2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC Review

In Malaysia's luxury SUV market, models in the 2 million ringgit range have always represented the concentration of brand technology and luxurious experience. Consumers are not only pursuing strong performance but also valuing the sense of prestige in the rear seats. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, as a core player in this segment, brings a 48V mild hybrid system paired with V8 power, first-class rear cabin seats, and a full suite of intelligent safety configurations. The core purpose of our test drive is to verify whether it can strike the perfect balance between "luxury" and "practicality".

From afar, the body lines of the Maybach GLS 600 maintain the grandeur of the GLS series but exude exclusivity in its details. The front face adopts a vertical chrome grille design, complemented by the dual-stripe Maybach hood ornament, offering high recognition; the 23-inch multi-spoke wheels on the side and the extended body length of 5208mm are well-proportioned, with chrome trim running from the front to the rear of the doors further enhancing its prestige. The rear of the car features dual-strip quad chrome exhausts and LED taillights, incorporating the ruggedness of an SUV while conveying a luxurious positioning through detailed chrome elements.

Opening the door, the interior's premium quality impresses immediately. The dashboard is wrapped in genuine leather paired with wood grain panels, with all touchpoint materials being soft to the touch. The 11.6-inch touch control central screen seamlessly connects with the fully digital instrument cluster, and the operation smoothness meets luxury car standards. The front seats support electric adjustment, memory, heating, and massage functions, with the headrests featuring a Pillow design for enhanced comfort during long drives. Remarkably, rear passengers can adjust the position of the front passenger seat via the control screen on the central armrest, further extending rear space.

As for space, the 3135mm wheelbase ensures a roomy experience in the rear. The rear is configured with independent dual seats, with the right passenger seat equipped with electric leg rest and ottoman functions, allowing near full recline with just one touch. The rear seats also support heating, ventilation, and massage, while the central armrest integrates a touchscreen to control air conditioning, seats, and multimedia systems. With a standard trunk volume of 520L, it satisfies storage needs for family trips or business receptions, and folding down the rear seats allows for further expansion of the cargo space.

When starting the vehicle, the combination of the 4.0T V8 engine and the 48V mild hybrid system delivers smooth initial response. This powertrain achieves a maximum output of 557PS horsepower and 770N·m torque. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.9 seconds, and during actual driving, the push-back sensation is pronounced with deep throttle presses, while overtaking is clean and decisive. The 9-speed automatic transmission has a clear shifting logic, and gear changes are almost unnoticeable during everyday driving. Switching to sport mode further accelerates gear shifts.

In terms of handling, the combination of double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension balances support and comfort. The steering wheel provides moderate feedback and precise pointing, and even with a body length of over 5 meters, it maintains good stability when changing lanes at high speeds. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out minor vibrations, and the impact of speed bumps or potholes is softened, offering an especially comfortable experience for rear passengers. The four-wheel-drive system remains stable on slippery roads, primarily using front-wheel drive during everyday driving and intelligently distributing torque under complex conditions.

Fuel consumption: The official combined fuel consumption is 14.2L/100km, while the actual urban driving fuel consumption is about 16-18L/100km. On highways, it can drop to around 12L, which meets the expectations of a large-displacement luxury SUV. The noise control is well done, and at a speed of 120km/h, only slight wind noise can be heard inside the car. Tire noise and engine noise are effectively isolated, and the Burmester 13-speaker audio system delivers clear sound quality, further enhancing the driving and riding experience.

The core advantage of the 2024 Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC lies in its "comprehensive luxury experience": first-class rear seats, a full suite of intelligent safety configurations, strong power performance, and the premium value of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Compared with competitors like the BMW X7 M50i or Audi Q8 e-tron in the same class, it offers greater advantages in rear-seat comfort and brand prestige, making it more suitable for business users or families who prioritize the rear-seat experience.

In summary, this vehicle not only meets the daily driving power requirements but also provides a top-notch rear-seat experience. Its intelligent safety configurations cover most usage scenarios. If you need a luxury SUV that balances both business reception and family travel, with a budget of around 2 million Malaysian Ringgit, the Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is a highly competitive choice—it proves through its details that luxury is not just about stacking features but about an overall upgrade in experience.