The facelifted Mercedes-Maybach GLS, now designated the GLS 680, has arrived with refreshed exterior styling, an upgraded mild-hybrid V8 powertrain, an even more opulent interior, and a new Night Series variant designed for buyers seeking maximum exclusivity in the luxury SUV segment.

While the standard Mercedes GLS already occupies a position near the pinnacle of the premium SUV market, the Maybach version targets customers who demand a meaningfully higher degree of refinement and individualisation. The ultra-luxury SUV category has expanded notably over recent years, drawing investment from nearly every top-tier manufacturer as wealth concentration and buyer preferences shift toward high-riding vehicles with limousine-level interiors.

Exterior and Personalisation

The updated model features redesigned headlights, a revised grille, new front and rear bumpers, and Maybach's recognisable pattern integrated into the lower air intakes. Mercedes has also broadened the selection of paint finishes and bespoke configuration options, reflecting the continued importance of personalisation as a core purchasing driver for Maybach clientele. In this segment, the ability to specify unique colours, materials, and trim combinations has become a key differentiator, with rivals such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce offering increasingly elaborate bespoke programmes of their own.

Interior Upgrades

Cabin revisions prioritise comfort over wholesale redesign. A reworked dashboard is anchored by Mercedes' expansive Superscreen display, complemented by illuminated air vents, rose gold instrument cluster graphics, and a wide array of premium leather options. Buyers can option one of the largest leather headlinings manufactured at Mercedes' Sindelfingen facility — the company's showcase plant for flagship models — along with refrigerated champagne storage and massage functionality for all four outboard seats, including calf massage.

Powertrain and Performance

The GLS 680 retains Mercedes' 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, now equipped with a mild-hybrid integrated starter-generator. Mercedes-Maybach reports output of approximately 612 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, with the electrical system contributing an additional 23 horsepower of boost during acceleration and enabling smoother low-speed operation.

Mercedes notes that this output roughly matches that of the previous twelve-cylinder engine while delivering sharper throttle response and improved efficiency. The shift away from the V8 biturbo to a mild-hybrid configuration reflects a broader industry trend, as tightening global emissions regulations have prompted manufacturers across the luxury spectrum to electrify their powertrains rather than simply increase cylinder counts.

Official performance figures for the updated model have not yet been released. However, a 0–62 mph time well under five seconds would be consistent with the outgoing version. These figures should be regarded as estimates until Mercedes publishes confirmed numbers.

Chassis and Suspension

Chassis updates include a dedicated Maybach driving mode that places emphasis on rear-seat comfort. Revised steering calibration, adaptive air suspension, and optional active body control work in concert to maintain composure over uneven road surfaces. The suspension system can also leverage cloud-based data to anticipate upcoming changes in road conditions.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS competes at the upper end of the ultra-luxury SUV market alongside the Range Rover, Bentley Bentayga, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Night Series Edition

Mercedes is also launching a refreshed Night Series edition alongside the standard model. It comes equipped with 23-inch forged wheels, dark chrome exterior accents, black aluminium running boards, and exclusive paint options. The interior is distinguished by unique black or crystal white leather upholstery and open-pore brown walnut trim featuring a herringbone pattern.

Availability and Pricing

Mercedes-Maybach has confirmed that orders will commence in China before the updated GLS reaches the United States and Europe. The decision to open Chinese order books first underscores the country's position as the brand's single largest market, where demand for chauffeur-driven luxury SUVs remains particularly strong. US and European order books are scheduled to open at the end of July.

The company has not yet confirmed UK availability or pricing. British buyers will need to await further announcements for official figures. The current Mercedes-Maybach GLS already carries a substantial six-figure price tag, and the refreshed version is not expected to be positioned below it.

For customers who define luxury through the depth of bespoke options and cabin refinement rather than outright performance metrics, the updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 appears positioned to reinforce the brand's standing at the summit of the premium SUV segment.