There’s a reason one expects the world from luxury auto manufacturers. It comes down to their ability to transform grand ideas to reality. With continued focus on bringing luxury to the fore with each new development, here’s the harbinger of great expectations – Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic.
When Maybach almost left the market, it’s very extravagance was at risk. With the association of Mercedes-Benz, that luxury knocks loud and clear whenever it’s beckoned. Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic rests on tech excellence to match top notch luxury.
On the inside is opulence in a spacious interior, upholstery that’s good to touch and see, and effective noise insulation. Elevated seating comfort is complemented with electrically operated roller sun blinds on rear windows, so a passenger can decide what to see when, and how much of it.
Airmatic suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS+) features as standard. Active-suspension with E-Active Body Control is offered as an option. A dedicated Maybach drive programme tuned for improved ride comfort has been developed for both suspension variants.
Access and egress are convenient. With the opening of doors, the vehicle is lowered slightly, and an illuminated running board comes into being. Running boards are made of anodised high-gloss aluminium with anti-slip rubber strips. Side sill panels which are mostly a design feature and ornamental, have a real purpose here. The two-metre long running boards automatically swing out for ease of entry and exit.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS seating brings out the best in all all four or five seats. The Executive Rear is designed as an office and as a private relaxation zone. Integration of digital devices is a feature on all seats.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS’ driver seat is 25 cms higher than S-Class, and rear passenger seats almost 28 cms higher. Rear seats are 120 mm further back than in Mercedes-Benz GLS. Outer rear seats are improved in calf support, and come with a wide backrest that can be inclined backwards up to 43.5° bringing relaxation to the fore.
The 4-litre V8 engine returns max power of 410 kW (558 PS) and 730 Nm of torque. The especially crafted engine variant is dedicated to the Maybach version. M 177 – the electrified variant of the V8 petrol engine has a displacement of 3,982 cc, a 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-alternator (ISG). ISG handles hybrid functionality such as EQ Boost or energy recovery for fuel savings, which were once the domain of only high-voltage hybrid technology.
An additional 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 PS output is available temporarily via EQ Boost. Power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Ratios for gears, one to nine enables engine speed reduction for high levels of drive and ride comfort. Transfer case with variable transfer of drive torque from 0-100 percent (Torque on Demand) between the axles is standard. Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC will be launched in H2 2020.