2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the German automaker's latest and greatest luxury land yacht. Based on the standard Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Maybach ups the opulence with a revised interior and retuned powertrain aimed at making backseat passengers just as comfortable as those in the front. Mercedes expects a significant number of GLS 600s to be driven by chauffeurs, so the aim was to make sure those in the back are as comfortable as possible. It's the same formula Mercedes-Benz has used for years with the Maybach S-Class, though basing the new model on the GLS gives Mercedes much more room to work with.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$281/mo  for Maybach GLS GLS 600

　　Maybach GLS GLS 600

　　GLS 600 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $160,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The third row is gone to make more room for second-row passengers. As such, the Maybach GLS is available in either a four- or five-seat configuration. The four-seat configuration gets fully adjustable and massaging executive seats, separated from the trunk by a wood parcel shelf. An MBUX tablet gives rear passengers control over the car's infotainment. They can also entertain themselves with optional 11.6-inch entertainment screens.

　　The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 takes one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today and dials up the luxury factor even further. It's not as practical as its three-row brethren, but we hardly think you'll care when you're sipping Champagne from your massaging rear seat with your chauffeur at the wheel.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Maybach GLS drive? For a vehicle with the size and mass of a small asteroid, the Maybach GLS is a fairly amazing performer. Our test vehicle took only 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is more than adequate for such a large, luxurious SUV. It feels strong too, with plenty of power on tap no matter the situation. The engine's mild hybrid system improves both performance and efficiency and helps with a smooth power delivery.

　　Stops from 60 mph came in just 102 feet, one of the best results we've seen from any SUV and close to serious performance-car territory. Part of that is due to the Pirelli summer tires equipped on our test vehicle. The steering is light and quick, making the Maybach GLS easy to maneuver through a parking lot, traffic or the occasional mountain pass.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Maybach GLS? Mercedes-Benz has a fantastic formula for on-road comfort. The seats are supportive with a ton of adjustability, and the standard front and rear massaging seats help keep you relaxed even after a few hours on the road. The heated and ventilated seats work well, and the automatic climate control quickly evens out cabin temperatures with rear passengers getting their own focused system.

　　There's little intrusion from the outside, with just a bit of road noise on rougher pavement. The ride quality is excellent due to the standard E-Active Body Control suspension. It's smooth and composed, ironing out most road imperfections without feeling floaty.

　　

Interior

9.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Maybach GLS' interior is excellent from almost every perspective. The driving position is upright and commanding, but you always feel comfortably enveloped by the GLS. Since there are only two rows in a vehicle traditionally meant to have three, there is plenty of room for occupants of all sizes. But if you want to experience the full recline of the rear seats, you'll need to be no taller than 5-foot-9. The large windows help all-around visibility and make rear passengers feel as if they have an expansive view of the world.

　　Most of the controls are well placed and easy to reach, but there are a lot of them and the small text means you have to take your eyes off the road until you memorize their locations. Another minor fumble: Some seat controls and settings are buried in touchscreen menus.

　　

Technology

9.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Mercedes' infotainment system is a benchmark for the class even if it does look a little intimidating. MBUX voice controls are top-of-the-class due to the use of natural speech, and the navigation system is a standout with its augmented reality overlay projected in the head-up display. It could be a reason to ditch the navigation app on your phone. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are standard though not wireless. And there are seven total (three front, four rear) USB-C ports for occupants, along with two wireless charging pads — one in front of the cupholders and another in between the two rear passengers.

　　The driver aids are also comprehensive. The adaptive cruise control is among the best we've tested, maintaining a reasonable gap from the car ahead. And it slows the Maybach down to a complete stop without a hint of uncertainty.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Inside the cabin, there are plenty of places to put items — whether large or small — and an equal abundance of cupholders. The front cupholders can even hold a 40-ounce water bottle. There are child safety seat anchor points in the second row with so much room that a rear-facing seat won't bother anyone, but we don't really see Maybach owners having child seats buckled in the exec-status second row.

　　Cargo space is really where the Maybach falls a bit short, and that's due to the mini refrigerator for second-row occupants. At this level, cold beverages take precedence over luggage. Should you want to tow with your Maybach, it is rated to tow 7,700 pounds when equipped with the optional trailer hitch.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA puts fuel economy at 16 mpg combined (15 city/19 highway), which isn't surprising for a vehicle this powerful that weighs close to 6,300 pounds. The Maybach GLS averaged 16.7 mpg combined on our 115-mile evaluation loop, though the display estimated 18 mpg.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Maybach GLS a good value? You're not looking for value if you want a Maybach GLS, but at $172,200 (as equipped) it's definitely the least expensive of the uber-luxury SUVs. No other competitor puts together such a well-appointed package for anywhere near the same money. It feels solid, pristine and opulent — easily matching rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga. If anything, Mercedes could offer more options for personalization. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average for the class.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　On the outside, the Maybach GLS has the appearance of a standard Mercedes GLS with larger wheels and a two-tone paint job. Inside, it delivers everything you expect from a more premium version of an already luxurious Mercedes-Benz. Loaded with the latest tech and equipped with reclining rear heated/ventilated seats with full massaging, the Maybach is sure to impress. It even offers a cold box for your Champagne. Even with all this luxury, it remains easy to drive and is a remarkably comfortable place to spend an hour, or 10, whether behind the wheel or being driven around.

　　

Which Maybach GLS does zzdcar recommend?

The Maybach GLS' singular trim level is nearly fully loaded, so there's not much to decide on other than aesthetics and a few high-end options. The optional Champagne fridge is a particular favorite of ours, but it does take up quite a bit of trunk space.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS models

The 2021 Maybach GLS 600 comes in a single well-equipped trim level. It's powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (550 horsepower, 538 lb-ft of torque) that puts power to the ground via a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Just about everything that's optional or available on the regular GLS is standard on the Maybach.

　　Standard feature highlights include:

　　22-inch wheels E-Active Body Control adaptive suspension (dramatically improves ride comfort and cornering stability) 12.3-inch infotainment screen Digital gauge cluster display 7-inch touchscreen for the rear seat Wireless charging pads in the front and rear Burmester audio system Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Four-zone automatic climate control Front and rear heated and cooled cupholders Heated, ventilated and massaging seats both front and rear Panoramic glass roofDriver aids include:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Maybach and the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Maybach GLS 600 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)Options include:

　　Folding tables for rear passengers (four-seat configuration only) Two-tone leather upholstery Two-tone exterior paint 23-inch wheels Refrigerated compartment Champagne flutes and built-in holders

　　

2021 Maybach GLS Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$160,500
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$281/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles