The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: A Subtle SUV with a Surprising Trick
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is a luxury SUV that may not catch your eye at first glance. Compared to its competitors, the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the GLS 600 is relatively subtle in its design. However, don’t let its understated appearance fool you. This Merc has a surprising trick up its sleeve that is guaranteed to turn heads and provoke chuckles.
The GLS 600 is equipped with an E-Active Body Control system, similar to the one found in the 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE. This innovative system utilizes the SUV’s 48-volt electrical system and Airmatic air suspension to provide a unique feature known as ‘Free Driving Mode.’ In this mode, the GLS 600 can bounce up and down, creating a spectacle that is sure to grab attention.
Originally designed to help the SUV free itself from deep sand if it ever got stuck off-road, the Free Driving Mode quickly became a favorite among GLS 600 owners. Despite the low take rates of this feature on the GLE, Mercedes-Benz decided to offer it exclusively on the GLS 580 and GLS 600 models. While these luxurious SUVs are unlikely to venture off-road, some owners have found creative ways to put the system to good use.
Recently, a video surfaced of a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 cruising through the streets of Monaco with the Free Driving Mode activated. As the SUV bounced up and down while sitting in traffic, a crowd quickly gathered, including a local police officer. The officer initially asked the driver to stop the bouncing, but to the delight of onlookers and car spotters, the driver reactivated the system, much to everyone’s amusement.
The GLS 600 offers more than just a trick suspension. Under the hood, you’ll find a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. The SUV also features an EQ Boost starter generator, which adds an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. With this impressive powertrain, the GLS 600 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
While the bouncing feature may seem like a novelty, it showcases the innovative and playful spirit of the Mercedes-Maybach brand. The GLS 600 offers a unique blend of luxury, performance, and entertainment that sets it apart from its competitors. Whether you’re cruising through the city streets or making a grand entrance at a social event, the GLS 600 is sure to make a statement.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 may not be the flashiest luxury SUV on the market, but it certainly knows how to grab attention. With its Free Driving Mode and bouncing capability, this vehicle is guaranteed to turn heads and bring smiles to faces. Combined with its powerful engine and luxurious features, the GLS 600 offers a truly unique driving experience. So, if you’re looking for a luxury SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is definitely worth considering.