Mercedes-Maybach GLS comes into the spotlight at the Guangzhou expo

While it might not look too different from its non-Maybach counterpart on the outside, the vast gap becomes obvious once you crack the door open.

In terms of size, the luxed-up GLS is pretty much identical to its predecessor: 2 mm (0.1”) longer, but with the same wheelbase. All the added equipment reduces the trunk size of the five-seat version from 890 liters (31.4 cubic feet) to 525 l (18.5 cu. ft.), though.

There are additional chrome-coated elements to be seen on the outside, and a Maybach badge on a c-pillar. The wheels measure 22 inches by default, but you can opt for 23 inches. The car automatically lowers itself whenever anyone needs to get in or out, extending aluminum running boards 2 meters (6 ¾ feet) long and 21 cm (8.2 inches) wide. These automatic boards are guaranteed to withstand up to 200 kilograms (440 lbs).

The front part of the cabin hasn’t changed much, but the rear makes you remember stretch limos: there are two individual seats that can recline up to 43.5 degrees to the back. The legroom difference amounts to a massive 120 mm (4.7 inches) compared to the regular GLS.

There was a popular rumor that the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 would ship with a V12 despite the challenges of making it eco-compliant, but that one was proven false. The car packs a 4.0 V8 unit with twin superchargers and a 48V starter/generator. The gasoline mill produces 558 hp (410 kW) and 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque, whereas the EQ Boost add-on contributes another 22 hp (16 kW) along with 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission is nine-speed automatic, and getting from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a matter of 4.9 seconds.

The trimmed-down GLS 580 packs ‘only’ 489 hp (360 kW) along with 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), and hits one hundred in 5.3 seconds. Like its better-specced sibling, it maxes out at 250 km/h (155 mph).

The Airmatic suspension with electronic shock absorbers is the default option, but you may opt for active hydraulic/air suspension combo that works on a per-wheel basis and stifles any rolling completely (unless you turn on a special mode that actually does the opposite, rocking the car to imitate an off-road trip). Unlike the standard GLS, the car has a dedicated ‘Maybach’ suspension setting for extra comfort.