Updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS gains power and technology
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The refreshed Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 introduces enhanced styling, greater cabin comfort, advanced suspension technology and an electrified V8 producing 612PS and 850Nm.
Mercedes-Maybach has launched the updated GLS 680, bringing a series of improvements to the flagship luxury SUV’s exterior design, interior craftsmanship, digital features and driving technology during a year celebrating 140 years of the automobile and 105 years of Maybach. The updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 is already available to order in China, while US and European order books will open at the end of July 2026. Additional markets will follow, although UAE launch timing, specifications and pricing have not yet been confirmed.
More distinctive Mercedes-Maybach exterior design
The updated front-end design features a Maybach-specific grille with an illuminated surround and, for the first time on the GLS, illuminated MAYBACH lettering. An illuminated upright bonnet star will also be available in selected markets.
The DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps receive rose-gold detailing, Maybach emblems and ambient lighting, while a black connecting panel visually links the headlights with the grille. Chrome-patterned air intakes, a redesigned bumper and chrome-finished underbody protection further enhance the SUV’s premium appearance.
At the rear, a new design panel connects the tail-lights, which feature three-dimensional star graphics surrounded by chrome detailing.
New exterior colours include Dark Petrol non-metallic, MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red metallic and a two-tone Dark Petrol and Verde Silver combination. The Night Series continues with dark chrome elements, exclusive 23-inch wheels and darker interior and exterior finishes.
A new 22-inch wheel option joins the range, while available 23-inch forged wheels feature centre-mounted Mercedes stars that remain upright as the wheels rotate using a gravity-controlled ball-bearing system.
Electrically deployable running boards extend in less than one second when a door opens. At night, LED illumination highlights the steps while projecting a Mercedes-Maybach pattern onto the ground.
Enhanced luxury cabin and craftsmanship
The updated cabin introduces the MBUX Superscreen, combining three 12.3-inch displays under a single glass surface. Maybach-specific graphics include rose-gold instrument displays and a Mercedes star avatar for the MBUX Virtual Assistant.
New interior materials include Beech Brown and Macchiato Beige Maybach Exclusive Nappa leather, open-pore V-groove walnut wood and silver-and-black diamond-pattern fabric finishes.
The expanded MANUFAKTUR personalisation programme adds full-leather interiors, including a roof liner created from up to 20 individual sections and stitched by a single craftsman. Mercedes says this was one of the most requested Maybach interior options in 2026.
Front seats now feature vibration massage through the cushions, while rear Executive Seats introduce calf massage for the first time in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. A refrigerated glass compartment between the rear seats can hold two 0.75-litre bottles.
The Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos gains additional rear speakers and a 710-watt amplifier, increasing the total speaker count to 15. Two 11.6-inch rear displays control entertainment, climate functions and privacy blinds, while integrated cameras support video calls.
Additional sound insulation helps reduce engine, road and wind noise. A new electric cabin filter with ionisation technology improves air quality, with Mercedes claiming the multi-stage system refreshes cabin air approximately every 90 seconds.
More powerful electrified V8 engine
The updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 uses a revised M177 EVO twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with a second-generation 48-volt integrated starter generator.
The powertrain produces 450kW, equivalent to 612PS, with a temporary 17kW or 23PS electric boost and 850Nm of torque.
Mercedes says the output matches the character of a V12 engine, while improved throttle response, smoother power delivery and two Lanchester balance shafts enhance refinement. The mild-hybrid system also supports coasting, energy recuperation and smoother start-stop operation.
European WLTP figures show fuel consumption of 13.3-13.7 litres per 100km, with CO₂ emissions rated at 304-312g/km. A revised steering ratio improves response and handling precision.
Predictive suspension and intelligent driving systems
The standard AIRMATIC suspension system can use Car-to-X data from other Mercedes vehicles to predict road conditions and adjust damping accordingly.
Optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL uses more than 20 sensors and reacts up to 1,000 times per second to reduce body roll, pitch and vertical movement. CURVE mode allows the SUV to lean into corners by up to three degrees, while Offroad rocking mode helps free the vehicle from sand or mud.
The MB.OS infotainment platform supports over-the-air updates, more than 40 applications and a generative AI assistant powered by technologies including ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing Search and Google Gemini.
MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO provides supervised SAE Level 2 urban driving assistance, launching first in China before expanding to the US market. The system uses 10 cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a 254-TOPS computer.
Parking assistance can identify diagonal and unmarked spaces, reverse the vehicle along the previous 150 metres of travel and provide warnings to prevent wheel damage.
Production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS continues at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama facility, where specially trained employees complete each SUV’s Maybach-specific finishing process outside the standard production line.
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