After a plush SUV? Mercedes-Maybach’s GLS 600 is for you

What is it? The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the most luxurious version of the GLS, Mercedes-Benz’s largest, most luxurious SUV. A unique grille, badging and interior (among other things) distinguish the Maybach version. We drove the 600, there is also an S680.

What does it cost? The 600 is $393,969 plus on-road costs, options and customisation. Although the standard equipment is already exceedingly high, the average buyer apparently spends about $60k tailoring their car to personal tastes.

What makes it go? A 4-litre biturbo V8 with mild hybrid drive. Engine output is 410 kW and 730 Nm, with the electric system giving an additional 16 kW and 250 Nm. All-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission are included, as is a bespoke Maybach drive program to maximise smoothness and minimise rear seat noise when a chauffeur is employed.

Why would you want it? Take a seat – a big, comfortable, reclining rear seat in the softest leather – while we run through all the features. Better still, just take our word for it, this has everything you’d expect and some things you wouldn’t. When you open a door, an old-school running board slides out to ease the climb into the tall wagon body. The styling is exceedingly imposing, if that’s what you want, and our version had a classy two-tone paint treatment with pinstripes. It also had two airline-style seats in the back, with a huge centre console holding a tablet that controlled various functions (voice control is also available to raise the rear blinds or turn on the massage function).

A five-seat layout is also possible, as are broad customisation options in terms of interior surfaces, colours inside and out, and options. Our car, for example, had a fridge with storage for champagne and glasses located between the rear seats. The ride is supple and the performance more than sufficient, with a gentle but noticeable V8 rumble under acceleration. If you need more get-up-and-go (and smoothness), there’s the S680. Interestingly, the S680 is now the only MB variant in Australia fitted with a V12; it costs $571,662 plus on-road costs.

Why wouldn’t you? Well, there’s the price of course – it’s a big premium on a mere GLS. There is a facelift coming early next year too, though presumably one ordered now will be the 2024 model. Because of the oversized rear seats, you can’t order a third row, so this big, big SUV is strictly a four- or five-seater. And, as an aside, if you order the rear fridge, its cooling system takes up a fair slice of the boot.

And in conclusion The ultra-luxurious SUV is today’s limo, and this is up with the best of them.