2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS Refinement Defined

Someone decided that massive SUVs should be more than just practical people movers, so these days we get sports utility vehicles that are both mind-bendingly fast and ridiculously plush with price tags that will make most of us blush. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is one such car, and it ticks the boxes for opulence and performance. Buyers in the USA will need upwards of $175k to own one, but for that price, you get refreshed styling that oozes enough old-world charm to give rivals like the Bentley Bentayga a run for their money and a 550-horsepower V8 engine to hustle you along. Here’s a look at the 2024 Maybach GLS for those who enjoy the high life.
 

When Is The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV Coming Out?
Mercedes has not given a specific release date for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS but has promised the sublime SUV will hit local dealers a little later this year.
 
2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS Price And Competition
Mercedes-Maybach’s competition in the full-size SUV segment comes from heavy hitters like the Bentley Bentayga, while the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is too powerful and too expensive to be considered a key rival. Even the Bentayga will cost significantly more, starting closer to $200k. And while Merc hasn’t given an exact price for the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS yet, it’s likely to be a little more expensive than the current MSRP, which comes in at $170,000 for 2023.
 
New Mercedes-Maybach GLS Exterior And Colors
As with the rest of the GLS-Class lineup, the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS gets a bit of a makeover. The new nose takes on the form of an updated front bumper with the air intakes now integrated separately, flanking the grille. These now feature a Maybach pattern and chrome surrounds that underscore the distinctive Maybach grille with slim vertical bars.
 
As before, the Maybach GLS gets a full panorama roof and soft-close doors as standard. It rolls on 22-inch wheels as standard, but as can be seen in the images attached, there’s a striking new design on the options list for 2024; these 23-inch forged wheels complement the brightware on the exterior of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and come with forged wheel bolt covers. As far as exterior colors go, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS gets access to two new hues, including Twilight Blue and Manufaktur Alpine Grey. Whereas the former is a metallic shade, the latter is non-metallic; naturally, the GLS 600 will still be available in its signature two-tone look.
 

Mercedes-Maybach GLS Dimensions
Mercedes hasn’t provided official dimensions for the 2024 Maybach GLS, but we can assume it’ll be similar to measurements for the current model, possibly with a few tenths of an inch added here or there. Current variants are 204.9 inches in length, with an 84.9-inch width from one side mirror to the other, and a height of 72.4 inches. The Maybach GLS has a 123.4-inch wheelbase.
 
Looking at curb weights for the current GLS 600, expect the 2024 model to tip the scales at over 6,000 pounds.
 
Mercedes-Maybach GLS Engine And Performance
Updates to the regular GLS-Class included some tweaks to the powertrain, but for the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV, engine specs remain the same. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is still used to harness 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque; this is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite there being no changes to the setup for 2024, Mercedes claims the Maybach GLS 600’s 0-60 mph time drops by a tenth of a second, with 4.7 seconds needed to cross the finish line. This is on par with the sprint time of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic, with the heftier curb weight offset by higher outputs.
 
The GLS 600 will carry on to a top speed of 155 mph, and is rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. The mild hybrid system does a good job of adding a temporary boost and also seamlessly integrating the stop/start function in traffic. The electric motor torque-fills gaps in the powerband and ensures acceleration and cruising is smooth and effortless.
 
Gas Mileage
As nothing changes in terms of outputs, the fuel economy expectations for the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS remain the same as before. The EPA rates the 2023 GLS 600 at 15/20/17 mpg city/highway/combined.
 
With a 23.8-gallon fuel tank, a theoretical range of just over 400 miles is achievable.
 

Mercedes-Maybach GLS Interior And Cargo
Time spent inside the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is supposed to be calming and cossetting, and the outgoing model managed to pull that off so well that changes to the cabin are minimal for the new model year. Standard interior lighting with animated Maybach-patterned projections make it feel even more special, and there is a new seat upholstery design that underscores the idea of expressive luxury: the seat centers and backrests have elegant diamond quilting with perforations unique to the model.
 
Since the outgoing model was already blessed with loads of luxury features, creature comforts, and the latest tech, there isn’t much that changes for 2024. Interior colors for the new Maybach GLS stay the same, and you still get items like heated and ventilated power front seats with massage, a four-zone Executive Climate Control system, dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and driver’s information, a high-end Burmester surround sound system, a head-up display, and an expansive suite of driver assists.
 
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS rear seats deserve an honorary mention as these epitomize the point of the car. Whereas the standard GLS-Class seating configuration is three rows, the Maybach GLS has just two rows. Two reclining seats in the rear are standard, but if you wanted to, you could specify a bench. We think that defeats the purpose of the car, though, and with the rear-seat entertainment specified, you’re in uber-luxury territory.
 
If it’s important to you, the Maybach GLS’ cargo space should be the same as the 2023 model, which comes in at 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row. Heated and cooled cupholders throughout the cabin make your life more convenient, and there’s a full-length center console in the rear for all the doodads you may need to store.