiate this car with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, on which it is based. Apart from Maybach branding all over, this is also the first SUV from the brand to get the 3 pointed star on the hood. Its also 15 mm higher and 31 mm wider primarily because of the big 22-inch wheels it comes with. And if that's not big enough you also have the option of choosing 23 inchers. There many mono tone and dual tone colour options to choose from. Our test car came in a latter option where the rubellite red on top beautifully merged with the Obsidian black down below.

Also Read: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: Top 7 Exclusive Features

22-inch wheels comes as standard but you also have the option of choosing 23 inchers. 

There's extensive use of chrome on the grille on the huge number of vertical slats. Same is the case with the chrome inserts on the skid plate as well. The SUV also gets LED headlamps and adaptive LED tail lamps which add some more character. There's more chrome on the profile specially on the B-pillar which is really likeable. But roof rails? not sure if they're required on a car like this.

Tech & Interior

2nd row gets executive bench seats and 93 mms more space than the GLS .  

Maybach GLS 600 is all about how it is from inside but before we get there a word on how we get there.  There's an auto-retracting footboard here which pops out the moment you open the door. And first there was only one place in the car I was headed to – the second row. You get executive bench seats here and when compared to the GLS there's 93 mms more space on offer. My test car came with Nappa leather upholstery in a combination of mahagony brown and macchiato beige. There are also other options to choose from.

Also Read: Actor Ranveer Singh Brings Home The Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 Worth ₹ 2.43 Crore

There's an integrated tablet in the centre armrest through which you can control multiple functions.

Everything that contributes to providing more luxury is provided on the second row. The seats recline by almost 45 degrees and they can be adjusted in multiple ways to give you maximum comfort including giving you a foot rest. There's an integrated tablet in the centre armrest through which you can control multiple functions in the car. There's also a wireless charger here and the seats provide ventilation as well as a massage function.

Also Read: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Sold Out For 2021; Next Allotment To Arrive In Q1 2022

2nd row gets a refrigerator and champagne glass holders as optional features. 

My test car also came with many optional features starting with the rear seat entertainment package which provides two individual screens for the passengers. You also have the option of using trays that are neatly stored under the armrest when not in use. Then there's also a refrigerator which is rather big in size and here you also have the option is installing champagne glass holders. This massive SUV provides a boot space of 530 litres but without a refrigerator and spare wheel.

Maybach GLS get the latest MBUX infotainment system with the 'Hey Mercedes' voice command.

On the front row, two 12.3-inch screens catch your attention and the car is equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system with the 'Hey Mercedes' voice command system and Mercedes Me connected car technology. Then there is a high-performance 13-speaker 590-watt Burmester sound system which can be fine-tuned for each seat. In all there are 7 type-C charging ports in the cabin. There's are many Maybach insigna all over including on the pedals which is a nice touch. Rounding off a luxurius cabin is a huge panoramic sunroof, 64 colour ambient lighting and head up display which is optional.

Dynamics

The 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine on the SUV is coupled with a 48-volt EQ boost system.

Under the hood of the Maybach GLS 600 is an AMG derived 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine that churns out 542 bhp and 730 Nm, while being mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The engine is coupled with a 48-volt EQ boost system, which offers an additional 250 Nm of torque and 21 bhp when needed. It clocks triple-digit speeds in just 4.9 seconds which is impressive for an SUV that weighs over 3200 kgs, and its top-speed in limited at 250 kmph.

Also Read: Actor Kriti Sanon Brings Home The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Worth ₹ 2.43 Crore

The SUV clocks triple-digit speeds in just 4.9 seconds.

These massive figures mean that this beast is more than eager to perform, or over perform. Sometimes you're caught by surprise just how quick is this setup to respond despite the massive weight it is carrying. The gearbox is absolutely smooth and fits in nicely in this enthusiastic setup. The sound insulation of the acoustic comfort package significantly reduces disruptive exterior noise and you can barely listen any unwanted noise inside the cabin.

Ride & Handling

Maybach drive mode offers the best ride comfort in the car.

The SUV is equipped with a sensor system is programmed to set the dampers according to the quality of the road ahead in a bid to ensure that cabin is at its stable best even on bumpy terrains. The undulation faced by any one wheel is not transferred to the axle and therefore the cabin. And if you want the best ride quality, then switch to the Maybach drive mode where the ride becomes softer and the throttle response isn't very enthusiastic.

Now a car this big, tall surely there has to be some body roll here. Well not really if you switch to the Curve mode on the Maybach GLS 600. 3 lean levels of this mode limit body roll even while taking corners at decent speeds. In fact, the mode uses the air suspension to infact, actively lean into corners almost making you forget that you‘re sitting in such a tall car.

3 lean levels of the Curve mode limit body roll on the Maybach GLS 600.

Then there's the E-active body control suspension where the purpose is to get you out of low grip surfaces like sand or mud. Once the system is active the air suspension starts pumping and tyre pressure is also altered to provide better grip. It is actually quite a sight as the car moves without moving and you can check it out in our video review. Using individual wheel control in the off-road assist, you can also change the height of individual ride height of the wheels.

Safety

SUV is equipped with many safety features including driving assistance package.

In terms of safety, the SUV is equipped with driving assistance package which includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Steering Assist.  It also gets 8 airbags, adaptive high beam assist plus, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking package with 360-degree camera, downhill speed regulation and attention assist.

Price & Verdict

This car is truly your exclusive zone in every possible way. 

So how much do you need to shell out for a car this loaded with tech, luxury, features and comfort. Well Rs. 2.43 crore (ex-showroom) is where it starts provided you can lay your hands on one. If you pick some options then of course you need to shell out more. That might sound like a lot but looking at some the rivals like the Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover Autobiography and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan which are more expensive, the Maybach GLS 600 is still great value and at the same time your ticket to opulence. This car is truly your exclusive zone in every possible way.