The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 has arrived with a host of new features and enhancements that cater to the most discerning luxury SUV buyers. This latest version of the Maybach GLS introduces fresh styling elements, a mild-hybrid powertrain, and an expanded range of personalisation options. Designed for those who seek exclusivity, it builds on the already high standards of the standard Mercedes GLS.
The signature Maybach pattern appears on the lower air intake area, reinforcing the brand’s identity. Mercedes has also introduced new paint finishes and bespoke customisation options, which are essential for buyers who want a truly unique vehicle.
Inside, the Maybach GLS 680 retains its focus on comfort and opulence rather than drastic design changes. The Superscreen display remains the central feature on the dashboard, complemented by illuminated air vents and rose gold instrument graphics. Premium leather choices are available, with some of the largest leather roof liners produced at the company’s Sindelfingen factory now offered as an option.
Luxury touches extend to the cabin with optional features such as refrigerated storage for champagne bottles and advanced massage functions for all four outer seats, including calf massage. These features are designed to provide the highest level of comfort and indulgence for occupants.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
The GLS 680 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, now paired with a mild-hybrid integrated starter-generator. Together, the system produces approximately 612hp and 627lb ft of torque. The hybrid system contributes an additional 23hp during acceleration and delivers smoother low-speed operation.
Mercedes claims that the new system offers performance close to the old twelve-cylinder engine, with quicker response and better efficiency. While exact performance figures have not been confirmed, a 0-62mph sprint in under five seconds is expected based on the outgoing model. Final data will be made public once the company releases its official numbers.
The Maybach driving mode is engineered to prioritise rear-seat comfort, with updates to steering, adaptive air suspension, and optional active body control. This system can also access cloud-based data to anticipate and prepare for changing road conditions, ensuring a smooth ride on even the most challenging surfaces.
The GLS 680 competes directly with the likes of the Range Rover, Bentley Bentayga, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. It has also introduced a new Night Series edition, which features 23-inch forged wheels as standard, dark chrome exterior details, and exclusive paint and leather options that set it apart from the regular GLS.
Release and Availability
Mercedes-Maybach will begin accepting orders for the GLS 680 in China before expanding to the U.S. and Europe. UK availability and pricing have not yet been confirmed, but buyers can expect the new model to carry a substantial price tag, in line with the current GLS’s six-figure base cost. British customers will need to wait until the end of July for the U.S. and European launch before UK order books open.
For buyers who value luxury through the lens of bespoke options and exclusivity, the updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 solidifies its place at the very top of the premium SUV market. It is an example of luxury at its most extreme, and for those who seek it, the GLS 680 is a clear representation of what the brand stands for.
