Maybach Pushes Into Ultra-Luxury SUV Territory With Glitzy New GLS
Mercedes-Benz has long saved its most lavish touches for the Maybach line, turning flagship models like the S-Class and SL into rolling statements of excess. Now the brand is giving the Mercedes-Maybach GLS a refresh, and it’s betting that a flashy light show will win over buyers looking to rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
The automaker recently teased the updated SUV, showing off a complex exterior lighting system that greets its owner with a choreographed display of illuminated stars and glowing emblems.
The revised Maybach GLS borrows the stacked star-shaped LED running lights from the standard Mercedes GLS, but cranks up the drama. The grille, the Maybach wordmark, the grille border, and the three-pointed star all light up. A double-M logo projects onto the ground as the owner approaches.
However. Mercedes warns that the illuminated star won’t be available at launch, it’s coming shortly after, depending on model and market. So if that glowing hood ornament is a dealbreaker, you’ll want to wait a few months. The company promises the new GLS “redefines what your journey feels like” but hasn’t announced an exact debut date.
S. dealers in the second half of 2026, with the Maybach version likely following a few months later.
0-liter V8 making 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic and an improved all-wheel-drive system that now includes a selectable low range. Inside, expect two rows of seats instead of three, giving rear passengers generous legroom and the option of ultra-plush individual seats with climate control and massaging functions.
A substantial center console in the back adds tech and comfort. OS operating system powers smarter adaptive cruise control and reverse assist, using ten cameras and five radars. The current 2026 Maybach GLS starts around $180,000 plus destination, and options like 23-inch forged wheels can push the price higher.
Given inflation, the refreshed model will likely cost even more.
Source: CarBuzz
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