With the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLSAI, new design and clever details truly elevate the experience in this classic luxury SUV.If you ever have the chance to experience the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, there is only one word that is an appropriate response: YES. Step inside this ultra-luxury SUV and your life is instantly better: you've entered a cloud of refinement, constructed of the most thoughtful, detailed materials, from hand-sewn leathers to carbon and wood inlays to microsuede headrest pillows to a most thoughtful Champagne service. The only thing to think about is: Front seat or rear? As delightful as these SUVs are to drive, they're even more fun as a passenger. AdvertisementAdvertisementFor 2027, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS got a major upgrade: More power, more luxuries and a new design that takes it into its next era—and then some. This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was a guest of Mercedes-Maybach for this preview..The Pampering Maybach Is Now Even More SoI love these headrest pillows on every seat – Credit: Scotty ReissWhen Mercedes-Benz brought the Maybach back to the US in 2019, many of us thought we'd just stepped into heaven. The ultimate Mercedes, the Maybach (pronounced May-Bock or My-bock) not only added pampering touches to the front and rear seats fit for royalty or heads of state, but it added a drive experience that is in itself a true luxury: Powerful, quiet and effortless.With the 2027 redesign of both the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and S-Class sedan, both of which have yet to be priced, Mercedes has once again rethought every detail, from how to make the ride even more comfortable to how to further enhance the rear seat experience. And it's simply stunning. I had a chance to poke around and discover many of this refined SUV's best features, observe its design journey and delight in a pretend Champagne service. But the best part was relaxing into the rear seats, which cradle you like a cloud. I could stay there forever. Read: 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class First Drive: Which is More Enticing, V12 Power or Endless Luxury?Luxury Starts With Power and Performance The front cabin in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Credit: Scotty ReissThere's nothing that'll deflate your good mood like feeling an engine struggle to merge onto a highway or that it's laboring to carry it's own weight. Luxury cars and SUVs are the exact opposite of that: powerful enough to never make you worry you can't merge or pass another car. The Mercedes-Maybach S680 is in that second category; and though we've yet to drive it, the numbers are stunning: it's powered by an 8-cylinder turbo engine that generates 603 HP and 627 pound-feet of torque; that's an increase of 53 HP over the last model thanks in part to a new mild hybrid system. AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd despite all that power, the startup sound is soulful but quiet; it doesn't overwhelm the senses the way some large engines can. On the road it should be supremely hushed.As is the ride; the Mercedes-Maybach is outfitted with sensors that scan the road and consider maps, traffic and navigation to auto-adjust the suspension as you drive. Put the car in Maybach mode and the system is on heightened alert so as to keep rear passengers comfortable. This is something I really appreciate and hope comes to every SUV and minivan on the road; not spilling your Champagne is one thing, not spilling your lunch is quite another. Read: The Land Rover Range Rover Luxury 3-row SUV Is Quiet-ish LuxuryA New Exterior Filled With Fun, Fancy DetailsThe 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS front light signature – Credit: Mercedes-MaybachLight is the design detail of the age and Maybach doesn't disappoint here; it starts with the lighted Tri Star logo that sits upright on the hood; below it the Maybach name is illuminated, as is the radiator grille, a design detail that nods to Maybach's heritage. Flanking the grille are twin star headlights and rose gold accents, a Maybach signature; the headlights are mimicked on the rear in the tri-star taillights. Below the front grille, as well as on the rear side pillars, the running boards and inside are clever arrays of Maybach logos. I particularly love the lower panels on the front grille; they are clear, clever telltale signs of what this car holds inside. AdvertisementAdvertisementTwo very cool details on the model we toured are self-leveling wheel caps that keep the Mercedes Star upright at all times, and electric running boards that extend and retract; these are lighted at night and are a bit wider at the rear so as to better accommodate passengers. These can be disabled if you decide you just don't need them, but they are very elegant. Read: Bentley Bentayga Speed: The Most Beautiful SUV, Now More SpiritedThe Mercedes-Maybach Interior Feels Elevated and ModernThe cabin looks and feels elegant in the The front cabin in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Credit: Scotty ReissMercedes has been on a journey with its interiors these past few years and it all comes together beautifully in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. While the interior takes a few cues from other SUVs, here, it carries its own mission forward in comfort, technology and smart assistance for the driver. As an SUV it has all the goodies, from downhill assistance to off-road driving modes and even center console grab handles, just in case. That means it is capable if you need to drive it on the trails to your ranch or climb the snowy roads to your ski house. The front dash has been completely redesigned with an expansive swath of glass that holds the center touchscreen, driver's display and front passenger screen. The glass is framed by classic turbine-style air vents, and two more vents sit below the glass. There's also a panel of buttons for quick access to key features, a wireless phone charger and heated and cooled cup holders. Seating is, of course, heated, cooled and massaging and comprised of layers of leather detail, from the main pieces to the bolsters, piping, stitching and microsuede headrest pillows on all the headrests. This may be my favorite feature and the most heavenly; I tried these out driving the Maybach S-Class sedan and while I thought they might lull me to sleep, they didn't; they just made me feel even more comfortable and cared for and I loved them.Read: How Would You Design a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II? This Is How I'd Configure My Ultra Luxe SUVDo Not Skip the Executive Package. It's Just Too GoodChampagne flutes get their own storage spot in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Credit: Scotty ReissThe rear seat can be ordered with a standard 3-seat bench or with the executive package, which separates two captains chairs and with a center console. This is the most magical feature in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and where you'll find yourself making excuses to spend time. "I'll be in the car watching a movie," you might say. Or, you might have your Zoom meetings there, or pop in to listen to an important recording or simply, have a snack or take a nap, or just hide from the world. Not kidding. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe rear seats of course are heated, cooled and massaging; they also have extendable ottomans and recline so you can really stretch out. Remote controls pop out of the center console to control the screens, Burmester premium sound, a standard feature in all Maybachs, to lower or raise the sunshades, close the shade over the panoramic sunroof, and more.The Rear Cabin Makes First Class Airline Seats Feel ShabbyThe rear seat in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Credit: Scotty ReissInside the arm rest are tray tables that pop out, like those in a first class airline cabin, and between the seats you can option a beverage chiller large enough to hold a couple of bottles of Champagne; there is also a flute holder so you always have flutes handy. The forward console has storage, cup holders sized to hold the Champagne bottle and small, very clever flute holders; just push the stem down into the holder and it grasps it; pull it up and it releases. I loved this feature. You can buy flutes in sterling silver ($1,500 each) or silver plate ($875 each) and it's highly recommended since they won't break the way crystal will.Last, the rear seat screens are pre-programmed and fitted with cameras so it's easy to hold that Zoom meeting. This will become your new meeting studio. AI Elevates the Maybach ExperienceThe new streamlined dashboard in the The front cabin in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Credit: Scotty ReissThe Mercedes-Maybach GLS uses a fleet of AI systems to assist with everything on board, from OpenAI for conversational "hey Mercedes" voice assistance on the new MB.OS touch screen system. AI eases the ride, helps the Drive Pilot system to assist the driver with things like adaptive cruise control and eventually will provide hands-free driving. AdvertisementAdvertisementAll of this rides on Nvidia chips that lay the path to the future: These systems will get smarter over time, learn your habits and preferences and can be updated over the air without a visit to the Mercedes dealer; it'll do it overnight in your garage.If All That Isn't Enough, There's More: Manufaktur Made-to-Measure The two-tone green on green shows the subltle sophistication of Manufaktur Made-to-Measure specifications – Credit: Scotty ReissA few years ago Mercedes introduced its Manufaktur program, a design atelier that allows buyers to truly customize their cars and SUVs with bespoke touches, custom paints and more. The offer has been expanded and now, at the Mercedes-Benz Studio in Beverly Hills (or at a dealership) you can play with colors, textures and designs until you create the car of your dreams. And then you have all the more reason to simply say "yes."