17 MPG combined won’t excite those who want to save gas, but that number probably won’t matter to those shopping for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4matic Maybach. This ultra-luxury SUV is made for comfort, strong power, and a striking design. Buyers want more than basic transportation; they want exclusivity, luxury, and the status that comes with a Maybach. Fuel efficiency isn’t a major factor when buying such an expensive vehicle. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 delivers quick acceleration and a smooth driving experience, and the fuel consumption is just part of owning a vehicle like this.

City and highway performance

The GLS600 Maybach’s EPA ratings show big differences between city and highway MPG. In cities, this large SUV gets only 14 MPG, because of frequent stops, starts, and idling. This city MPG shows how much gas the engine uses in heavy traffic. On the highway, the GLS600 does better at 20 MPG. The 9-speed automatic transmission allows the V8 to run at lower RPMs, improving efficiency. Remember that quick acceleration and high speeds will lower highway fuel economy. Drivers who use the GLS600 for long freeway trips will likely see the best fuel economy, while those who mainly drive in stop-and-go city traffic can expect closer to 14 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4matic Maybach at $3,400 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average price for premium gasoline. This assumes a fairly standard usage. Those who drive more or less than 15,000 miles will see different annual fuel costs, and fuel prices change, so the final cost depends on the price of gasoline in your area. Given the vehicle’s size and power, a $3,400 annual fuel bill is not surprising, and owners who can afford this level of luxury are unlikely to care about the cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a starting point, but real-world fuel economy for the GLS600 Maybach can vary based on driving habits and conditions. Fast acceleration, frequent trips using the vehicle’s power, and driving in difficult environments can reduce fuel efficiency. A smoother driving style, with gentle acceleration and consistent speeds, can help achieve fuel economy closer to the EPA estimates. Weight matters, too. Owners who often carry passengers or load the cargo area with heavy items will see their fuel economy drop. Most GLS600 owners likely care more about the luxury driving experience than maximizing fuel economy.

How it compares

The GLS600 Maybach’s fuel economy is similar to other high-end SUVs, though some do a little better. The Bentley Bentayga, with its W12 engine, gets around 14 MPG combined. The Range Rover SV Autobiography gets around 16 MPG combined with its supercharged V8. The BMW Alpina XB7, not quite as luxurious as the Maybach, offers similar performance and gets around 17 MPG combined. These differences in observed fuel economy, even 2 or 3 MPG, can add up. Buyers in this class may care less about the money and more about the brand, interior features, and driving experience. For a list of all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, visit our make overviews. You can see GLS600 MPG across all years on this website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Fuel economy may not be a big deal, but owners can take steps to use less fuel in the GLS600. Avoid fast acceleration and hard stops. The Maybach is designed for smooth driving, so gently using the accelerator and watching traffic will save fuel. Consider using the vehicle’s drive mode selector. Different modes can change the engine and transmission to emphasize efficiency over performance.

Keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, using more fuel. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the door or in the owner’s manual. Removing weight from the vehicle can also help. The less weight the engine moves, the less fuel it uses. So avoid carrying unnecessary items in the cargo area.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. Regular maintenance helps, too. Keeping the engine tuned, changing the air filter, and using the recommended synthetic motor oil will help the engine run well which can improve efficiency.