The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is relatively subtle compared to the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. But when this Merc decides to bust a move and start bouncing, it’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight and trigger more laughter than that epic late ’90s Delta Lloyd’s insurance ad, “Booming Car – You Can Win If You Want,” starring Lionel Messi’s long-lost twin.
You see, much like the 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, the GLS 600 from Maybach is equipped with an E-Active Body Control system. This system uses the SUV’s 48-volt electrical system and Airmatic air suspension and includes a mode that allows it to bounce up and down. Mercedes calls this ‘Free Driving Mode’ and it was originally designed to help free the SUV should it ever get stuck in deep sand.
For as cool as the system is, Mercedes-Benz dropped it from the GLE in 2021 due to low take rates and only offers it on the GLS 580 and GLS 600. Owners of these two models are very unlikely to ever take their luxurious SUVs off-roading. However, this hasn’t stopped some of them from putting the system to good use.
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Recently, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 was filmed cruising through Monaco with the Free Driving Mode activated. The SUV immediately drew quite a big crowd as it bounced up and down while sitting in traffic. It also caught the eye of a local police officer who apparently told the driver to stop the bouncing but soon after, he reactivated the system, much to the enjoyment of onlookers and car spotters.
There’s plenty to like about the GLS 600, not just its trick suspension. Fitted under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 550 hp and 538 lb-ft (729 Nm) of torque. The SUV also features an EQ Boost starter generator that adds an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque, enough to propel the GLS 600 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in an impressive 4.8 seconds.