The Mercedes-Maybach GLS ultra-luxury SUV is now locally assembled in India, marking a significant milestone for Mercedes-Benz India. With the start of local production at the brand’s Pune facility, the Maybach GLS has been launched at a price of ₹2.75 crore (ex-showroom). This localization move makes the SUV a substantial ₹38 lakh more affordable than the earlier fully imported version, which was priced at ₹3.13 crore. India also becomes the first market outside the United States of America to locally assemble the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, underlining the country’s growing importance in the brand’s global ultra-luxury strategy.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Exterior Design
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS does carries a restrained and dignified design that is unmistakably Maybach. Up front, the large vertical-slat grille finished in chrome sets the tone, giving the SUV a formal and stately presence on the road. The headlamps, while sleek and modern, are deliberately clean in execution, ensuring the front end looks elegant rather than sporty.
Viewed from the side, the proportions of the GLS play a major role in its visual appeal. The long wheelbase, high bonnet line and generous glass area create a sense of scale that few SUVs in India can match. Chrome detailing around the windows and lower body panels is subtle but effective, reinforcing the Maybach identity without appearing excessive. The large alloy wheels further enhance the stance, making the GLS look planted and imposing. At the rear, the design remains clean and minimal. LED tail lamps, restrained badging and neatly integrated exhaust outlets ensure the SUV maintains a luxurious look from every angle.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Interior Design
Inside the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and it clear that this is a vehicle designed with rear-seat comfort as the top priority. The cabin layout, materials and features are all oriented towards delivering a first-class travel experience rather than a conventional SUV setup. Up front, the dashboard follows Mercedes-Benz’s familiar design philosophy, with large twin digital displays and physical controls. However, even from the driver’s seat, the focus remains on comfort and refinement rather than sportiness, aligning perfectly with the Maybach positioning.
The rear seats are configured as individual executive chairs, offering generous legroom, ventilation and massage functions. A fixed centre console runs between the seats, housing controls, storage and additional comfort features, turning the rear cabin into a private lounge on wheels. High-quality leather upholstery, refined wood inserts and metal accents dominate the interior, with attention to detail evident across every surface.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Powertrain and Suspension
Powering the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission producing 557 hp and up to 770 Nm of torque. One of the defining elements of the Maybach GLS experience is its suspension. The E-ACTIVE Body Control suspension system adapts to road conditions, Mercedes claims that this significantly reduces the impact of uneven surfaces felt in the cabin.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS – Marketing Positioning and Rivals
The decision to locally produce the Mercedes-Maybach GLS carries both symbolic and practical significance. Symbolically, it reflects India’s growing stature as a key market for ultra-luxury vehicles. Practically, it allows Mercedes-Benz to streamline deliveries and respond more efficiently to customer demand without compromising on quality or specifications.
This also sharpens its positioning against its closest rival, the Range Rover, particularly in its SV trim, which is similarly configured as a four-seater and powered by a V8 engine. However, the Range Rover SV continues to be a fully imported model, commanding a higher price. The standard Range Rover HSE and Autobiography five-seat variants, on the other hand, are locally assembled in India and are priced at ₹2.3 crore (ex-showroom) and ₹2.57 crore (ex-showroom) respectively. The locally assembled Range Rover’s are powered by six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines.
Mercedes-Benz has stated that the locally produced Maybach GLS adheres to the same global standards as its internationally built counterparts, ensuring that customers receive the full Maybach experience despite the shift to local assembly.