2022 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　, rating written byReese CountsAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　The Maybach name may not have quite the cachet of a Bentley or Range Rover, but Mercedes-Benz has been working hard to change that. Last year, Mercedes introduced the Maybach GLS 600, an uber-luxe version of its GLS three-row large SUV. It's the most luxurious and best-appointed SUV in Mercedes' extensive lineup, with enough wood and leather to furnish several smaller models. It's also loaded with Mercedes' latest in-car tech, trick adaptive air suspension for a cushy ride, and a full suite of driver aids and safety features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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

　　$283/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) - $165,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　It may not look all that different from the standard GLS at first glance, but the automaker has given the GLS the same sort of treatment as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Rather than stretching the wheelbase as with the sedan, designers ditched the SUV's third row and pushed back the second row to open up legroom. As Maybach owners are often chauffeured rather than being behind the wheel themselves, the whole suspension has been retuned for enhanced rear-seat comfort. There's even a Maybach drive mode that smooths shifts and throttle response for a more relaxed passenger experience.

　　While Mercedes hasn't released final info for the 2022 Maybach GLS, we don't expect any significant changes for the model's second year. Not that it needed it, since we think the Maybach GLS is one of the best vehicles on the road today. That said, it does have some competition. The Bentley Bentayga, BMW Alpina XB7 and Land Rover Range Rover are some of the most direct, but there are sporty alternatives like the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, though neither is nearly as comfortable or as premium as the Maybach. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're looking to get from A to B in the most comfortable way possible, the Maybach GLS 600 is well worth a look.

　　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.

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