2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS First Look: Fancy TimeMercedes-MaybachIt's about oozing class. Sweating the details. Offering a high degree of customization. These are what matter when it comes to producing finely crafted ultraluxury automobiles. The role of Mercedes-Maybach is to do all those things, to further elevate the crème de la crème of Benz's model lines through vehicles like the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS680.Mercedes has been busy this year rolling out its updated 2027 GLS-Class lineup, and we've already learned much of what the latest iteration of its biggest halo SUV is all about inside and out, under the hood, and from a technological standpoint. We also got a taste of what the AMG side of the house has been cooking up for the 2027 GLS63. Now, it's Maybach's turn to show how it's been glamming up the new GLS.Mercedes-MaybachMore Maybach, Inside and OutThis is the second time Mercedes-Maybach has had a full go at the GLS, which we were able to get up close and personal with in France (where we also got behind the helm of the new Maybach S-Class). Much like the first GLS600 model, the new GLS680 makes its strongest impression out front, thanks to an updated version of Maybach's now familiar vertical-slat grille, which enhances the front of the garden-variety 2027 GLS. It's a bigger, more imposing, and blingier piece than before, with new lighting elements tracing the grille surround, Maybach nameplate, and Mercedes star hood ornament, so you'll know when one rolls up on you in the dark.AdvertisementAdvertisementLook closer, and you'll peep rose gold lighting accents augmenting the new three-pointed star headlamp clusters, a unique chrome underguard, and other touches you can spec, such as the Maybach logo grille inlets at the bottom left and right of the cosmetically enhanced face. Out back, there are also some minor alterations made to the tailgate's lighting elements and lower fascia, most notably the exhaust outlets. Oh, and the optional 23-inch Maybach-specific monoblock chrome wheels on the example we saw look absolutely dynamite, and they get a fun little update with a center cap that uses ball bearings to keep the Mercedes logo always pointing up.But as before, the extra dollop of crème on top of the exterior of the Maybach GLS is its available two-tone paint schemes, which are exclusive to Maybach models. The new signature combo is an understated Verde Silver Metallic over a Dark Petrol Uni (say that five times fast) seen in these photos, separated by a thin character line. The Maybach folks are super-duper proud of their paint; we got a chapter and verse presentation about how much time and effort is put into it and other related techniques. (They have a person who only does gold-flake application. Really.) Oh, and of course, through its Manufaktur Made to Measure bespoke program, if you want purple over pink, the brand will do that. Taste is not part of the program's program—just be sure to bring a Louis Vuitton bag full of cash.Mercedes-MaybachStep into the GLS680—made easier by its standard, Maybachized running board that deploys in 1 second (!)—and you'll find a metric ton more of what makes the Maybach GLS special. Our senses were walloped by all the Crystal White leather of the model we got to sit in. We wondered how you'd keep that clean, but it was one of the most richly appointed cabins we've seen in a luxury SUV this side of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. There are new Maybach-exclusive trims, including a Beech Brown and Macchiato Beige, and what's called a High-Gloss Silver Metallic Mixed Fabric. You want to spec out your own Manufaktur style? Absolutely you can, just keep that bag of cash handy.One thing neither the Cullinan nor the Bentley Bentayga has is the GLS680's MBUX Superscreen setup. Digitally trimmed in Rose Gold and other subtle Maybach elements, it spans the dashboard from port to starboard, with separate digital panels for the driver, the center area, and the passenger. It's a technological tour de force powered by Mercedes' newly updated MB.OS operating system, and it's one of many significant upgrades the GLS680 benefits from as part of the updates to the broader 2027 GLS lineup.Mercedes-MaybachBut as before, the pièce de résistance of the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the rear Executive Seat setup. These seats are technically optional, but honestly, who in their right mind wouldn't get them? You can really stretch out in the right chair, thanks to the ability to push the front passenger seat way up. For the first time, there are calf massagers, for when your legs are tired from all the shopping you just did (there are extensive seat-bottom and back massagers for all four seats), you get 11.6-inch tablet screens with all manner of entertainment options, small smartphone-style controllers, and a cool wireless charging pad.AdvertisementAdvertisementLest we forget, the silver-plated Champagne flutes and the refrigerator to store the bubbly are here, too. And if you don't want to use your personal headphones, the Burmester 3D sound system with two additional rear speakers (the covers of which are borderline works of art) gets a more powerful 710-watt amplifier.Mercedes-MaybachMore Power, Less Noise, All MaybachAs with the rest of the 2027 GLS lineup, the GLS680 will be powered by a version of Benz's newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. And as was the case before, it will use the same tune of the GLS63, making 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque—53 hp and 89 lb-ft more than before—boosted by an integrated starter generator. We expect it to reach 60 mph in around four seconds flat, and it will get there in the comfort and isolation that Maybach is becoming known for.The GLS680 receives extra insulation to help further delete exterior noise, and it comes standard with the automaker's Airmatic and E-Active Body Control, two of the brand's top suspension systems that help mitigate nasty bumps in the road. Like the other Maybach models, it also features a specially developed Maybach drive mode designed to make the GLS680 experience as fluid as possible when you're underway. And as with the rest of the GLS stable, it's treated to all the latest and greatest in Mercedes' safety and assistance tech.Mercedes-MaybachThere are a few small callouts, primarily that the GLS680 remains somewhat spatially challenged. It could really use a wheelbase stretch so that both rear passengers would be able to get their full lean on. That would also help with cargo capacity, because if you choose the refrigerator option, it further limits what's already a limited area. After all, you need to be able to put shopping bags and luggage for your trip to the Côte d'Azur somewhere.AdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking of bags, the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS680 will likely start at $185,000 or so when it arrives here late in 2026. In today's ultra-luxe SUV space, few if any models deliver Maybach's combination of elegance, high-end technology, and extensive personalization options—all at a price that will allow you to splurge on any number of additional LV handbags.Photo credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachPhoto credit: Mercedes-MaybachAdvertisementAdvertisement