The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 has received a comprehensive update for 2026. While the changes on the outside are subtle, Mercedes-Benz has focused on improving luxury, technology and refinement. The flagship SUV now gets a more powerful V8 engine, the brand’s latest Hyperscreen setup and several comfort upgrades.
Exterior gets subtle Maybach-specific updates
The facelifted Maybach GLS adopts the updated design language seen on the standard GLS, while retaining its signature luxury touches.
Key exterior highlights include:
- New LED headlamps with dual three-pointed-star daytime running lights
- Revised illuminated chrome grille with a glowing Maybach wordmark
- Optional illuminated Mercedes bonnet emblem
- Redesigned front bumper
- Two new paint options: Dark Petrol and Verde Silver Metallic
- 22-inch alloy wheels as standard
- Optional 23-inch monoblock alloy wheels
- Illuminated powered side steps
- Maybach logo puddle lamps
At the rear, Mercedes-Benz has introduced new LED tail lamps featuring three-pointed-star lighting elements, connected by a gloss black trim housing the Mercedes-Benz badge.
Cabin receives a major technology upgrade
The biggest changes are inside.
The 2026 Maybach GLS now features Mercedes-Benz’s latest Hyperscreen, combining three 12.3-inch displays for the driver, infotainment and front passenger into one seamless glass panel.
The new system runs the latest MB.OS software and supports:
- Over-the-air software updates
- AI assistant powered by ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot
The redesigned dashboard now features two central air vents instead of four, while physical buttons and rotary controls for the four-zone climate control have been retained.
Even more focus on comfort
Mercedes-Benz has also improved cabin refinement and rear-seat comfort.
Updates include:
- Better sound insulation for an even quieter cabin
- Enhanced front seat massage functions
- Rear seat massage now extends to the footrests
- New upholstery colours and leather options
- Upgraded Burmester 3D surround sound system with 15 speakers (up from 13) and a 710W amplifier
More powerful V8 under the bonnet
Power comes from Mercedes-Benz’s updated M177 Evo 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Performance figures:
- 603 hp
- 850 Nm
- Additional 23 hp temporary boost from the mild-hybrid system
Compared to the outgoing model, output has increased by 53 hp and 121 Nm.
Smarter suspension and improved steering
Mercedes-Benz has also revised the SUV’s dynamics.
The steering has been recalibrated to offer better feedback and agility, while the standard air suspension now features cloud-based predictive dampers. The system uses road-condition data collected from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to automatically adjust the suspension before the SUV encounters bumps, helping deliver an even smoother ride.
Final Take
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 isn’t a dramatic redesign, but it doesn’t need to be. Instead, Mercedes-Benz has concentrated on the areas that matter most to luxury SUV buyers, more power, a quieter cabin, smarter technology, and enhanced rear-seat comfort. The result is an even more refined flagship that further strengthens the Maybach brand’s position at the top of the luxury SUV segment.
