LA MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 revealed

Meet the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, the world's first conventional SUV from Maybach and its second permanent model alongside the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 limousine.

Joining luxury land yachts such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan in the highest echelons of the SUV genre, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 made its public premiere at the 2019 Los Angeles motor show.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is a ludicrously luxurious machine, featuring a unique rear seat layout with business class-inspired seats clad in astonishingly supple leather upholstery (we can vouch for it, because we sat in it), plus it has specially developed air suspension and things like hidden running boards that pop out for easy access.

Launched a day after the Aston Martin DBX, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is now the pinnacle of the German brand's luxury SUV range, powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the Aston Martin – with a twist.

Hooked up to Daimler’s EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which not only improves fuel economy but adds up to 16kW and 250Nm of thrust to proceedings, it raises outputs to 410kW of power and 730Nm of torque.

It's not the first time Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has been electrified, however. That honour went to the new Mercedes-AMG GLE and GLS 63 also revealed in LA, in which the same powertrain delivers even more performance (up to 450kW and 850Nm).

Expected to be popular in US, Chinese, Middle East and Russian markets, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will be available from January in Europe from around August 2020 in Australia.

Aussie pricing has not been confirmed yet.

The outgoing Mercedes-Benz GLS 63 AMG ($221,370) is currently the most expensive GLS SUV model in Australia, but its Maybach S 650 sedan sibling, ($436,440) provides a better guide for potential pricing.

Available by order only in Australia (so it is unlikely you'll see many in showrooms), Merc’s new flagship SUV will be very low-volume, but owners will be able to watch their vehicles be built in Stuttgart.

So what makes this super-luxury SUV different from its rivals? Well, apart from the Maybach badge and an intense attention to detail, not as much as you might think.

There's an advanced executive climate control system (ECS), which "thinks for itself" says Mercedes. It utilises various sensors to automatically close the windows, adjust temperatures, block outside contaminants and even ionize the air and perfume the cabin.

Mercedes also crows loudly about the pop-out side steps, claiming they add an "incomparable spectacle" every time passengers enter and exit the vehicle, automatically extending outwards from beneath the vehicle to make entry and exit easier.

Touted as a unique selling point as well as being practical and robust (they can take the weight of two adults on each side), the side boards measure more than two metres long, are made from aluminium and fitted with grippy rubber strips.

They can even be used for bodyguards to ride on, says the German brand. Although a bullet-proof version has not been announced, it's all but certain to be offered in due course.

As part of the order-only Mercedes-Maybach portfolio – the second model after the S-Class-based Mercedes-Maybach S650 sedan is an all-wheel drive machine hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission that includes a twin-turbine torsional damper and centrifugal pendulum technology to deliver ultra-smooth gear shifts.

According to Mercedes-Maybach, the advanced AirMatic air suspension fitted with adaptive damping as standard is so smooth that "only floating is better". Right-oh. Stay tuned for the brand's first flying car.

There's also an optional eActive body control suspension system that makes use of the SUV's 48-volt electrical system to 'lean' around corners and reduce the incidence of car-sickness.

Riding on big 23-inch forged, polished aluminium wheels and measuring just over 5.2 metres (5205mm), the latest permanent model from Mercedes-Maybach is a colossal machine in every respect, weighing almost 2.8 tonnes (2785kg).

Visually the new model was inspired by the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept shown in 2018, but mercifully it doesn't feature the sedan-like bubble rump.

Instead, the luxo-barge gets a reworked front-end with new LED headlights, a bold grille design inspired by a pin-stripe suit and more chrome than a Harley-Davidson showroom.

The rear-end also features redesigned tail-lights with "gemstone" inspired reflectors, lashings of chrome, twin exhaust outlets and unique badging. There are seven colour combinations available, plus two-tone options for those who want a little extra eye candy.

For many customers shopping in the stratospheric SUV segment, the back seats will be the most important element and Mercedes-Maybach delivers plenty of goodies here.

Customers can choose the standard rear layout with three seats, but most are expected to tick the box for the optional twin business-class seats.

As well as fully-reclining (but not quite completely flat) power-adjustable, climate controlled rear seats with customistable cushions, there's a massage function too.

Fine nappa leather is standard throughout the vehicle and customers can go to town on individualising their vehicles with different trims, colours, materials – you name it, they'll do it. Except for a third-row option.

Creating an airy feel in the rear is an electrically opening panoramic glass roof, with roller blind, and rear-seat passengers also get their own digital playground with big 11.6-inch touch-screens that can be used for watching movies, surfing the internet or checking out the sat-nav.

Each screen can display different content simultaneously, plus there are four USB ports, WiFi hotspots, and the latest version of Mercedes' AI-driven MBUX infotaiment system, which is manipulated via a built-in high-def tablet in the back seat or with voice commands.

The infotainment system is hooked up to a 27-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system pumping out an ear-bleeding 1590 Watts of acoustic power.

The audio system can be connected to your smartphone, tablet and even laptop and features a two-way comms system so front and rear passengers will never have to yell to be heard.

But if you just want the sweet sound of silence, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS features more sound deadening materials than the Abbey Road sound studios to keep the interior ultra-quiet.

Thus far 45,000 Mercedes-Maybach vehicles have been sold since the brand's resurrection in 2002. In 2018 one in seven S-Class vehicles sold wore Maybach badges, indicating a strong appetite for super-sized, super-luxury automobiles.

The 2017 Maybach Landaulet was technically not an SUV, the limited-run (99 vehicles) machine featuring a convertible ute-like configuration.

Buyers of Mercedes-Maybach vehicles gain entry to the Circle of Excellence, an exclusive club that delivers money-can't-buy experiences, says Benz.

Maybach will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021 and is plotting something significant to mark the milestone.