Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 Gets More Power—and Even Makes Its Stars Shine

A new number for a familiar giant

This is not an entirely new model generation, but an extensive update of the existing GLS. It retains the basic architecture of the X167 generation, although Mercedes-Maybach has redesigned the front and rear, upgraded the powertrain and replaced much of the interior electronics.

According to Mercedes-Benz’s official model information, the updated luxury SUV is now called the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680. Until now, most markets knew the model as the GLS 600.

The GLS 680 remains petrol-powered. It has not become an EV or a plug-in hybrid, although its 48-volt mild-hybrid system helps the V8 start more smoothly, recover energy and provide additional power when required.

The V8 gains 40 kW and 120 Nm

A 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 remains under the bonnet, but Mercedes has extensively reworked the engine. It now produces 450 kW and 850 Nm, compared with 410 kW and 730 Nm in the outgoing European-specification GLS 600.

That represents an increase of 40 kW and 120 Nm. A second-generation integrated starter-generator can briefly contribute another 17 kW under suitable conditions. That figure should not simply be added to the engine’s quoted output, as the electrical assistance is available only in specific situations.

The engine also gains two Lanchester balancer shafts to smooth its operation and reduce vibration. In a Maybach, extra power does not necessarily mean the owner wants to leave every set of traffic lights in a cloud of tyre smoke. The idea is to make this enormous luxury SUV accelerate so effortlessly that the champagne in the back barely notices.

Mercedes’ public European model pages do not yet list an official 0–100 km/h time or top speed. WLTP figures are available, however: combined fuel consumption stands at 13.7–13.4 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions of 312–304 g/km and a CO₂ rating of G.

The suspension learns from Mercedes cars up the road

Airmatic air suspension is standard, with new cloud-based predictive damper control that can use road data collected by other Mercedes vehicles. If another car has already detected an uneven surface farther up the road, the GLS 680 can prepare its suspension before its wheels reach it.

Mercedes also offers E-Active Body Control active suspension. The system manages each wheel individually, reduces forward pitch under braking and body movement during acceleration, and can lean the vehicle into corners by up to three degrees. The result should feel more like a large high-speed train than a tall SUV.

A new steering system with a more direct ratio is intended to improve precision. Nobody is likely to chase a Nürburgring record in a GLS 680, but greater accuracy may prove useful when manoeuvring such a large vehicle through a tight car park.

Maybach lights up the entire front end

The updated grille gains an illuminated surround, while the Maybach lettering within it lights up for the first time. Customers will also be able to specify illumination for the upright Mercedes star on the bonnet, although availability is expected to begin shortly after the model’s market launch and may vary by country.

The new Digital Light headlamps feature a twin-star lighting signature and Rose Gold details. At the rear, a horizontal design element links the redesigned lights, which repeat the three-dimensional Mercedes star motif. If passing pedestrians still fail to identify the make, that should settle the matter.

Dark Petrol non-metallic and MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic join the colour palette. Particularly discreet customers can order a two-tone combination of Dark Petrol non-metallic and Verde Silver Metallic. The MANUFAKTUR programme offers an even wider selection of colours, leathers, woods and metal finishes.

Mercedes has developed new 22-inch wheels with a 20-hole design, while 23-inch multi-spoke forged wheels are also available, depending on the market and specification. The larger wheels feature self-levelling centre caps that keep the Mercedes star upright while the wheels rotate. It is hardly a technical necessity, but necessity has never been the most important column on a Maybach buyer’s options list.

The running board takes a bow

The powered running boards extend automatically when a door is opened and retract into the side sills once the occupants are aboard. They feature illuminated Maybach emblems, while the car projects a branded pattern onto the ground in the dark.

A specially trained two-person team hand-finishes the interior of each vehicle. Carefully fitted wood trim, Nappa leather and the many MANUFAKTUR options are intended to distinguish the GLS 680 from the regular GLS—although the word “regular” is already relative in this company.

The front seats gain a new vibration-massage programme. Massage for the Executive rear seats now extends to the calf supports, because apparently the outgoing model’s greatest weakness was leaving its occupants’ calves unattended. A refrigerated compartment can be specified between the rear seats, while additional insulation and the Acoustic Comfort Package help create a quieter cabin.

Enough screens for the entire family business

The dashboard houses the MBUX Superscreen, which places three 12.3-inch—or 31.2 cm—displays beneath a single glass surface. The driver, central infotainment system and front passenger each receive a dedicated screen. The MB.OS operating system manages the vehicle’s functions, while the latest MBUX Virtual Assistant uses artificial intelligence to interpret conversational voice commands.

Mercedes offers rear passengers two optional 11.6-inch, or 29.5 cm, displays with separate remote controllers. They can be used to watch videos, join video conferences and control vehicle functions. Wireless charging facilities help ensure that the boss’s phone does not run out of power before the meeting ends.

A Burmester 3D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos handles the audio. If the V8’s growl seems too uncouth from the rear seat, it can at least be drowned out with suitable music.

European pricing remains under wraps

Mercedes has yet to announce the GLS 680’s European price or on-sale date. The updated model is scheduled to reach US dealerships towards the end of 2026.

In Europe, the GLS 680 will compete with the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Maybach will probably remain less expensive than the Rolls-Royce, but adding MANUFAKTUR paintwork, 23-inch wheels and the full catalogue of rear-seat luxuries could quickly turn the price list into a six-figure game of chess.