Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2026 facelift of the Maybach GLS. The ultra-luxury SUV adopts styling cues similar to those of the 2026 GLS facelift that broke cover a few months ago but brings an array of Maybach-specific touches, a stronger V8 engine and an expanded set of features.
2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 exterior changes
Up front, the 2026 Maybach GLS incorporates reshaped LED headlamps with dual three-pointed star DRL signatures, along with a new chrome-laden grille that gets illumination for both the surround and the Maybach wordmark; the Mercedes-Benz bonnet emblem can be optionally illuminated as well. The front bumper design has been subtly updated too.
Two new exterior colours, namely Dark Petrol and Verde Silver Metallic, are available as well. The side profile is largely unchanged from the outgoing Maybach GLS, but the updated model brings fresh 22-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 23-inch monoblocks available as optional extras. Powered side steps, which even light up at night to aid ingress and egress, are also fitted as standard, and the doors have Maybach logo projectors.
At the back, the 2026 Maybach GLS features new wraparound rectangular LED tail-lamps, each containing a trio of three-pointed-star DRLs. The tail-lamps are cleanly bridged by a gloss-black trim piece, within which sits the Mercedes-Benz badge. Lower down, the bumper design is largely identical to that of the outgoing Maybach GLS.
2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 interior changes
Like many newer Mercedes offerings, the 2026 Maybach GLS gets a Hyperscreen setup comprising 12.3-inch infotainment, passenger and instrument displays. The infotainment system runs the latest MB.OS software, enabling over-the-air (OTA) updates and a new AI assistant that combines ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.
As a result of the Hyperscreen setup, the dashboard layout sees slight changes. The four-strong row of central AC vents gives way to two wider ones, and there are turbine-style vents at the extremities of the dashboard too. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz has retained toggles and rotary knobs for the four-zone climate control system on the centre console. Sound insulation is also touted to be upgraded in the 2026 Maybach GLS, promising an even quieter cabin.
The massage functions for the front seats have been improved, while the rear seat massage now extends to the footrests. New leather upholstery options and colour schemes are also on offer, and the Burmester 3D surround sound system has been upgraded from 13 to 15 speakers, along with a 710W amplifier.
2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 powertrain and suspension changes
The 2026 Maybach GLS 680 is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s upgraded M177 Evo 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Output jumps to 603hp and 850Nm – an increase of 53hp and 121Nm over the outgoing Maybach GLS. The engine is paired with a 48V mild hybrid system as well, which delivers a temporary boost of 23hp.
Mercedes-Benz has also tweaked the steering system to provide improved feedback and agility, and the standard air suspension now comes with cloud-based predictive dampers, which collate road data from other Mercedes cars to automatically adjust the Maybach GLS’s ride and handling characteristics.
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
