Mercedes-Maybach GLS Edition 100: The Ultimate Centennial Luxury SUV

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS Edition 100, launched to mark the brand’s centenary, transforms the full-size luxury SUV into a rolling celebration of hand-finished materials, bespoke details, and limited-production exclusivity. Only 100 examples were created, with each unit pairing a muscular V8 powertrain with an interior trimmed in design crystal white and silver-grey pearl. While the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Edition 100 grabbed early headlines with its V12, the GLS Edition 100 offered a more commanding footprint and a similarly obsessive focus on craftsmanship.

A Century of Opulence 🏛️

Maybach’s story began in 1921 as Maybach Motorenbau GmbH, and the very first Maybach-badged automobile was the Maybach 22/70 HP W 3. That pioneering model stood out not only for its extravagant cabin but also for technical innovations such as four-wheel brakes, an epicyclic gear system, and one of the finest interiors available at the time. The nameplate experienced dramatic highs and lows over the decades, including the death of Karl Maybach in 1960 and a later revival under Daimler-Benz AG in 2002. During that period, imposing models like the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 carried the brand’s legacy against rivals such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. In 2014, Mercedes fused Maybach into Mercedes-Maybach, blending German engineering with ultra-luxury presentation.

Hand-Painted Exterior Presence 🎨

The GLS Edition 100 is finished in a single two-tone combination of high-tech silver and nautical blue, applied by hand for a vivid, luxurious transition across the SUV’s muscular bodywork. Distinctive details ensure the Edition 100 cannot be mistaken for an ordinary GLS. A chrome-laden vertical grille with the Maybach emblem anchors the front fascia, while “Edition 100” inscriptions appear on the D-pillar and hubcaps. Unique forged wheels finished in a new grey tone complete the exterior, adding a bespoke look that matches the model’s brawny yet polished stance.

Cabin Craftsmanship 👑

Inside, the GLS Edition 100 elevates the already spacious and refined GLS-Class cabin with an angelic interior theme. The upholstery is wrapped in design crystal white with contrasting silver-grey pearl, creating a bright, serene environment. The second row is the place to be, featuring extremely comfortable captain seats that heighten the sense of occasion. Throughout the cabin, “Edition 100” badges remind occupants of the model’s special status, while fine leather and precise stitching highlight Maybach’s long-standing relationship with its craftsmanship partners.

Collector Lifestyle Accessories 💎

The centennial celebration extended beyond the vehicle itself. Maybach Icons of Luxury offered a diamond-studded fountain pen from The Peak collection, while silver and yacht manufacturer Robbe & Berking created a champagne flute with specially crafted engraving. Additional matching lifestyle pieces included travel bags, leather goods, clothing, home items, and eyewear. Each GLS Edition 100 also came with a car cover featuring the iconic double M logo and a handmade case in soft crystal white or black leather for storing keys and documents.

Performance and Availability 🚀

Despite its larger dimensions, the GLS Edition 100 uses a smaller engine than the S-Class Edition 100. All 100 units are powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 549 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. The luxury SUV accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph, all while isolating occupants in Maybach-level comfort. At launch, the GLS Edition 100 was reserved for German customers only, making it forbidden fruit for many global collectors. The accompanying S-Class Edition 100 was positioned for other markets, including the United States.

A Lasting Centennial Statement ✨

Even as the ultra-luxury SUV segment continues to evolve in 2026, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS Edition 100 remains a compelling reference point for limited-edition opulence. With its hand-painted two-tone finish, crystal-white cabin, bespoke lifestyle accessories, and exclusive German-market allocation, the Edition 100 distilled Maybach’s century of craftsmanship into a single, highly collectible package. It stands as a reminder that true luxury is not just about performance or technology, but about the stories, materials, and details that make a vehicle feel genuinely extraordinary.