Mercedes Unveils the Maybach GLS 680, the New Flagship Luxury SUV

Last spring, Mercedes-Benz rolled out a major update for its full-size SUV lineup built at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing plant. The refresh included the flagship GLS, which received revised styling, an upgraded interior, and mechanical improvements. One model, however, was still missing from the lineup—the ultra-premium Mercedes-Maybach GLS. That gap has now been filled, as Mercedes officially unveiled the refreshed Maybach GLS 680 in the U.S. this week.

Maybach Motorenbau was founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son, Karl. The company introduced its first automobile at the 1921 Berlin Motor Show. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Maybach built luxury limousines, coupes, roadsters, and convertibles that combined advanced engineering with exceptional craftsmanship, becoming symbols of prestige and exclusivity.

The Maybach name returned in the 21st century as a standalone luxury brand. Sedans such as the Maybach 57 and 62 carried the brand's signature double-M emblem before the marque became the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand.

Today, the name is reserved for the most luxurious and best-equipped versions of Mercedes-Benz models. Following the recent update of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedan, the brand has now refreshed its flagship SUV as well.

The story of this vehicle dates back two decades to the debut of the original Mercedes-Benz GL (X164), the largest SUV in the company's lineup at the time. It was built on an extended version of the platform used by the M-Class, now known as the GLE.

The second-generation GL (X166) arrived in 2012. Three years later, it received a facelift and was renamed the GLS, with the "S" designation highlighting its position as the S-Class of Mercedes-Benz SUVs.

The current-generation GLS debuted in 2019, and it also marked the arrival of the first Maybach version of the full-size SUV. Four years later, the model received its first major update, followed now by another round of revisions. The standard GLS models were updated first, introducing an upgraded twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (M177 Evo) featuring a flat-plane crankshaft and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

In the GLS 580, the engine produces 537 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. In the Maybach GLS 680, output climbs to 612 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 54 horsepower and 89 lb-ft over the previous GLS 600. Mercedes also adopted the new "680" badge for branding purposes. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The refreshed Maybach GLS 680 features a revised grille with illuminated trim and an illuminated Maybach script. The iconic hood ornament is now illuminated as well. Both the headlights and taillights receive updated lighting elements featuring Mercedes' three-pointed star motif.

New wheel designs are also available. Standard models ride on 22-inch wheels, while optional 23-inch wheels feature floating center caps that keep the Mercedes star upright while driving.

The formula for creating a Maybach SUV remains largely unchanged. The vehicle retains the standard GLS body without a longer wheelbase. Instead, the focus remains on rear-seat luxury. The third-row seat has been eliminated, making room for two individual rear executive seats that are positioned farther back and offer extensive power adjustments, leg rests, heating, and built-in massage functions.

Like the updated GLS, the Maybach version now features the new MBUX Superscreen, combining three 12.3-inch displays into a single glass panel across the dashboard. The infotainment system adds artificial intelligence features, while rear passengers get two 11.6-inch entertainment screens, each controlled by its own touchscreen remote.

Standard equipment includes a 710-watt Burmester premium audio system with 15 speakers, the latest AirMatic air suspension, the MB.Drive suite of driver assistance technologies, and a selection of signature Maybach accessories, including champagne flutes. Mercedes also introduces two new interior trim options, one featuring open-pore walnut wood.

The first customer vehicles are scheduled to arrive at dealerships before the end of the year. Order books are already open in China, the model's largest market.

Buyers in the U.S. and Europe will have to wait a little longer. Pricing has not been announced, although Mercedes says the extensive customization options mean each Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 will be priced according to its individual specification.