The first Maybach-branded SUV is coming to Australia, giving buyers a more affordable (relatively!) alternative to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

    The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic is a more decadent version of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which foregoes the third row for a more palatial second row.

    When it arrives here in August, it’ll be priced at $358,300 before on-road costs.

    That’s more than twice as much as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLS450 and $68,400 more than the current GLS flagship, the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, though it’s a cool $300,000 less than a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

    The standard Maybach GLS600 offers heating, ventilation, power adjustability, and a massage function for both the front and outboard rear seats.

    You can also opt for the Executive Rear package to replace the centre rear seat with a fixed console, which is available with extending, folding tables and a refrigerator with space for champagne bottles.

    To further the limousine angle, the Maybach includes as standard a chauffeur mode that reduces the number of gearshifts and starts in second gear. It also deactivates the automatic stop/start.

    All padded areas and the dashboard are finished in Nappa leather, while standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof.

    Mercedes has also added further sound insulation, including laminated safety glass.

    Even getting in is luxurious. When the doors are opened, the vehicle lowers slightly and an illuminated running board slides out.

    Like the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, the Maybach uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine albeit with 410kW of power and 730Nm of torque.

    There’s an additional 16kW and 250Nm temporarily available courtesy of the 48V mild-hybrid system.

    Pricing

    • 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4MATIC: $358,300

    Price excludes on-road costs.

    Engines

    The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

    Outputs are 410kW of power and 730Nm of torque, and the engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

    Fuel Economy

    ADR fuel economy figures have yet to be released for the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 measures 5205mm long, 1838mm tall, and 2030mm wide (2157mm including the mirrors).

    It has 520L of luggage space.

    Kerb weight is 2785kg, while braked towing capacity is 3500kg and unbraked is 750kg.

    Servicing and Warranty

    All Mercedes-Benz vehicles are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    Service pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the Maybach.

    Safety

    The Mercedes-Benz GLS and its derivatives haven’t been assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, although the related GLE has a five-star rating from both.

    The Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 comes standard with the following safety features:

    • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
    • Traffic sign assist
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Exit warning alert
    • Evasive steering assist
    • Nine airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag
    • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
    • Surround-view camera

    Standard Equipment

    Standard features include:

    • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    • 12.3-inch infotainment system
    • Dual 11.6-inch rear touchscreens
    • Heated, ventilated and massaging front and rear seats
    • Power-adjustable front and outboard rear seats
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Power running boards
    • Airmatic air suspension
    • 23-inch alloy wheels
    • Burmester 28-speaker sound system
    • Head-up display
    • Semi-autonomous parking assist
    • Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
    • Colour-adjustable ambient lighting
    • Four-zone climate control

    Options include:

    • Four-seat Executive Rear with centre console, extending folding tables and refrigerator
    • E-Active Body Control fully-active suspension
    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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