All-New Maybach GLS 680 Unveiled with Upgraded V8 Power, Intelligent Cabin, and China-Exclusive Parking-to-Parking Autopilot

Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 on July 21. Positioned as a flagship three-row SUV with an even higher luxury standard, the vehicle is scheduled to launch later this year. Exterior highlights include a front grille with illuminated surround, marking the first time a Maybach model features an illuminated grille emblem and the iconic upright three-pointed star hood ornament. Standard equipment includes 22-inch 20-spoke wheels, with optional 23-inch forged wheels featuring a ball-bearing mechanism that keeps the central three-pointed star logo always upright. Under the hood, the GLS 680 is powered by the upgraded M1770 Evo 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, delivering 450 kW (603 hp) and 850 N·m of peak torque—increases of 40 kW and 121 N·m respectively over the previous generation. It is complemented by a second-generation starter-generator for mild-hybrid support. The chassis comes standard with AIRMATIC air suspension, while the optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL intelligent active body control system independently adjusts springs and dampers to effectively suppress body roll, pitch, and bounce. Inside, the cabin features the MBUX Superscreen comprising three integrated displays, running the latest infotainment software. Highlights include a rose-gold instrument cluster theme, ambient-lit air vents, and extended massage functions for the first two rows of seats that now reach down to the calf area. The audio system has been upgraded to a Burmester® 3D surround sound setup with 15 speakers and a 710-watt amplifier. Built on Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary MB.OS architecture, the new GLS 680 deeply integrates AI technologies. It debuts a premium rear-seat entertainment system developed primarily by the company’s China team, leveraging an on-device multimodal Vision-Language Model (VLM) that enables proactive, wake-word-free interactions. Additionally, it offers “door-to-door” urban and highway navigation-assisted driving capabilities tailored specifically for the Chinese market.