Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Review

In the luxury SUV market priced in the millions, consumer demand has long since shifted from "spaciousness" to "exclusive experiences and premium details." The 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, as the flagship model in this segment, although it has not significantly revamped its mechanical structure in this update, can its detailed upgrades and configuration optimizations uphold its status as the "mobile palace"? Through a static experience and a dynamic test drive, we dissect the real value of this model priced at RM 1,918,888.

In terms of exterior design, the 2024 Maybach GLS 600 maintains the family-styled sense of grandeur, with the body length slightly adjusted from the 5205mm of the 2022 model to 5208mm, visually appearing more elongated. While the size of the vertical chrome grille at the front remains unchanged, its internal texture has been polished for a more refined finish. Paired with the iconic "three-pointed star" LED headlights on each side, the model's distinctive recognition remains outstanding. The 23-inch multi-spoke wheels on the sides (front: 285/40 R23; rear: 325/35 R23) remain the same as the 2022 variant. The "Maybach" chrome badging on the fender and the chrome trims on the side skirts enhance the luxurious attributes. At the rear, the quad exhaust outlets with a chrome design echo the embedded LED tail light assembly, maintaining Maybach's signature steadiness and elegance throughout the design.

Stepping inside, the layout of the central console remains largely consistent with the 2022 version, but the center display screen size has been adjusted from 12.3 inches to 11.6 inches. However, the touch responsiveness and display clarity remain unaffected. Premium materials such as extensive Nappa leather and walnut wood trims are still used in the interior, with precise stitching and soft-touch surfaces everywhere you reach. The front seats are equipped with standard electric adjustment, memory functions, heating, and massage features. The headrests adopt Maybach’s exclusive "pillow-style" design, offering exceptional support. The rear seats, which are the standout feature, come with independent executive seating with electric adjustments, memory, heating, ventilation, massage, and a one-touch recline function. The left passenger seat is further equipped with an electric leg rest and footrest. Coupled with the rear's dual-zone automatic air conditioning (the front features the Air Balance fragrance system and ionizer), it creates a first-class cabin-like experience. Regarding storage, the trunk offers a capacity of 520 liters, sufficient for accommodating two to three suitcases with ease. The rear central armrest also features hidden cup holders and storage compartments, ensuring practicality.

As for the powertrain, the 2024 Maybach GLS 600 is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. It delivers a total maximum horsepower of 557PS (compared to 558PS in the 2022 model, a negligible difference) and a peak torque of 770N·m. This is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.9 seconds. In actual test drives, the mild hybrid system's involvement at startup ensures smoother power delivery, while deep acceleration reveals the robust output of the V8 engine. During mid-range acceleration for overtaking, the transmission's shift logic is clear, with virtually no jerkiness. In everyday driving, switching to "Comfort" mode provides gentle and linear power delivery suitable for urban commutes; however, in "Sport" mode, throttle response becomes sharper, and the engine maintains a speed above 2000rpm, delivering a more aggressive driving experience.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front double-wishbone + rear multi-link independent suspension setup remains consistent with the 2022 model, but the 2024 model's suspension tuning leans more toward comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension filters out most of the bumps, the body remains stable, and only light residual vibration is transmitted into the cabin; during high-speed cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, the steering wheel has minimal play, and steering precision is excellent. The AWD system performs remarkably well on slippery roads, distributing power evenly during acceleration without slipping. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 14.2L/100km; in actual urban driving conditions (a mix of congested roads and highways), the fuel consumption is approximately 16-17L/100km, while on highways it drops to 12-13L/100km, which is in line with the expectations for a 4.0T V8 model.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the vehicle's sound insulation is excellent. At a speed of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are effectively suppressed, with only slight engine noise entering the cabin. The seats strike a great balance between support and comfort, making long-duration sitting less tiring. The 2024 model retains the 13-speaker Burmester sound system from the 2022 model, and with the added Sound Plus function, the audio quality is clear and transparent, with rich bass effects that enhance the in-car entertainment experience.

In summary, although the central control screen size in the 2024 Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC has been slightly adjusted, the core luxurious features and performance remain uncompromised. Compared to competitors like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (starting price over RM 3 million) or the Bentley Bentayga (starting price around RM 2.3 million), its price is more cost-effective, and the rear seat-specific experience and quality details are not inferior to its rivals. This car is suited for two types of buyers: one is business owners or high-net-worth individuals who prioritize rear-seat ride experience and can use it as a "mobile office" for daily commutes; the other is families seeking a balance between luxury and performance, as it caters to both business needs and family travel comfort. Overall, the 2024 Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC remains one of the best models in the million-level luxury SUV market in terms of its combination of "exclusivity and practicality".