Is the 2027 Mercedes Maybach GLS 680 Worth the Higher Price?

The Mercedes Maybach GLS has always been one of the most luxurious sport utility vehicles on the market, but for 2027 it takes another big step forward. Mercedes Benz has officially completed the updated GLS family with the arrival of the new Maybach GLS 680, bringing more power, more technology, and even greater comfort than the model it replaces. While the outgoing Maybach GLS 600 already set a high standard for luxury, this refreshed version shows that Mercedes is not interested in standing still.

One of the biggest changes is found under the hood. Even though the name has changed from GLS 600 to GLS 680, buyers should not expect a 12 cylinder engine. Instead, Mercedes Benz has introduced the latest version of its 4.0 liter twin turbocharged 8 cylinder engine, paired with an advanced 48 volt mild hybrid system. The result is a significant jump in performance without sacrificing the smooth driving character that Maybach owners expect.

Power now climbs to 603 horsepower and 627 pound feet of torque. Compared with the previous model, that represents an increase of 56 horsepower and 59 pound feet of torque. The integrated mild hybrid system can also contribute an additional 23 horsepower when extra power is needed, helping the large luxury sport utility vehicle accelerate more effortlessly while improving responsiveness during everyday driving.

Performance has never been the only priority for a Maybach, and Mercedes Benz has focused just as much on refinement. Engineers revised the steering system with a quicker steering ratio that delivers a more precise feel without making the vehicle nervous or difficult to control. Whether driving through city streets or cruising on the highway, the updated steering promises greater confidence behind the wheel.

Ride comfort also receives a noticeable upgrade. The standard Airmatic air suspension now includes predictive damper control, allowing it to respond more intelligently to changing road conditions. Passengers in the rear should especially notice the difference, as the system works to isolate bumps and imperfections before they become noticeable inside the cabin.

Those looking for the ultimate luxury experience can choose the available E Active Body Control suspension. Using more than 20 sensors and 5 powerful processors, the system monitors road conditions up to 1,000 times every second. It constantly adjusts each wheel independently to deliver an exceptionally smooth ride. One of its most interesting features is Curve mode, which allows the vehicle to lean into corners by as much as 3 degrees. Instead of passengers feeling pushed toward the outside of the turn, the cabin remains more level and comfortable throughout the maneuver.

Technology has become one of the biggest selling points of modern luxury vehicles, and the new Maybach GLS 680 is packed with it. Mercedes Benz equips the vehicle with 10 exterior cameras, 5 radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a powerful water cooled computer running the latest Mercedes Benz Operating System. This hardware not only supports today’s advanced driver assistance systems but also gives the vehicle room for future software improvements through over the air updates.

Safety and convenience features are equally impressive. Buyers will find advanced adaptive cruise control, intelligent parking assistance, 360 degree parking cameras, reverse maneuvering assistance, and enhanced driver assistance systems designed to reduce stress during daily driving. Some features come standard while others remain available as optional equipment, allowing customers to configure the vehicle according to their preferences.

The exterior styling has also evolved without abandoning the elegant appearance that defines the Maybach brand. The front fascia now features a larger grille surrounded by illumination, while the famous Mercedes Benz star is also illuminated. The redesigned headlights include a signature lighting pattern inspired by the brand’s iconic star, giving the sport utility vehicle an unmistakable look after dark. New rear lights and redesigned bumpers complete the updated appearance, while buyers can choose between standard 22 inch wheels or optional 23 inch wheels featuring floating center caps.

Inside the cabin, the transformation is even more dramatic. The dashboard is dominated by the new Mercedes Benz User Experience Superscreen, which combines 3 separate 12.3 inch displays beneath one continuous glass panel. The system delivers a modern digital experience while maintaining the handcrafted luxury expected from a Maybach.

Artificial intelligence also plays a much larger role than before. The updated infotainment system integrates technologies from Microsoft, Google, ChatGPT, Bing Search, and Google Gemini to provide smarter voice controls, better navigation, and faster access to information. Rear seat passengers are not forgotten either, as buyers can equip the vehicle with dual 11.6 inch high definition entertainment displays, giving each passenger a personalized viewing experience.

Music lovers will appreciate the standard Burmester premium audio system, now featuring additional rear surround speakers and a powerful 710 watt amplifier that delivers rich, immersive sound throughout the cabin. Combined with premium materials, generous seating, and an exceptionally quiet interior, every journey feels more like relaxing in a private lounge than driving a sport utility vehicle.

Mercedes Benz has not announced official pricing yet, but expectations are that the Maybach GLS 680 will cost more than the outgoing model, which started around $180,000. Considering the extensive technology upgrades, increased performance, refreshed styling, and improved luxury, the higher price will likely be justified for buyers seeking one of the most exclusive luxury sport utility vehicles available. With its combination of power, innovation, and first class comfort, the 2027 Mercedes Maybach GLS 680 raises the bar once again for the ultra luxury sport utility vehicle segment.