Who has time to drive when you are controlling vast corporate empires or as an Arab sheik who has never been behind the wheel? In either case, if your multiple ships have sailed and the Gulfstream just touched down at the French Riviera, what better place to have a chauffeured limo at your beck and call?
Enter the Maybach GLS 600, a lavishly appointed SUV that takes a “regular” Mercedes and ups the ante to around $200,000. Draped in soft leathers, the three-ton, four-seater ditches a third row in favor of an oversized refrigerator that unfortunately cuts into available cargo space.
The Maybach is quiet as a church mouse around town and cruises highway speeds, and then some, without a whisper of road noise thanks to its air suspension ride and Maybach drive mode that erases road imperfections. This is noteworthy since the GLS 600 is powered by a 4-liter V8 bi-turbo engine developing 550 horsepower, assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that adds off-the-line oomph when needed.
At our independent test track, the Maybach reached 60 miles per hour in a scant 4.2 seconds. Its massive 23-inch multi-spoked wheels are new this year along with chrome emblems tucked into an updated front fascia.
Designed to be chauffeur-driven, we enjoyed all the Maybach has to offer between front and rear compartments. Clearly the rear section is where the action is. Occupants are wrapped in diamond quilted Nappa leather seats that power recline with leg, head rests and cushions to keep you comfy. All four buckets are heated and ventilated with multiple massage adjustments to soothe the aches.
We were able to fit one golf bag and a few carry-on bags in the rear hold, but you may want to consider ditching the refrigerator with your foursome.
Champagne flute holders are tucked between the seats above a desk type touch screen populated with controls for climate, entertainment and more amenities. Airplane folding trays collapse out of sight when not needed and several champagne bottles will remain chilled in the abundant sized refrigerator.
A Burmester high-end 3D surround system mimics recording studio quality through 27 speakers located throughout the cabin.
With all its opulence, there is a wealth of competition, so to speak, with Bentley Flying Spur around $220,000 and a bevy of Rolls Royce models for up to twice the coin.
Still, Maybach has one feature the rivals do not — it bounces. We scratched our heads too. Engage the off-road mode and push a few buttons and off you go to frolic in the mud and sand.
And when you become stuck, the air suspension system starts to bounce the SUV, slowly at first. It becomes rapid quickly, bouncing the car more than a foot up and down so you can bounce your way out of trouble. We got some strange looks while trying the feature out on pavement.
The Maybach offers the ultimate in creature comforts with the power to stay ahead of the paparazzi while sipping the bubbly.