The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS stands as a symbol of modern luxury, refinement, and engineering perfection. Designed to cocoon its occupants from the chaos of the outside world, it delivers a serene driving experience defined by silence, comfort, and sheer indulgence. With its whisper-quiet ride, massaging seats, and an advanced climate system that maintains perfect cabin balance, the Maybach GLS feels less like a car and more like a personal sanctuary on wheels. When you compare it to ultra-exclusive rivals like the Bentley Bentayga or Rolls-Royce Cullinan, it even starts to feel like something of a bargain a rare statement in this segment of the automotive world.
2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Review
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet and comfortable interior that isolates passengers from road noise.
- Fully adaptive suspension delivering a cloud-like ride and remarkable control.
- Smooth, powerful V8 engine that provides effortless acceleration.
- Rich in technology and luxury, from the materials to the in-car entertainment.
Cons
- Less cargo space compared with other large luxury SUVs.
What’s New
- A fingerprint reader now comes standard for secure personalization.
- New exterior paints and interior upholstery colors broaden the customization palette.
- Continues as part of the first Maybach GLS generation, introduced in 2021.
Overview
The Maybach GLS 600 is the crown jewel of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV lineup a vehicle that blends traditional elegance with cutting-edge engineering. Wearing the prestigious Maybach badge means this isn’t just another Mercedes. Maybach, the brand’s pinnacle sub-division, takes the largest and most sophisticated models and reimagines them as modern-day royal carriages, crafted with meticulous attention to every detail.
Inside the cabin, the GLS 600 spoils its passengers with opulent finishes hand-stitched leather, polished wood veneers, and finely machined metal accents. Every element feels bespoke, designed not only for beauty but for comfort. From the pillow-soft headrests to the ambient lighting that gently illuminates the cabin, the experience feels truly regal. And, as expected, exclusivity comes at a price; this Maybach costs significantly more than a standard Mercedes GLS, but in exchange, it delivers an unmatched blend of craftsmanship and technology that few can rival.
Beyond Ordinary Luxury
The Maybach GLS 600 isn’t simply about indulgence it’s about effortless power and intelligence beneath the glamour. Beneath the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing a commanding 550 horsepower, propelling the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. It’s astonishing performance for something so refined, and it’s achieved with the serenity of an orchestra playing behind triple-pane glass.
Yet power is only half the story. The adaptive air suspension actively reads the road surface and adjusts damping in real time, keeping the ride silky smooth over any terrain. Advanced driver-assistance systems elevate the experience even further from adaptive cruise control to lane-centering and collision-avoidance technologies that make highway travel nearly autonomous.
Inside, the tech experience is as lavish as the craftsmanship. A class-leading MBUX voice assistant responds naturally to commands, while a 29-speaker Burmester 3D audio system fills the cabin with studio-quality sound. The augmented-reality navigation overlays turn-by-turn directions onto real-world imagery, making even routine drives feel futuristic. In short, this Maybach doesn’t just pamper; it anticipates every need before you even think of it.
Competitors to Consider
The Maybach GLS 600 may stand tall in the luxury SUV arena, but it’s not without worthy challengers. The BMW Alpina XB7 takes BMW’s flagship X7 and injects it with sharper performance dynamics and a sportier edge. It’s a little less formal, but far more agile. The Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography and SV models are also strong contenders, offering stately interiors and the option for executive-style rear seating ideal for those who prefer to be chauffeured.
If exclusivity is your top priority, the Bentley Bentayga presents a handcrafted interior and nearly endless customization options. For those who want the ultimate statement of wealth and craftsmanship, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan remains the pinnacle, though it commands nearly twice the price of the Maybach. Against these icons, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 holds its own with a balance of performance, comfort, and technology that makes it one of the most compelling choices in its class.
Performance
The 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS delivers performance that defies expectations for an SUV of its size and stature. Despite its massive proportions and undeniable presence, this luxury heavyweight moves with surprising agility and confidence. Beneath the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 paired with a mild-hybrid system that ensures both immediate response and effortless refinement. This combination provides 550 horsepower and a wave of torque that makes acceleration feel smooth and unstrained, no matter the conditions.
During Cardrav’s test sessions, the Maybach GLS launched from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.7 seconds a number that places it dangerously close to sports-car territory. This kind of power doesn’t just translate into straight-line speed; it also brings a sense of authority when overtaking or merging onto highways. The hybrid system contributes not only to improved fuel efficiency but also to seamless power transitions, smoothing out every surge of acceleration with characteristic Maybach grace.
Braking performance is equally noteworthy. Stopping from 60 mph took just 102 feet, a result more typical of high-performance coupes than full-size luxury SUVs. Credit goes in part to the Pirelli summer tires fitted to the test model, which offered outstanding grip and stability even under sudden deceleration. The steering system is another highlight light, precise, and responsive, making the Maybach GLS surprisingly easy to maneuver whether you’re navigating tight city streets, parking in a crowded garage, or gliding through winding mountain passes.
The overall drive experience blends strength with serenity. It’s fast, composed, and completely in control a reminder that true luxury isn’t just about comfort, but also about confidence behind the wheel.
Comfort
Comfort has always been a Mercedes hallmark, but in the Maybach GLS, it’s elevated to an art form. The seats alone are a masterpiece of ergonomics and craftsmanship. Every seat, front and rear, is fully adjustable, heated, ventilated, and equipped with a massaging function that turns long journeys into spa sessions on wheels. Whether you’re driving or being chauffeured, the seating experience is identical in its indulgence.
The E-Active Body Control suspension deserves special mention. It uses sensors and cameras to scan the road ahead, adjusting each wheel’s damping individually to eliminate vibrations and dips before they reach the cabin. The result is a ride so smooth that rough roads feel almost imaginary. Even when crossing uneven pavement or expansion joints, the GLS floats gracefully, maintaining composure and balance.
Cabin insulation is exceptional, with minimal wind or road noise entering the interior. Only the faint hum of the tires on coarse surfaces reminds you that motion is actually happening. The four-zone climate control ensures each occupant enjoys the perfect temperature, with independent rear climate management and air filtration for added refinement.
The combination of silence, stability, and physical comfort makes the Maybach GLS one of the most relaxing vehicles ever tested by Cardrav.
Interior
Step inside the Maybach GLS, and the sense of occasion is immediate. This is not just an SUV it’s an environment built to impress. The upright driving position offers excellent command of the road, yet the overall feel remains intimate and welcoming. The Maybach GLS features only two rows of seating, giving both front and rear passengers generous legroom and space to unwind.
The rear seats, when fully reclined, mimic the feel of a first-class airline cabin. There’s ample leg support, but taller passengers (over 5-foot-9) may find full recline slightly limited by space. Even so, every touchpoint from the hand-stitched leather to the soft-touch switchgear radiates craftsmanship and precision. Large panoramic windows let in plenty of light, giving the interior a sense of openness while preserving a feeling of privacy and exclusivity.
While most controls are logically arranged, the abundance of buttons and menus can initially overwhelm new drivers. Some seat adjustments and climate settings are buried within touchscreen submenus, requiring a moment’s attention. However, once learned, the interface feels natural and responsive. This is a cabin designed for indulgence, not haste every motion is meant to be deliberate and rewarding.
Technology
The technology suite in the Maybach GLS stands as one of the most advanced in the luxury SUV class. The MBUX infotainment system continues to set benchmarks for clarity, capability, and user experience. Its voice recognition understands natural speech so fluently that you can simply say, “I’m cold,” and the system will adjust the temperature accordingly. The navigation system is equally impressive, integrating augmented reality overlays within the head-up display to project directions directly onto the road ahead a feature that feels futuristic yet intuitive.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, connecting seamlessly without cables. The GLS is also loaded with USB-C ports (seven in total) three in the front and four in the rear ensuring every passenger can stay connected and powered. Two wireless charging pads are included: one conveniently placed up front near the cupholders and another in the rear console between passengers, emphasizing Maybach’s commitment to equal luxury for all occupants.
Safety and driver assistance features are equally comprehensive. The adaptive cruise control operates with uncanny precision, maintaining smooth distances and bringing the vehicle to a full stop with composure. The lane-centering system works seamlessly on highways, and the attention-monitoring feature ensures drivers remain alert. Even the active stop-and-go assist functions naturally in heavy traffic, reducing the fatigue of long commutes.
In essence, the Maybach GLS doesn’t just offer technology it delivers intelligent sophistication. Everything feels designed around the passenger, anticipating needs rather than reacting to them.
Storage
When it comes to storage, the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS doesn’t just provide space it delivers practicality with elegance. Inside the cabin, every detail has been carefully designed to accommodate convenience without compromising the SUV’s sophisticated atmosphere. There’s no shortage of compartments for both large and small items, and Mercedes has managed to integrate this functionality seamlessly into the cabin’s luxurious layout.
Up front, you’ll find ample storage options, from deep door pockets to a large center console and clever hidden bins. Even the cupholders are oversized, capable of holding a 40-ounce bottle with ease. They’re temperature-controlled too, so your drink stays hot or cold depending on your preference a small touch that speaks volumes about Maybach’s attention to comfort and refinement.
In the second row, the focus shifts more toward relaxation than practicality, yet even here, you’ll find a surprising level of functionality. There are ISOFIX/LATCH anchor points for child safety seats, and the space between seats is generous enough to fit a rear-facing seat without inconveniencing anyone. Of course, it’s rare to imagine a Maybach GLS ferrying toddlers the second-row area is more commonly reserved for executives, not infants but it’s reassuring to know the capability is there.
The rear cargo area, however, is where practicality takes a step back in favor of indulgence. The main reason? The beautifully integrated mini refrigerator positioned behind the second row. This luxury feature, designed to keep beverages perfectly chilled during long journeys, eats into the available cargo capacity. But at this level of opulence, having cold drinks on hand tends to matter more than extra luggage space. It’s a deliberate trade-off one that suits the Maybach lifestyle perfectly.
Still, the Maybach GLS remains functional for those occasional utility needs. With the optional trailer hitch package, this luxury SUV can tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is impressive for a vehicle more commonly associated with champagne than camping gear. The towing capability adds a layer of versatility that few would expect in a vehicle so focused on elegance and comfort.
2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Trim Level Differences
The 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is offered in a single, fully equipped trim, reflecting the philosophy that true luxury doesn’t require multiple versions only perfection. Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 mild-hybrid engine, producing 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled through a nine-speed automatic transmission and delivered to all four wheels via standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Seating is configured for five passengers, though a four-seat executive layout can be selected at no additional cost. In this version, the rear becomes a personal lounge, featuring reclining seats, extended leg rests, and an integrated center console with storage, controls, and cupholders that feel more like part of a private jet than a family SUV.
Which Maybach GLS Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
Since the Maybach GLS 600 comes as a single, uncompromising configuration, the decision process is all about personalization rather than specification. Buyers can choose from a wide range of exterior colors, including elegant two-tone combinations, and an array of interior finishes crafted from the finest materials. Even the 23-inch wheel designs offer variety from modern multi-spoke patterns to the instantly recognizable monoblock style, a hallmark of Maybach’s understated grandeur.
The beauty of owning a Maybach GLS lies in this freedom to customize. Whether you opt for a minimalist aesthetic or an ultra-luxurious contrast of hues and textures, every configuration results in the same outcome a rolling statement of sophistication, engineering excellence, and individuality.
FAQ
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS Worth Buying?
According to Cardrav’s expert evaluations, the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS stands as one of the most refined and luxurious SUVs available today. After extensive on-road and track testing, our reviewers awarded it an impressive 8.3 out of 10, recognizing its exceptional ride comfort, cutting-edge technology, and near-silent interior.
From a consumer perspective, verified owners also rate the Maybach GLS highly, averaging 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting overall satisfaction with build quality, comfort, and long-term usability. Cargo space measures 18.4 cubic feet, which is reasonable for a two-row luxury SUV of this class, and the level of safety technology onboard rivals that of flagship sedans. With top-tier crash-test scores and world-class reliability backed by Mercedes’ engineering, the Maybach GLS delivers not just luxury, but confidence.
What’s New in the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS?
The 2025 model year brings a few elegant refinements to the already exceptional Maybach GLS. Mercedes has added a standard fingerprint reader, allowing drivers to personalize vehicle settings securely and seamlessly. Additionally, there are new paint options and interior upholstery colors, expanding the palette for buyers seeking exclusivity.
While the Maybach GLS continues to belong to the first generation introduced in 2021, Mercedes has ensured that it remains technologically up-to-date and visually timeless, blending modern sophistication with classic Maybach elegance.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Maybach GLS?
Reliability has long been a cornerstone of the Mercedes brand, and the Maybach GLS upholds that legacy. Cardrav’s long-term owner insights reveal high satisfaction with its mechanical performance and durability. The SUV’s mild-hybrid 4.0-liter V8 has proven to be both powerful and dependable, offering smooth acceleration with minimal mechanical strain.
Owners report few recurring issues, and Mercedes’ comprehensive warranty coverage provides added peace of mind. When compared with competing ultra-luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga or Range Rover Autobiography, the Maybach GLS continues to stand out as a dependable daily companion wrapped in opulence.
Is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS a Good Luxury SUV?
Simply put, yes. The 2025 Maybach GLS blends commanding performance, lavish materials, and state-of-the-art innovation in one package. Cardrav’s testing team found that it delivers a near-perfect balance between comfort and capability whether you’re behind the wheel or being chauffeured.
Its adaptive suspension, advanced driver-assistance features, and handcrafted cabin elevate it above typical SUVs, positioning it as a true benchmark for modern luxury. While cargo capacity and practicality take a slight backseat to indulgence, this is an SUV designed to prioritize serenity and presence.
How Much Does the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS Cost?
The 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC begins at an estimated $178,450, including destination fees. That price secures one of the most luxurious SUVs in the world, complete with a twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive as standard.
Although there’s only one official version the GLS 600 customization options are extensive. Buyers can select from exclusive two-tone exterior paints, premium leathers, and several distinctive 23-inch wheel designs, allowing each Maybach GLS to be tailored to its owner’s exact taste.
What Versions of the Maybach GLS Are Available?
Unlike mainstream Mercedes models, the Maybach GLS is built around simplicity and exclusivity. The lineup consists solely of the GLS 600 4MATIC, a single model that embodies every aspect of Maybach craftsmanship and engineering excellence. Beneath its elegant silhouette lies the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 that delivers 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a powerful yet tranquil driving experience.
Rather than offering multiple trims, Mercedes allows buyers to personalize every aesthetic and tactile detail from paint finishes to interior wood veneers. Each Maybach GLS is, in essence, a bespoke creation, built to reflect its owner’s definition of luxury.
