2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 Gets a Shiny RefreshMercedes-MaybachThe original Mercedes-Maybach GLS made its official US debut in November 2019, before going on sale here in the second half of 2020. The first customer-ready vehicles rolled off the assembly line in Tuscaloosa in September 2020.Right out of the barn it was, in the German language, a Goldesel, a cash cow, or, literally translated, a golden donkey, and golden donkeys mean lots of profit.But they also require occasional freshening. After six years on the market, the golden donkey needed a new fur collar. So Mercedes-Maybach came back with a touched-up GLS 680 sporting a new illuminated grille surround, some Maybach-logoed lights on the front end, expanded interior colors, refined trim elements, and, most importantly, 603 hp, the latter 53 more than before. To which we say, hee haw!AdvertisementAdvertisement(Germans in meeting rooms across Stuttgart are right now scratching their heads asking, "But what does this 'hee haw' mean? Is it good? Is our plan for a new grille surround accepted in important global markets such as the US?" Yes, Germany, it is.)Let's start with the "more power" part first."The new, more powerful electrified V8 is more responsive while preserving the serenity and composure expected of a Maybach," the luxury maker said.New illuminated grille surround! Illuminated logo, too!Mark VaughnAt its heart the engine is still a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a mild hybrid system, as before. But the 2027 GLS 680 engine is now "highly refined," equipped with a second-generation 48-volt integrated starter generator that MB says enables 23 hp of boost. Mercedes-Maybach doesn't say how much the turbo wastegate was held down and whether that assisted with the final increase in power and torque readings, but the result is now 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque—an increase of 53 hp and 89 lb-ft.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlso: The steering is more direct; the standard AIRMATIC air suspension introduces new intelligent, predictive damper control designed to enhance comfort, especially for rear passengers; and the optional E-Active Body Control can counteract roll, pitch and lift movements to the point where the big ute actually leans into corners as much as three degrees.But the actual buyers of these might be more interested in the comfort amenities, and of those the Maybach has plenty.Mercedes-MaybachThe front seats feature a newly developed vibration massage program in the seat cushions while the rear "Executive Seats" are further elevated with a new massage function that, for the first time in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, extends to the calf rests.There's a new MBUX Superscreen, a Maybach-specific design for the driver display with Rose Gold dials, and a gold Maybach emblem that sits between the two dials.There are now two more speakers in the standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos, which, 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 occupants," Benz sez.There's no pricing yet, and no further technical specs, but look for the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 in US dealerships later in 2026.