Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 Expands ultra-luxury into SUV segment

Saudi Arabia: The 2027 model year marks a strategic expansion for Mercedes-Maybach away from the traditional sedans. Mercedes-Maybach has confirmed the 2027 GLS 680, an ultra-luxury SUV. It is designed to carry the brand's prestige into a new segment.  The vehicle represents a deliberate pivot from Maybach's historical focus on sedans to target new high-end buyers who require a larger platform. This move places the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 into the growing market of high-performance opulent SUVs. 

Quick read:

• The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 is a new ultra-luxury SUV.
• It signals the brand's strategic expansion beyond its sedan lineup.
• It combines established Maybach luxury with enhanced performance and design.
• Official pricing and Saudi Arabia availability are yet to be confirmed.

The strategic shift

The introduction of the GLS 680 is a calculated decision by the brand. For the past decades, the Maybach nameplate was exclusively associated with limousines and grand saloons. Now, with the introduction of the SUV, the brand showcases the fundamental shift in the ultra-luxury market. Buyers at this level increasingly favour the commanding driving position and practical dimensions of a full-size SUV. By launching a 2027 model, Mercedes-Maybach is not just adding a new vehicle. It is broadening its portfolio to compete for clients who would have gone to its rivals for high-end SUVs. Currently, more and more people are buying SUVs than sedans, and the brand knows it. 

Design and refinements

The GLS 680 brings the signature Maybach aesthetic onto a large-size SUV. It is designed to be different from the standard Mercedes-Benz GLS. To create that aesthetic, it features a prominent Maybach grille with its fine vertical chrome struts, extensive use of chrome on the window surrounds and B-pillars, and exclusive wheel designs. 

Inside, the focus is on rear-passenger opulence and tries to create the experience of a Maybach S-Class. Overall, the interior is beautifully made and looks very lavish, not just the material but the overall space, seclusion, and customisation. 

Performance and capability

Mercedes-Maybach has stated the GLS 680 will feature enhanced performance capabilities with mild-hybrid assistance. The performance and capability numbers are as follows: 

Specification	Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 (2027)
Engine	4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (M177 Evo)
Hybrid System	Second-generation Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) mild-hybrid system
Maximum Power	603 hp
Maximum Torque	850 Nm
Power Increase	+53 hp over previous model
Torque Increase	+120 Nm over previous model
Transmission	Automatic transmission
Suspension (Standard)	Airmatic air suspension
Steering	Updated steering system
Optional Suspension	E-Active Body Control
E-Active Body Control Benefits	Independently controls each spring and damper, reducing body roll during cornering and acceleration for a smoother ride

Key Exterior and Interior Features

The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 features a series of thoughtful design and technology upgrades. The biggest changes are found in the SUV's exterior styling and ultra-premium cabin. Here's a closer look at the key interior and exterior features that define the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680.

• Completely redesigned front end
• Illuminated surround around the signature Maybach grille
• Illuminated Maybach badge
• Illuminated standing Mercedes three-pointed star on the hood
• These lighting elements are a first for Mercedes and debut as a new design signature for the brand
• Standard 22-inch wheels with the classic 20-hole design
• Optional 23-inch forged wheels using a precision ball-bearing mechanism that keeps the central Mercedes emblem upright while the wheels rotate
• Triple-screen MBUX Superscreen stretching across the dashboard, running the brand's latest infotainment software
• Rose Gold finished control dials
• Illuminated exterior air vents (as worded in the source)
• Enhanced massage functions
• Improved hydraulic seat adjustment for both front and rear passengers
• Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos, now with 15 speakers and a 710-watt amplifier

The ultra-luxury SUV landscape

The GLS 680 enters a competitive ultra-luxury SUV market dominated by cars like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, and the top-tier Range Rover SV. Each of these rivals comes with its unique ultimate luxury, opulence, and presence. With these metrics, the  Maybach GLS 680 will target buyers who like German engineering with family practicality. The Official pricing and Saudi availability are yet to be announced. 

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz CLA Price and Review in Saudi Arabia