---
title: "Mercedes-Maybach’s First SUV Starts at $161,550"
description: "Built in Alabama, this fancy GLS will be the most expensive car mass-produced in America."
date: "2020-10-19"
modified: "2020-10-19"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/37138/mercedes-maybachs-first-suv-starts-at-161550"
categories:
  - "Mercedes-Benz News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "luxury"
  - "Maybach GLS-Class"
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
  - "suv/crossover"
---

# Mercedes-Maybach’s First SUV Starts at $161,550

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2020/10/19C0564_137-source.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

First unveiled back in November, we're finally getting details of the first-ever Mercedes-Maybach SUV, the 2021 GLS 600 4Matic. When the uber-luxurious, high-riding Mercedes hits dealerships later this year, it'll start at $161,550 including destination.

That's more than double the regular Benz GLS's base price of $76,000 but, believe it or not, around $40,000 shy of its [previously-expected $200,000 valuation](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/27011/the-200000-mercedes-maybach-gls-will-be-the-most-expensive-car-built-in-the-us>). Despite that, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama-built Maybach GLS will still become the most expensive mass-produced vehicle assembled in the U.S.—bar ultra-limited run unobtanium like the [record-breaking, 331-mph SSC Tuatara](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/37136/331-mph-watch-the-ssc-tuatara-claim-a-bugatti-crushing-speed-record>)—one-upping the [Ohio-built, $159,495 Acura NSX](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/29346/the-only-supercar-made-in-america-is-the-2020-acura-nsx>) by just a couple grand.

![message-editor%2F1603130385280-19c0564\_141-1200x800.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1603130385280-19c0564_141-1200x800.jpg>)
*Mercedes-Maybach*

![message-editor%2F1603130396073-19c0791\_007-1200x657.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1603130396073-19c0791_007-1200x657.jpg>)
*Mercedes-Maybach*

![message-editor%2F1603130402404-19c0791\_008-1200x813.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1603130402404-19c0791_008-1200x813.jpg>)
*Mercedes-Maybach*

To recap, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic will be powered by a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 assisted by a 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system. Grand in every sense of the word, Maybach's first SUV will also mark the first time Mercedes has granted an SUV with its hood-mounted, three-pointed star. Occupants will waft their way through life in two sumptuous-looking reclinable rear seats and ride on air suspension with E-Active Body Control while surrounded by dark wood trim that's been aged for at least 10 years.

All seats are heated *and* ventilated while entertainment is can be controlled by a backseat MBUX seven-inch tablet and delivered through a Burmester High-End 3D surround sound system. A built-in refrigerator with custom champagne flutes is also a thing that can be had. On the outside, the Maybach GLS sets itself apart from the regular GLS with two-tone paint, 23-inch wheels, a different grille, and a whole lotta chrome.

Despite their varying price points, the Maybach GLS competes with other ultra-luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, [BMW Alpina XB7](<https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-models/x7/sports-activity-vehicle/alpina.html>) and all-new Cadillac Escalade.

***Correction \[10/19/2020 7:30 p.m. ET\]:** A previous version of this story incorrectly described the Mercedes-Maybach GLS as having three rows of seats. The Maybach GLS can be had as a four or five-seater.*

![message-editor%2F1603130412399-19c0564\_138-1200x800.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1603130412399-19c0564_138-1200x800.jpg>)
**Mercedes-Maybach**

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## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)