The Mercedes-Maybach GLS has always treated size as a form of hospitality, and the 2027 GLS 680 leans further into that idea.
Its latest update brings more power, a more theatrical front end and a cabin that doubles down on comfort technology without losing the familiar Maybach restraint.
For buyers who want an ultra-luxury SUV with a proper V8 character, this is Mercedes-Maybach sharpening the formula rather than reinventing it.
At a glance
- The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 arrives with a more powerful 603 hp twin-turbo V8.
- New illuminated exterior details include a lit grille surround, glowing Maybach badge and illuminated standing star.
- Comfort remains central, with standard Airmatic suspension, available E-Active Body Control and an upgraded 710-watt Burmester 3D audio system.
A stronger V8 with mild electrified support
At the heart of the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 is an updated version of the brand’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
The engine is now in M177 Evo form, producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
It’s paired with a second-generation starter generator, adding an electrified layer intended to make power delivery smoother and more polished in everyday driving.
That matters in a Maybach because effortlessness is the whole point.
The GLS 680 isn’t trying to mimic a performance SUV, even with that output figure.
Instead, the V8 gives the flagship GLS the kind of quiet authority expected from a large luxury model carrying the Maybach name.
Illuminated Maybach details give the GLS more presence
The styling changes are concentrated where they’ll be noticed first.
Up front, the 2027 GLS 680 receives a redesigned fascia with an illuminated grille surround, making the SUV’s Maybach identity more visible after dark.
The glowing Maybach badge and illuminated standing star on the bonnet are both brand firsts.
It’s a bolder visual move than Maybach usually makes, but it fits the current luxury SUV market, where presence is as much about theatre as proportion.
The updates don’t change the GLS into something unfamiliar.
They amplify what was already there, giving the vehicle a stronger ceremonial quality without abandoning the upright, formal shape that defines the model.
Ride comfort stays at the centre of the brief
Standard Airmatic air suspension keeps comfort as a priority rather than an optional afterthought.
For buyers who want a more advanced chassis setup, the optional E-Active Body Control system actively manages body movement and counters roll and pitch in real time.
That technology is especially relevant in a tall, heavy luxury SUV.
The goal isn’t simply to soften the ride, but to keep the cabin settled when the road surface or body movement would otherwise disturb passengers.
In Maybach terms, the best engineering is the kind you barely notice.
A cabin built around screens, sound and rear-seat comfort
Inside, the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 adopts the latest MBUX Superscreen across the dashboard.
It’s joined by rose gold accents, ambient lighting and enhanced massage functions for both rows.
The audio system also gets a meaningful lift.
The upgraded Burmester 3D system now delivers 710 watts through 15 speakers and supports Dolby Atmos.
That combination speaks directly to how this kind of SUV is often used.
Some owners will drive it themselves, but the GLS 680 is just as clearly designed for passengers who expect the rear cabin to feel like the main event.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Maybach |
|---|---|
| Model | 2027 GLS 680 |
| Engine | 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, M177 Evo |
| Output | 603 hp |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft |
| Electrification | Second-generation starter generator |
| Suspension | Standard Airmatic air suspension |
| Optional chassis system | E-Active Body Control |
| Infotainment | Latest MBUX Superscreen |
| Audio | Burmester 3D system, 710 watts, 15 speakers, Dolby Atmos |
The 2027 GLS 680 is a clear evolution of the Maybach SUV idea rather than a reset.
More power, more light and more cabin technology give it a stronger identity, while the fundamentals remain centred on quiet pace, passenger comfort and unmistakable road presence.
