Joining the growing field of exotic and ultraluxury utility vehicles is the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. The Maybach SUV, based on the redesigned third-generation GLS platform, is powered by a specially developed 550-hp V-8 engine. The engine is combined with a 48-volt electrical system paired with an integrated starter generator, known as EQ Boost, that can add up to 21 hp for short periods. The GLS 600 starts at $161,550, including shipping. Fully loaded, the SUV will top out at nearly $200,000. Here's a roundup of initial GLS 600 reviews from automotive journalists.
"The powerplant is long on low-end grunt, almost freakishly quiet, the steering is precise but has a nondisclosure agreement with road surfaces and the brakes could stop a crashing stock market. Road noise is muffled until it stops squirming, wind noise is slight and melodic and the double-paned glass shushes anyone yelling about the injustices of capitalism.
"Performance? When the masses aris…