top of page
Writer's pictureMike Hagerty

Driver Not Included: The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC


2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC front 3/4 view

Full disclosure: I am not the world's happiest passenger. I don't believe I cause a driver or other passengers any discomfort. I'd bet they're not even aware that---most of the time---I'd rather be the guy that's at the wheel. I just love to drive. The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC could change that.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC rear 3/4 view

Don't get me wrong. There is an enormous amount of pleasure to be had in driving the Maybach version of the Mercedes GLS-class SUV that we drove in AMG GLS 63 form last summer. But the real party is in the back.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 hood up

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 engine

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 engine detail

Under the hood, the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC ups the horsepower from the Mercedes GLS 450's 362 and the GLS 580's 483 with a four-liter biturbo V8 rated at 550 horsepower---and an electric boost of 21 horses---for a total of 571. That's just 53 shy of the fire-breathing AMG GLS 63. And the power goes to all four wheels from a nine-speed automatic transmission. The EPA fuel economy average is 15 miles per gallon city, 19 highway. The Maybach is still capable of 60 miles an hour from a standing start in 4.8 seconds. And the Maybach has a different mission. The Maybach is all about smooth. It has AIRMATIC air suspension and E-ACTIVE body control. You could drink from a glass in the GLS 600 4MATIC. In fact, they're counting on it.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC badging

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC badging

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 rear liftgate open

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC cargo area

That black box with the fan dividing almost the rear half of the cargo area? That's the working end of the refrigerator. More about that in a moment.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC interior

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC rear seats

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC rear seat detail

The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 eliminates the third row of seating found in other GLS-class Mercedes. That allows for the second-row seats to be set further back in the vehicle, allowing for limo-like legroom and private jet-like adjustability.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC rear seat center console

Rear seat passengers get control over their climate settings, music and other amenities through a dedicated touchpad on the rear center console. There's also a wireless-charging phone cradle and USB jacks.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC refrigerator

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 champagne flute holders

The refrigerator? Optional at extra cost. Just the right size for some artisan snacks and a bottle of your favorite vintage. And the part you fold down to access the fridge holds two champagne flutes (also optional at extra cost), which weren't in the vehicle when we got it. The flutes have magnetized bottoms, as do the rear seat cupholders, so in the unlikely event of a harsh motion, they'll stay put.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC front seats

The base price of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is $160,500. The window sticker is at the end of this review so you can see for yourself, but among the standard equipment highlights at that price are navigation, a surround-view system, active multicontour seats with massage, a cabin fragrance system, four-zone climate control, a power tilting and sliding panoramic roof and a Burmester high-end 3D Surround Sound system.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC instrument panel

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC steering wheel and gauge cluster

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC gauge cluster

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC audio screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC seat massage screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC ambient lighting screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC energizing comfort screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC enjoyment screen

The Energizing Comfort feature is remarkable. A series of programs that adjust the lighting, seat massaging, heating, cooling and in some cases, music to create and maintain a mood and ambience for driver and passengers alike. It's part of the epic center screen in the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, which also has more practical information to share.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC vehicle screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 engine screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 consumption screen

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 quick access screen

Our test vehicle also had extra-cost options. The designo black flamed natural grain ash wood trim is $850, the champagne flute holders are $800. The two-tone paint job is $18,500. The 23-inch multi-spoke forged wheels are $5,500. The refrigerator is $1,100 and the folding tables (really nifty silver trays that swing out from inside the rear console and which yours truly totally forgot to take a picture of) is $1,800.


With $1,050 destination and delivery charge, the as-tested price of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is $190,100.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC front view

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC hood ornament

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC side view

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC rear view

Not having a driver, I spent the week I had the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC in the front seat, and I loved every minute of it. It's a terrific vehicle to drive. But in the back of my mind was always the thought that maybe, just maybe, hopping in the back, reclining the seat, getting a heated massage from it and popping open a bottle of Napa Valley's finest while leaving the driving to someone else might not be a bad way to live.


MHC Banner.png
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
bottom of page