The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 12.0-11.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 273 266 g/km)  represents a new form of luxury in the SUV segment. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS combines the body form and superior, robust technical basis provided by the GLS, the S-Class among SUVs, with all the technical and material luxury of a top-class sedan.

Its spacious interior with the highest-grade materials and extremely effective noise insulation creates a stylish, cocoon-like feel-good atmosphere. From their pleasantly elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sun blinds on the two rear side windows, the passengers can decide for themselves how much of their surroundings they want to see.

The AIRMATIC suspension included as standard or the optional, fully-active suspension with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL effectively keep the road bumps at bay. For the first time there is a dedicated Maybach drive program that ensures even more comfort in the rear.

This is the only system on the market that can individually control spring and damping forces at each wheel, suppressing rolling, pitching and lifting movements. Together with ROAD SURFACE SCAN and the curve inclination function CURVE, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL makes an exceptional level of comfort possible, and supports the claim of Mercedes-Benz to build the world's most intelligent SUV suspension.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL operates with 48 volts. The system is based on the AIRMATIC all-air suspension system and offers the same all-round self-levelling. Furthermore, the electrically driven hydraulic pump generates dynamic forces that overlay the air suspension forces and actively support and dampen the vehicle body, e.g. during linear and lateral acceleration or when driving on uneven roads. The body no longer squats or pitches during braking and acceleration, and on poor road surfaces the system is even able to recuperate energy, roughly halving the energy requirement compared with the preceding system in the S-Class.

The recovery function is included as part of the Off-Road drive program and helps to free the vehicle more easily if it gets stuck in sand, for example. If possible the suspension level is automatically raised and lowered automatically several times, which alternately increases or reduces the ground pressure of the tyres and therefore improves traction.

The V8 engine with a displacement of four litres, which can develop 410 kW (558 hp) and 730 Nm of torque, is an engine variant developed exclusively for Maybach and moves the car discreetly and powerfully. The engine is combined with the 48-volt system EQ Boost. An additional 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp output are available temporarily via EQ Boost.

Power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The wide spread of ratios for gears one to nine ensures a significant reduction in the engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high levels of drive and ride comfort. Likewise, standard is the transfer case with variable transfer of the drive torque from 0-100 percent (Torque on Demand) between the axles.

Two-tone paint finishes are optionally available, and these underline the balanced proportions of the body. A total of eight combinations are planned, the colour named first being that of the lower section: cavansite blue/iridium silver; designo diamond white bright/obsidian black; iridium silver/designo diamond white bright; iridium silver/selenite grey; obsidian black/kalahari gold; obsidian black/patagonia red; obsidian black/rubellite red; emerald green/mojave silver.

These paint finishes are rendered particularly elegant by the fluid course of the separating lines, where a fine pinstripe in the one colour merges into the body of the other colour along the vehicle's beltline. This fine line once again echoes the pinstripe motif.

The Mercedes-Benz star surmounts the bonnet in the classic way, while the fine, vertical chrome struts of the Maybach radiator grille create a pinstripe effect. Effective chrome highlights around the side windows, and the chrome inserts in the side sill panels, lend dignity and elegance to the profile.

The same applies to the brand emblem, which is positioned at various points such as on the D-pillar. As a special, Maybach-specific feature, two-tone paintwork is available in seven different, elegant colour combinations.

The 22 or 23-inch wheels were developed exclusively for this model, with the 23-inch version echoing the pinstripe theme. The tailpipe trim elements with a small cross rib emphasise the model's identity as a Mercedes-Maybach.

Another eye-catching feature of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS are the electrically extending running boards. They make accessing and leaving the high seating position both convenient and safe. With surfaces of anodised aluminium laced with black rubber strips, illuminated in the dark and particularly wide in the area of the rear doors, they ensure a very special visual appeal.

When in their retracted state, the running boards are concealed behind the side sill panels. If a rear door is opened, the running board on the side concerned automatically swings into position in around one second. This default setting can be changed using a special menu in the MBUX infotainment system. In the interests of spaciousness in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is only available with two seat rows.

The equipment features: luxury, leather and reclining seats

The appointments of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC are already decidedly luxurious as standard. The two outer rear seats can be electrically converted into reclining seats. Padded areas and the dashboard are finished in fine nappa leather as standard, with a range of further cushions and leather interior linings available on request.

The high-gloss or open-pore wood surfaces of the trim elements, plus the upholstery in nappa magma grey/black or nappa mahogany brown/macchiato beige as standard ensure a very high perceived value. The same colour combinations are also available for the optional designo Leather package. For this a lighter upholstery colour in crystal white/silver grey pearl will become available as an alternative soon after market launch, awakening associations with interior design in luxury yacht-building and thereby underlining the high quality of the selected materials. One typical Mercedes Maybach detail is the colour rosé gold for the piping on the white leather.

An electrically opening panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind is standard equipment, as are climatised massage seats. Obtainable on special request, the fixed centre console transforms the car into a spacious four-seater whose rear is just as suitable for working as for relaxing. This console is available with extending, folding tables, even a refrigerator with space for champagne bottles. Suitable silver champagne flutes for this are available from the accessories range.

A dedicated fragrance was developed for the Mercedes Maybach GLS for active fragrancing as part of the optional AIR BALANCE package: the white osmanthus blossom, floral and light, is rounded off by a gentle leather note and spicy tea.