Mercedes-Maybach Unveils the New Mercedes-Maybach GLS Luxury SUV

• A more expressive design with a commanding new lighting signature defines an unmistakable presence
• A new Nappa leather option, refined trim elements, extended massage functions and additional surround speakers create an even more exclusive private realm
• A more powerful V8 engine and refined steering deliver greater ease, precision and composure
• Enhanced insulation and a newly developed engine setup elevate acoustic and vibration comfort to a new level of serenity
• MB.OS and the latest MBUX deliver a seamless digital experience that responds intuitively to user needs
• Urban point-to-point assisted driving¹ provides first-class support in complex city traffic

Since its debut in 2019, the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS has defined the top end of the luxury SUV segment by combining craftsmanship, presence and exceptional ride comfort. In the year marking 140 years of the automobile and 105 years of Maybach, the new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS advances this character with further refinements in design, comfort, digital experience and driving dynamics. True to Wilhelm Maybach’s enduring maxim, it seeks to create the very best from the very best. The new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS can already be ordered in China. Order books in the U.S. and Europe will open at the end of July 2026, with further markets to follow.

Its more expressive design further strengthens the vehicle’s distinctive appearance. Inside, new materials, additional comfort features and extended acoustic measures create an even more refined environment that feels unmistakably Maybach. A new electrified eight-cylinder engine provides more power and a more immediate throttle response, while preserving the serenity and composure expected of a Maybach.

“With the new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS, we have elevated the character of our luxury SUV with even greater refinement.
It combines effortless power with commanding presence.
Every detail has been shaped to enhance comfort and serenity – in a way that feels unmistakably Maybach.”
Markus Bauer, Head of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz AG

Key Facts

Style that commands attention: the new Maybach specific radiator grille with illuminated outline and, for the first time, a subtly illuminated MAYBACH lettering within the grille frame exudes confidence and grandeur. In selected markets, even the upright Mercedes‑Benz star atop the bonnet is gracefully illuminated³. Rose-gold details adorn the double-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps.

Engineered to perfection, down to the last detail: each 23-inch forged wheel carries a centre-mounted Mercedes-Benz star, engineered to remain perfectly upright at all times. A precision ball-bearing mechanism allows the star to self-level using gravity, maintaining vertical alignment as the wheel rotates.

Power without drama, silence without compromise: a new electrified V8 biturbo engine offers a more powerful driving experience, combined with efficiency and serenity. A revised steering system with a more direct steering ratio brings a new level of precision, agility and responsiveness to every journey.

Sublime ride comfort and maximum agility: Built on the new, standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL reads and reacts to every driving situation 1,000 times per second, neutralising roll, pitch and lift with precision. In CURVE mode, the GLS leans into corners by up to three degrees, reducing lateral forces for every occupant. The result is a driving experience of extraordinary fluidity.

The art of a grand welcome: The electric running boards of the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS emerge with effortless grace the moment a door is opened, fully extended in under one second. At night, an LED strip illuminates the step while a Maybach emblem is simultaneously projected onto the ground – a quiet ceremony of arrival. As the door closes, they retreat seamlessly into the sill.

New Maybach specific, two-tone paint finish: dark petrol non-metallic/verde silver metallic joins the exclusive two-tone exterior palette for an elegant, contemporary statement.

A new dimension of intuitive digital experience: The latest MBUX generation with the Maybach specific graphics, an enhanced Zero Layer and the MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI transform the digital experience into something deeply personal, intelligent and unmistakably Maybach. Over-the-air updates⁴ ensure the driving experience evolves with time.

Dedicated to wellbeing in every seat: the front seats offer a newly developed vibration massage in the seat cushions. In the rear, the Executive Seats introduce a further refinement: a new massage function that, for the first time in the GLS, extends to the calves.

Even more expressive design options: new Maybach Exclusive Nappa leather in beech brown/macchiato beige and two new decorative trim elements further enrich the interior: brown open-pore V-groove walnut wood and an exclusive high-gloss silver/black diamond-pattern mixed fabric.

Urban point-to-point assisted driving: MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO can help the driver to navigate through city streets with advanced SAE-Level 2 assistance¹, turning the complexity of dense urban traffic into an effortless experience. Market introduction starts in China, followed by the U.S.

The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS: Regal, otherworldly, graceful and intuitive

Regal: Where true character meets its finest expression
The new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS has been refined with one clear objective: to convey even greater status and presence through precision and design quality. At the centre of the new front design is a redesigned, Maybach specific radiator grille. Its illuminated outline creates a distinctive signature. For the first time on a GLS, the MAYBACH lettering is subtly illuminated within the grille frame. In selected markets, the upright Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet can also be illuminated, adding another touch of distinction.³

The Maybach specific headlamps further sharpen the front appearance. They feature refined rose-gold accents, a Maybach emblem and ambient lighting that runs along the sides of the star modules and across the transition between the headlamps and the grille frame. A sleek black panel visually connects headlamps and grille frame into one cohesive front design. The Maybach pattern within the air intakes is finished in chrome. The new bumper gives the front a more assertive and refined stance, while a Maybach specific chrome-wrapped underbody protection panel adds a further distinctive element.

At the rear, a redesigned tailgate with an elegant design panel visually connects the new taillights into a single statement and further emphasises the vehicle’s width and presence. Three-dimensional star motifs, each framed in chrome, characterise the taillights and underscore the unmistakable Maybach identity.

New paint colours expand the possibilities for individualisation. Dark petrol non-metallic, MANUFAKTUR patagonia red metallic and the exclusive two-tone finish in dark petrol non-metallic/verde silver metallic join the Maybach palette.

It’s truly yours: extended MANUFAKTUR portfolio
The MANUFAKTUR programme offers a wide range of individualisation and craftsmanship options, allowing customers to make their Maybach truly their own. Almost every Maybach customer opts for at least one option from the MANUFAKTUR programme, highlighting the growing demand for individualisation in the top-end segment.

The extended MANUFAKTUR portfolio is available for the new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS from launch, including exclusive leather interior packages with full leather appointments, even covering the roof liner. Crafted in the MANUFAKTUR in Sindelfingen, the roof liner is the largest component produced there and is stitched entirely by a single craftsperson, each bringing their own individual signature. Up to 20 precisely cut leather sections are combined to create a flawless finish. In 2026, the roof liner was the most popular and most requested component among Maybach customers, underlining the importance of craftsmanship and detail for this segment.

Engineered to perfection: Forged wheels with a floating Mercedes-Benz star
A new 22-inch light-alloy wheel in characteristic 20-hole design expands the portfolio. The 23-inch forged wheels feature a centre-mounted three-pointed star engineered to remain upright – meticulous proof that on a Maybach, no detail is ever too small to be perfected. A precision ball-bearing mechanism allows the iconic star to self-level using gravity and maintain its vertical alignment as the wheel rotates. Like a compass that always finds true north, it remains unwavering and composed while everything around it moves.

The art of a grand welcome: Illuminated, electric running boards
On the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS, even boarding becomes an experience. The electric running boards extend smoothly into position in under one second when a door is opened. They are surfaced in anodised aluminium with non-slip black rubber inserts and finished with a chrome Maybach emblem. At night, an integrated LED strip illuminates the step, while a Mercedes‑Maybach pattern is projected onto the ground. As the doors close, the boards retract seamlessly into the sill.

A brooding elegance: Progressive Night Series
The Mercedes‑Maybach GLS Night Series is a world entirely of its own. At the front and along the flanks, dark chrome elements create a more understated and technical look. The electrically extending running boards are finished in dark anodised aluminium. Exclusive 23-inch light-alloy wheels in a seven-spoke design feature inserts with the Maybach pattern. Exterior finishes include obsidian black metallic, MANUFAKTUR opalite white bright, MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno, and the exclusive two-tone finish in obsidian black metallic/mojave silver metallic. Inside, black combined with black pearl Nappa leather creates a dark, immersive ambience. Alternatively, crystal white with black pearl accents offers stronger contrast. A refined herringbone décor and silver pilasters in an open-pore brown walnut wood complete the crafted interior.

Otherworldly: A private realm where every sense is embraced
The Mercedes‑Maybach GLS is designed as a highly refined retreat. New design elements, additional comfort features and extended acoustic enhancements further elevate the interior experience. Every journey is intended to be more relaxed, more comfortable and more immersive, creating a sense of calm and wellbeing for all occupants.

At the centre of this refinement is a redesigned cockpit with the new MBUX Superscreen, which combines digital elegance seamlessly with handcrafted luxury. In its Maybach specific design, the display features rose-gold dials, casting reflections across the surface like light shining through fine jewellery. Between the two rings, a gold-coloured Maybach emblem rests in quiet dignity. Behind it, a delicately textured backdrop in gold, rose gold and black sets a tone of composed opulence.

The new illuminated air vents are visually integrated into the glazed surface on either side of the MBUX Superscreen. Their design replaces conventional fins with freely moving gondolas that direct airflow precisely while contributing to the sculptural appearance of the instrument panel.

Dedicated to wellbeing in every seat: New massage functions
The new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS is profoundly dedicated to the wellbeing of every occupant. The multi-contour front seats offer a newly developed vibration massage in the seat cushions, ensuring that driver and front passenger arrive at every destination feeling entirely restored. In the rear, the two Executive Seats introduce a new massage function that, for the first time, extends to the calves – because no part of the body should be left unattended.

A cosmos of the senses: Deeper cocooning than ever before
New Maybach exclusive Nappa leather upholstery in beech brown/macchiato beige adds warmth and depth to the interior. Two new decorative trim elements further enrich the wide range of personalisation options: brown open-pore V-groove walnut wood and an exclusive high-gloss silver/black diamond-pattern mixed fabric. Positioned between the rear seats, they conceal the door to the glass-fronted refrigerated compartment, which offers space for two 0.75-litre champagne bottles and further underlines the lounge-like character or the rear compartment.

The Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos has also been enhanced. Two additional surround speakers in the rear, combined with a more powerful 710-watt amplifier, bring the total number of speakers to 15 and expand the acoustic range within the cabin, creating an even richer sound experience for all passengers.

Every breath, purified: New electric cabin air filter
The advanced multi-stage filtration system renews the interior air approximately every 90 seconds, ensuring that every occupant breathes air of exceptional purity at all times. At its centre, an electric filter ionises fine dust particles and works together with a pre-filter that captures larger particles before they enter the cabin. The interior filter also remains active in recirculation mode.

Where the world fades away: Exceptional acoustic and vibration comfort
The acoustic comfort of the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS has been further improved through additional insulation measures. The transmission tunnel and engine bulkhead are lined with a high-quality non-woven material, while a specially developed heavy mat on the engine cover reduces high-frequency combustion noise. Acoustic foam in selected bodyshell cavities further shields the cabin from engine, road and wind noise. The result is a realm of extraordinary serenity.

Graceful: Where effortless performance turns into art
The latest evolution of the electrified eight-cylinder engine (M177 EVO) together with the ISG 2.0 delivers 450 kW plus 17 kW boost and 850 Nm of torque. Its output is comparable to that of the 12-cylinder engine, while meeting the high standards of refinement associated with Maybach. It responds more quickly to accelerator inputs, operates more efficiently and delivers its power more smoothly than before, combining assured performance with a notably refined character.

At the heart of the new V8 engine is the second-generation integrated starter generator, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It fills every gap in the power delivery with seamless, instantaneous precision, enabling coasting, recuperation and an almost imperceptible start-stop function. Two newly added Lanchester balance shafts reduce vibration further. The Mercedes‑Maybach GLS offers an even more refined driving experience, harmoniously combining serenity, efficiency and effortless power. This is further elevated by the dedicated MAYBACH driving programme within DYNAMIC SELECT, developed specifically for supreme ride comfort.

Revised steering: a new level of precision and agility
A revised steering system with a more direct steering ratio provides greater precision, agility and responsiveness to every journey, whether navigating the grandest of boulevards or the most winding of country roads. Steering feel is more immediate, handling more intuitive and the overall driving experience more composed and assured.

Anticipating the road ahead: New AIRMATIC with cloud-based damping
The new AIRMATIC air suspension introduces intelligent, predictive damping, designed in particular to enhance comfort for rear passengers. Using real-time Car‑to‑X information from Mercedes‑Benz vehicles ahead via the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud, the system reads the road surface in advance and adjusts accordingly.

Serene ride comfort with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Intelligence at 1,000 decisions per second
The optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL uses five multi-core processors and more than 20 sensors to analyse and react to driving situations 1,000 times per second. By individually controlling spring and damper forces at each wheel, it can reduce roll, pitch and lift. In CURVE mode, the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS leans into corners by up to three degrees, significantly reducing lateral forces for every occupant.

Built on the AIRMATIC air suspension as its fully load-bearing foundation, the system maintains ride height regardless of load or terrain. In the dedicated Offroad programme, the rocking mode automatically and rhythmically raises and lowers the vehicle to help free it from deep sand or mud by alternating tyre pressure to restore traction. Operating on a 48-volt network, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL also recuperates electrical energy. Four 48-volt motor-pump units, one at each wheel, are coordinated by a central control unit.

Intuitive: Where digital technology serves perfection
Powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS continuously evolves through software. The system combines artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced processing architecture with permanent connectivity to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. Through over-the-air updates⁴, the vehicle remains up to date over time, and new features and personalisation options can be added after purchase, allowing the digital experience to become even more tailored to its occupants.

Intelligence meets personalisation: The new world of MBUX
The new generation of MBUX centres on the standard MBUX Superscreen, which combines three 12.3-inch (31.2-centimetre) displays beneath one continuous glass surface. The MBUX Zero Layer brings key information and recommendations into direct view. A configurable footer bar and the ability to arrange and name personal app folders make the experience more individual. Currently, more than 40 apps⁴ can be installed across categories including audio, video, productivity and entertainment. The portfolio is constantly expanding.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant is far more than a voice command system. It is a conversational companion of genuine intelligence. Drawing on the capabilities of Microsoft and Google, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing Search and Google Gemini, it holds complex, contextual dialogues and recalls previous conversations with effortless, natural ease. On the MBUX Zero Layer, it appears as a living avatar in the shape of the iconic Mercedes-Benz star in a Maybach specific rose-gold finish.

A world apart: The rear suite
In the rear, two 11.6-inch (29.5-centimetre) full-HD displays are paired with newly designed, individually configurable remote controls. They give passengers access to climate control, privacy blinds and rear entertainment. The Maybach specific user interface extends across both screens and remotes. Integrated cameras also enable video calls during the journey, further enhancing the sense of comfort and connectivity in the rear compartment.

First-class support at every turn: Urban point-to-point assisted driving
To deliver first-class driving assistance⁵, the new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS is equipped with 10 external cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled supercomputer running on MB.OS. This exceptionally powerful control unit is capable of up to 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS) – plenty of power for updates or new functions available via over-the-air updates. Artificial intelligence processes this wealth of raw sensor data in real time, building a precise and continuously updated understanding of every traffic situation ahead.

In Europe, the MB.DRIVE¹ Standard package is fitted as standard, including DISTRONIC Distance Assist. Depending on market, it can be extended with MB.DRIVE ASSIST and MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS. MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO introduces urban point-to-point assisted driving. This pioneering system merges driving assistance and navigation into a seamless, entirely new experience. At the press of a single button, the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS can assist with navigating city streets from car park to destination through dense urban traffic.

Guided by Mercedes-Benz’s safety-based philosophy, a light touch on the steering wheel is sufficient in urban traffic. This hands-on principle ensures that immediate steering input is always possible, while the unique cooperative steering concept keeps the system active even when manual adjustments are made. As an SAE-Level 2 system, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO requires continuous supervision at all times, with full responsibility remaining with the driver. The function will be available in China from market launch and is scheduled for release in the U.S. later this year. The further rollout in other markets will also depend on local regulatory conditions.

The GLS can park itself: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST
The standard-fit MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST⁶ identifies available spaces on both sides of the vehicle earlier than previous versions. For the first time, it also supports diagonal parking and can detect free spaces that are not marked with white lines. It assists when leaving a parking space even if the vehicle was parked manually. Manoeuvres are completed at speeds of up to 5 km/h. A new Digital Extra⁴ provides wheel‑protection warnings during manoeuvring to protect the rims from damage.

The Reverse Manoeuvring Assist enables the vehicle to precisely retrace the last 150 metres of its path when reversing. While this assistant is active, the image from the reversing camera and a graphic representation of the planned path are displayed on the main screen. This is particularly useful in traffic situations where a turning manoeuvre is not possible.

Expertise for something special: Production in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The new Mercedes‑Maybach GLS is built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. For three decades, the plant has produced the large SUVs bearing the three-pointed star for markets around the world. From the pioneering M-Class in 1997 to today’s models from Mercedes‑Benz, Mercedes‑AMG and Mercedes‑Maybach, more than five million SUVs have rolled off the production line, all defining excellence in their segment.

A great deal of time and effort goes into producing the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS with its exceptionally high-quality equipment and appointments. A dedicated Mercedes‑Maybach team hand-finishes the model-specific interior features. Selected for their skill and prior experience, the team members received dedicated training in Germany at the Mercedes‑Maybach Manufaktur. Two team members are responsible for the complete finishing of each vehicle, in a process that takes place outside the regular assembly flow of the other SUV models. Before and after these dedicated stations, the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS is integrated into Mercedes-Benz SUV production for final completion and approval.

The Mercedes‑Maybach specialists assume a high degree of personal responsibility and identify strongly with the product. Particular attention is paid to the careful handling of the high-grade interior trim, with its extensive use of Nappa leather and wood trim elements. The entire process – from the production of these components by highly specialised suppliers, to their assembly by specially trained team members, through to final approval – is geared to achieve a flawless result.