Mercedes-Maybach Swaps Its GLS Flagship's Heart for a New Twin-Turbo V8

Mercedes-Maybach isn't content letting the S-Class carry the brand's ultra-luxury torch alone, and its answer for buyers who want more space without sacrificing opulence just got a significant update. The 2027 GLS 680 arrives only months after the standard GLS lineup received its own facelift, and this version pushes even further into showy excess while quietly overhauling what's under the skin.

Visually, the GLS 680 doubles down on everything that makes a Maybach instantly recognizable. A new bright surround wraps the lower grille, joined by a vertical-slat center grille, polished trim across the redesigned front bumper, and a reworked tailgate with a chrome-starred taillight signature. The grille edges and Maybach lettering now illuminate, and buyers chasing maximum flash can spec a spotlit hood ornament along with rose-gold cabin accents. Standard 22-inch wheels can be upgraded to 23-inch forged chrome units featuring a self-leveling Mercedes star centercap that stays upright regardless of wheel spin. Those who'd rather keep a lower profile can pick the Night Series and Exterior Design packages, which trade the brightwork for dark chrome, black anodized running boards, and darkened wheels.

Inside is where the GLS 680 truly separates itself. Mercedes' latest MBUX Superscreen setup combines three 12.3-inch displays under one glass panel up front, while rear passengers get their own pair of 11.6-inch screens for entertainment. New Nappa leather in beech brown or macchiato beige finishes the seats, and a rear fridge with dual bottle holders keeps the champagne cold for whoever's in the back. Mercedes also beefed up sound insulation around the engine bulkhead and transmission tunnel, and a 15-speaker Burmester system with a 710-watt amp comes standard to fill the now-quieter cabin.

The bigger story might be what's powering this thing. Mercedes dropped in a fresh 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 featuring a flat-plane crankshaft, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup that adds an integrated starter generator. Total output lands at 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque from the combustion engine alone, with the electric motor tossing in another 23 hp on top — enough to edge out the 577-hp AMG GT 63 Coupe. Balance shafts help smooth out vibrations, so despite the extra power, Mercedes claims the engine runs both quieter and harder than before. A nine-speed automatic sends everything through all four wheels.

Handling gets attention too, with a revised steering system aimed at sharper responses and reworked air suspension underneath. Buyers can step up to the optional E-Active Body Control system, which adjusts damping and spring forces at each corner up to a thousand times per second. It reads the road ahead to prep the suspension in advance, includes an off-road mode for rougher terrain, and can even tilt the SUV into corners by as much as three degrees for a more planted feel.

Mercedes-Maybach hasn't released U.S. pricing yet, but given the outgoing GLS 600 started around $180,000, expect the 680 to land well above that mark when it challenges rivals like the Bentley Bentayga. Showrooms should see the new SUV before 2026 wraps up, with production continuing at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant — making this arguably the most lavish SUV currently built on U.S. soil.