2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 launched in India, prices start from Rs 2.43 crore

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 in the country, priced at Rs 2.43 crore before options. The GLS 600 is the first-ever SUV to bear the Maybach name, having debuted at Auto Guangzhou in China in 2019, and is now Mercedes' flagship SUV offering in India and globally. The company has already received 50 bookings for the Maybach GLS, fulling selling out its 2021 stock, with more prospective owners in various stages of the buying process. Most buyers have been HNIs in the 40 to 45 year age group.  The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is one of 15 new launched from Mercedes-Benz in India this year.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 interiors, features, rear seat

The rear seat is the centre of attraction for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. A retractable running board is offered for easy access while the seats can be hand in a three-person bench with the two outer seats reclining or in a plusher two-seat arrangement. This version offers aircraft-style reclining seats(43.4-degree angle) with a calf rest, and a wide centre console that holds a champagne holder, stowable tray tables as well as cooled cup holders. There is more Maybach-specific pinstriped gloss-black inserts and wood trim here than in the standard GLS as well as extended ambient lighting highlights. There is a separate AC compressor for the rear two zones of the four-sone climate control as well as a fixed partition for the luggage compartment.

Other notable features in the rear of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 , where the seats have been pushed back by 120mm due to the absent third row, are the heated and cooled seats, a chauffeur mode for the front passenger seat, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, a sevn-inch tab to control the audio and comfort functions as well as a rear-seat entertainment screens consisting of two 11.6-inch screens. There are various massaging programs to choose from as well through Mercedes' Energizing wellness programs. An optional Designo leather pack adds pillows and addition cushions for the head and calf rest.

There is a wide array of trim and upholstery options to chose from in the Maybach GLS over the standard version while at the front the usual Mercedes arrangement of two 12.3-inch screens remains but with a unique Maybach display mode. The MBUX assistance is available here as well as a 27-speaker, 1,590-watt Burmester audio system. The fronts seats are of the multi-contour type and are heated/cooled while eating the Energizing massage functions too.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 engine, gearbox, tech

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is powered by the M 177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 which is paid with a 48V integrated starter-generator. The motor puts out 565PS and a significant 730 Nm. The e-motor can add up to 250 Nm and 22PS additionally when needed. This pairs with the 9-speed torque-converter automatic. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS can do 0 to 100 kmph in 4.9s and reach a 250 kmph top-speed.

There is an air suspension package as standard with adaptive damping while the E-Active Body Control 48V suspension system is offered as an option. This allows the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 to stay level when faced with road imperfections and also include the Curve handling mode, with fits the body into corners to negate roll. The trick recovery mode with bounces the GLS on its springs is also available. The Maybach GLS also lowers by 25m below 30 kmph for easier access while at speed the body lowers by 15mm for better efficiency.

Aside from the Curve drive mode, a variant-specific Maybach mode has also been added to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. In this mode, body movements are kept to a minimum with the SUV offering up a flat torque curve,  keeping gearshifts to a minimum, switching off the start/stop function and starting off in second gear.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 exterior

The Maybach GLS offers a slightly differentiated look from the standard GLS. The front of the SUV carries a Maybach-specific multi-slatted grille while the front airdam carries a prominent chrome finish. There is also the traditional Mercedes star bonnet mascot. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS can be optioned with 22 or 23-inch Maybach multi-spoke wheels while the Maybach emblem is placed on the D-pillar. Further, there are 10 optional dual-tone paint schemes to chose from with pinstriping. At the rear, there is a revised bumper with the split chrome exhaust outlets and a different font for the lettering.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 safety

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is being offered in India with the full suite of advanced driver assistance functions. Aside from the regular airbag protection, cushion airbags in the rear seat protects passengers in a crash if their seat is reclined. Other safety systems are adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist, traffic sign recognition, route-based speed adjustment, active steering and lane change assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, brake assist with cross-traffic alert,

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 rivals

The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS should compete with the likes of the Range Rover, the Volvo XC90 Excellence and the Toyota Land Cruiser. It should also slot in just under a base Bentley Bentayga V8.