Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the luxury SUV with its own fragrance

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz is on a roll at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, unveiling not just one but two GLS variants. First, it was the 600-horsepower GLS 63 S from AMG, Mercedes’ high-performance division. Then, it was the GLS 600 – a Maybach custom that takes luxury to the extremes.

For years, it had been rumored that the German automaker was working on a Maybach SUV. With the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 finally out, these rumors can be put to rest.

It isn’t a new model – you can clearly see this just by looking at it. Rather, it’s a second generation Mercedes-Benz GLS. This makes it the first Maybach variant in the GLS line, as well as the first Maybach in Mercedes’ SUV segment.

Visually, there are several changes to its exterior. Up front is an all-chrome pinstripe grill similar to the ones found on S-class variants of the GLS. The front apron also has a wide air inlet covered in finely-woven chrome finish mesh.

Plenty of chrome can be seen elsewhere – including the skid plate, window borders, roof rails, the tailgate, and the rear bumper guard. The addition of Maybach emblems, optional 23-inch wheels, and two-tone paint further set it apart from its non-Maybach siblings.

While there aren’t many changes to its body, the interior has been completely overhauled for a more luxurious vibe. It has auburn, nappa leather seats with contrasting stitching, and cream-colored leather trims lined with signature rose gold piping.

From a six-seater, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has been converted to a four-seater vehicle with the option for five. Apart from generous legroom, the executive seats are equipped with reclining, heating, cooling, and massage features for extra comfort.

Rear passengers will have their own touchscreen displays, air conditioning, and a centre-mounted console for adjusting the cabin’s settings like music and ambient lighting. There’s also a panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin appear larger while letting in more light.

It’s not just the look of the cabin that gives off hints of luxury. The entire experience of riding the Maybach GLS is unimaginably opulent for an SUV. There’s an optional refrigerator with room for champagne bottles and flutes. If you get the Air Balance package, you can fill the entire cabin with the car’s signature fragrance – the scent of white osmanthus blossoms with notes of leather and spicy tea.

While not as powerful as the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S, the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 mill on Maybach GLS churns out 550 hp and 730 Nm of torque by default. The new EQ Boost electric motor increases these numbers by 22 hp and 250 Nm. With this luxury SUV, you can go from 0 to 97 kmph in just 4.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 250 kmph.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is not yet on sale, but you can pre-order one before it arrives in Philippine market next year.

Also read: From gas-guzzlers to zero emissions, Mercedes-Benz to build an electric G-Class