2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 Review: Ultimate Luxury SUV
2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 Review: The Pinnacle of Automotive Luxury
Discover why this $250,000 SUV redefines opulence with its champagne fridge, reclining lounge seats, and Maybach-exclusive features
Introduction: Redefining Automotive Opulence
The 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 isn’t just another luxury SUV—it’s a rolling five-star hotel suite that happens to have a 550-horsepower V8 engine. In a world where luxury vehicles are increasingly common, Maybach manages to create something truly extraordinary that stands above even Mercedes’ most premium offerings.
Starting at $180,000 but easily climbing past $250,000 with options, the Maybach GLS600 makes no apologies for its excess. It’s designed for those who view a Bentley Bentayga as too common and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan as too flashy. This is understated elegance with Maybach’s signature attention to detail.
Exterior: Subtle Signifiers of Status
At first glance, the Maybach GLS600 might resemble a regular Mercedes GLS—until you notice the details that whisper (never shout) its exclusivity:
Distinctive Maybach Design Elements
- Vertical chrome grille with fine Maybach pinstripes
- Two-tone paint options (extra $11,000) with hand-applied dividing line
- Maybach-branded D-pillar badges with optional illuminated version
- Exclusive 22-inch or 23-inch wheel designs with Maybach center caps
- Projector door lights that cast the Maybach logo on the ground
The optional Night Package ($4,200) adds darkened chrome accents and black badging for a more subdued look, while the Chauffeur Package includes power-closing doors and additional rear seat amenities.
Interior: A First-Class Cabin
Where the Maybach GLS600 truly separates itself is in its interior execution. This isn’t just a luxury SUV—it’s a mobile lounge designed to pamper its occupants in ways most vehicles never attempt.
Rear Seat Sanctuary
The rear cabin is the GLS600’s pièce de résistance, offering amenities that rival private jets:
Executive Rear Seating
- 43.5 inches of legroom (5.5″ more than standard GLS)
- Power-adjustable with 9 massage programs
- Heated, ventilated, and rapid-heating functions
- Memory settings for multiple passengers
Entertainment & Connectivity
- Dual 11.6-inch touchscreens with MBUX Rear Tablet
- Wireless headphones for rear entertainment
- Rear-seat fingerprint authentication
- 5 USB-C ports and wireless charging
Exclusive Amenities
- Champagne fridge with temperature control
- Silver-plated champagne flutes ($3,750 option)
- Folding rear tray tables with leather trim
- Maybach-branded lambswool floor mats
Materials & Craftsmanship
Every surface in the GLS600 has been upgraded from the standard GLS:
| Material | Standard GLS | Maybach GLS600 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Upholstery | Nappa Leather | Exclusive Crystal White/Black Pearl Leather |
| Headliner | Fabric or Alcantara | Hand-stitched Dinamica microfiber |
| Wood Trim | Open-pore wood | Piano lacquer or open-pore wood with metal inlays |
| Door Panels | Leather with stitching | Diamond-quilted leather with piping |
Technology: Cutting-Edge Convenience
The GLS600 features Mercedes’ latest technology, all tuned to Maybach standards:
MBUX Hyperscreen
The optional MBUX Hyperscreen ($8,500) spans the entire dashboard with three displays under a single curved glass panel. The system includes:
- Augmented Reality Navigation that overlays directions on live video
- Fingerprint Authentication for personalized settings
- Energizing Comfort Control that syncs climate, massage, and fragrance
- Hey Maybach voice control with enhanced recognition
Advanced Driver Assistance
The GLS600 comes standard with Mercedes’ DRIVE PILOT system offering:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with traffic jam assist
- Active Steering Assist for lane centering
- Evasion Assist for emergency maneuvers
- Parking Package with 360-degree camera and automatic parking
Performance: Effortless Power
While luxury is the priority, the GLS600 doesn’t compromise on performance:
Engine Specs
- 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost
- 550 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
- 538 lb-ft torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
- 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds
Suspension
- Air suspension with adaptive damping
- Maybach-specific comfort tuning
- Curve tilting function
- Off-road mode with “bouncing” function
Fuel Economy
- City: 15 mpg
- Highway: 20 mpg
- Combined: 17 mpg
- 23.8-gallon fuel tank
The Maybach Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the GLS600 prioritizes serenity over sportiness:
- Library-quiet cabin with double-paned glass and extra insulation
- Maybach drive mode that softens all inputs for maximum comfort
- Active noise cancellation that counters road and engine sounds
- Rear-wheel steering (10 degrees) for improved maneuverability
The Bouncing Function Explained
One of the GLS600’s most talked-about features is its off-road “bouncing” mode, designed to help extract the vehicle from sand or deep snow:
- Engage Off-Road drive mode
- Activate “Bounce Assist” in the MBUX menu
- System rapidly adjusts air suspension at each corner
- Creates rocking motion to gain traction
- Works best at low speeds (under 5 mph)
Pricing & Configuration Options
The Maybach premium is substantial, but so is the equipment:
| Option | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $180,000 | Includes most luxury features |
| Two-Tone Paint | $11,000 | Hand-applied dividing line |
| Night Package | $4,200 | Dark chrome accents, black badging |
| Chauffeur Package | $8,500 | Rear seat package with additional amenities |
| MBUX Hyperscreen | $8,500 | Full-width digital dashboard |
| Silver-Plated Flutes | $3,750 | Set of 2 Maybach-branded champagne flutes |
| Fully Loaded | $250,000+ | All options and customizations |
Is the Maybach GLS600 Worth It?
Compared to its ultra-luxury rivals:
- Bentley Bentayga: More driver-focused, less rear seat luxury
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan: $100k+ more expensive, more ostentatious
- Range Rover SVAutobiography: Better off-road, less refined
- Cadillac Escalade-V: More performance, less exclusivity
The Maybach GLS600 strikes a unique balance between Mercedes’ engineering and Maybach’s bespoke luxury, offering something distinct from both mainstream luxury SUVs and ultra-luxury competitors.
Practical Considerations
Luxury comes at the expense of some utility:
Cargo Capacity
- Behind rear seats: 17.4 cu ft
- Seats folded: 42.7 cu ft
- No third-row seating option
- Power liftgate standard
Real-World Use
- Fits 4 golf bags with seats up
- Champagne fridge reduces console storage
- No roof rails available (hurts versatility)
- Rear seat amenities limit cargo height
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Maybach GLS600?
Doug Score (Based on Doug DeMuro’s Rating System)
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Styling | 8 |
| Acceleration | 7 |
| Handling | 6 |
| Cool Factor | 9 |
| Features | 10 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Quality | 10 |
| Practicality | 5 |
| Value | 6 |
| Total | 71/100 |
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 is the ultimate choice for:
- Executives who want to arrive refreshed
- Luxury enthusiasts who appreciate subtle details
- Chauffeur-driven owners who prioritize rear seat comfort
- Mercedes loyalists wanting the brand’s absolute best
It’s harder to justify for those who need third-row seating, frequently haul large items, or prefer sportier handling. But for its intended audience, the GLS600 delivers an unparalleled combination of Mercedes-Benz engineering and Maybach luxury.
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Subscribe NowFrequently Asked Questions
The base price starts at $180,000, but with popular options like two-tone paint ($11,000), the Night Package ($4,200), and the Chauffeur Package ($8,500), most examples sell for between $210,000-$250,000. Fully loaded models with custom options can exceed $300,000.
No, the Maybach GLS600 is strictly a four-seater (or five-seater without the rear console). The standard Mercedes GLS offers third-row seating, but Maybach prioritizes rear seat luxury over passenger capacity.
The Maybach version adds: more powerful V8 engine, exclusive interior materials (like diamond-quilted leather), rear seat entertainment with tablets, champagne fridge, heated/cooled cup holders, Maybach-specific exterior styling, enhanced sound insulation, and unique paint options. It’s essentially a completely reimagined version of the GLS focused on ultimate luxury.
While not designed as an off-roader, the GLS600 has capable all-wheel drive and an off-road mode with special features like the “bouncing” function to help extract itself from soft terrain. The air suspension provides up to 10.5 inches of ground clearance when raised. However, most owners will likely never take their $250,000 luxury SUV off paved roads.
Value is subjective, but for buyers who prioritize ultimate luxury and exclusivity, the Maybach GLS600 offers features and craftsmanship unavailable in the standard GLS or even most competitors. The champagne fridge, reclining rear seats with massage functions, and Maybach-specific details justify the premium for those who can afford it. However, if you don’t need these extreme luxury features, a well-optioned Mercedes GLS580 or even a Bentley Bentayga might make more financial sense.
