How does the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 stack up against the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

Mercedes-Benz has just launched its priciest SUV in the country, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. The first-ever Maybach-badged SUV occupies a rarified space in the SUV pecking order, with only the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan making your bank account lighter still. We see how it stacks up against these two more expensive SUVs on paper.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 vs Bentley Bentayga vs Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Interiors, features, rear seating

Unlike the Mercedes-Maybach and the Rolls-Royce, the Bentayga can be had with the third row of seats. But a five or four-seat configuration, similar to the Maybach GLS and the Rolls-Royce is also offered. In this configuration, heated and cooled seats can be had, along with a five-inch tablet to control the infotainment and other functions. There is also a massaging function and drinks cooler here. However, there is no rear entertainment package option or the calf rests that the GLS offers in the India-spec car.  The Rolls-Royce can also be had with individual rear seats and wine cooler but neither the Bentley nor the Rolls offer the rear wireless charger. The Cullinan only offers the calf-rests on the passenger side. A wide array of trim and upholstery options are offered on all three but he Bentley takes things up a notch by offering a luxury Breitling clock while the Cullinan also features an analogue clock with various detailing options.

A 20-speaker Naim audio system can be configured on the Bentley like the 27-speaker Burmester speaker set up in the GLS while the Rolls-Royce features its in-house Bespoke audio system. The Cullinan can also be had with two 12-inch rear screens, but no touch controller, and a stowable tray table like in the Maybach GLS. The screen sizes are similar in both cars, 12-inch in the Rolls-Royce versus the 11.6-inch ones in the Maybach. In the four-seat configuration, the Rolls also features a glass partition behind the second row like the fixed cover for the luggage compartment in the Maybach GLS. Uniquely, the Cullinan can also be had with the electronically foldable jump seats or storage compartment in the boot. The Rolls-Royce can be further had with Rolls-Royce's "Shooting Star' headlining and lambswool or leather floor mats. The Bentayga and GLS offer lambswool mats as well. The retractable step the GLS offers isn't available on the Bentley or Rolls-Royce but the powered sunblinds are.

Front passengers in all three SUVs are well-pampered too. The GLS offers two 12.3-inch screens while the Bentley gets a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch screen. The Rolls-Royce offers its signature analogue power reserve and speed dials and a foldable 10.25-inch screen. Wireless charging is available at the front in all, as well as heated and cooled seats, along with HUD. Many hand-stitched embroidery options for seat piping and emblems are offered on the Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 vs Bentley Bentayga vs Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Engine, gearbox, tech

The Bentley offers the widest choice of engine options. The one closest to the GLS is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that makes 550PS and 770 Nm of torque. The Maybach uses a similar displacement motor to put out 565PS and 730 Nm. Both feature a 48V electrical architecture but only the Mercedes offers up the additional 21PS and 250 Nm through this. Although the Bentley does offer a 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine option. Despite this, the Bentley is quicker to 100 kmph from a standstill, the V8 doing the run in 4.5s versus the Maybach's 4.9s. The Rolls-Royce can be had with a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 that makes 571PS and 850 Nm. To counter this, Bentayga offers a W12 version with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo motor, making it the most powerful here with 635PS and 900 Nm. This version can do 0 to 100 kmph in 3.9s.

Being the sportiest of the lot, the Bentayga can be configured with ceramic brakes while the Cullinan offers four-wheel steering. All three come with a 48V anti-roll suspension system and air springs but the GLS is the only one to get the E-Active Body Control damping control system with the Curve drive mode. The extra-soft Maybach drive mode is another addition here. All three ride on 22-inch wheels.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 vs Bentley Bentayga vs Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Dimensions

The Rolls-Royce is 5,341 mm long, 2,164mm wide and 1,835mm tall. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is smaller in length and width at 5,205mm and 2,030mm respectively but marginally taller at 1,838mm. The Bentley Bentayga is the smallest SUV of the three being 5,125mm long, 1,998mm wide and 1,742mm tall. Considering wheelbase, the Bentley Bentayga's is 2,995mm. The Rolls-Royce has the longest wheelbase here at 3,295mm while the Maybach takes the middle spot at 3,135mm.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 vs Bentley Bentayga vs Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Prices

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is, relatively, the most affordable of the lot at Rs 2.43 crore. The Bentley Bentayga V8 starts at Rs 4.1 crore in India while the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is an eye-watering Rs 6.95 crore. All prices are ex-showroom before options.