We may not know too much about cars, but we know a game changer when we see one. Introducing the Maybach GLS 600, where heightened luxury meets comfort and complemented by innovation and interior furnishings.
Here’s a bit of background. The Maybach brand exists as part of Mercedes-Benz, with sleek and sophisticated luxury design blended with comfort. The latest model, though, takes it to another level in the form .
The Maybach GLS 600 combines the Maybach’s attributes such as the grille with touches of Mercedes’ luxury GLS SUV, such as the sophisticated interior completed with four individual seats.
The highly anticipated model is now available in Bangkok through Benz Star Flag dealership, one of the few selected dealerships to represent the exclusive Maybach GLS 600 model. Benz Star Flag is an authorized market leader that exclusively sells Mercedes-Benz , with fluency in the luxury auto segment.
“We have developed a strong leadership position at Benz Star Flag, and are one of the few dealerships that are selected to distribute the Maybach GLS 600,” says Khun Chayuth Yangpichit, Managing Director of Star Flag.
Benz Star Flag is an exclusive one stop service dealership that sits on Vibhavadi-Rangsit road, spanning over 18,500 square meters in space. The accessible location makes it easy and convenient to reach, as its facility sits right in the center of Bangkok.
Benz Star Flag has all that a Mercedes-Benz customer would need, from maintenance channels to paint and body repair, to showrooms.
“We have a deep understanding of what the ultra luxury market customers want and need, and have been developing on site exclusives to reflect that,” says Khun Chayuth.
“We are creating a very personalized experience for Maybach GLS 600 customers,” says Khun Chayuth. “In tune with the vehicle’s comfort and luxury, our customers will have access to a special service lane in our dealership, with personalized and attentive service.”
The launch of the Maybach GLS 600 speaks volumes about the shifting preferences of the auto industry. Now, more people are looking to purchase luxury SUVs, which has become a segment of its own beyond high performance sports cars.
“There’s a wider array of lifestyles in today’s age,” says khun Chayuth, “a luxury SUV is in a leading segment of its own, and it appeals to a wide array of people from families to active professionals. We are confident that the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 will redefine modern luxury.”
In response to the rise of luxury SUVs, Benz Star Flag also crafted an exclusive experience for potential and existing customers, such as the launch of its rooftop showroom, with the capacity to showcase two vehicles. Maybach owners are privy to exclusive parking, a private elevator as well as a private lounge within the dealership facility.
“The Maybach GLS 600 is luxury redefined, and our facilities and exclusives intend to reflect that,” says Khun Chaiyuth.
Benz Star Flag hosted an exclusive launch event for the debut of Maybach GLS 600, where we also had the opportunity to sit down with Roland Folger, President and CEO, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Thailand/Vietnam.
The Vehicle Run Down
“This is a truly unique and special model,” says Roland. “The vehicle combines the GLS’s technical attributes with the Maybach’s luxury touch. It’s everything you look for in a luxury SUV.”
The Maybach GLS 600 is truly top of range, from the immaculate handiwork to the technology package. The engine itself comes out of the AMG range, following a one man, one engine concept.
“The interior, from the leather to the wood and stitching are hand picked and hand manufactured,” says Roland. “We take it one level higher in making the vehicle special”.
The most distinctive attribute may just be the two tone option for the vehicle, which are actually hand painted by Mercedes’s in-house team.
“In our whole company, there are maybe 3-4 people in the whole company who can make this two tone color by hand, it’s real craftsmanship,” says Roland. “Funnily enough, a robot would not be accurate enough to be this precise with the craft.”
It can be said then, that no model of the Maybach GLS 600 is truly alike.
Personalized Luxury
“Personalization is at the very core of expectations now for luxury SUV buyers,” says Roland. “It’s similar to staying in a luxury hotel or buying artwork. Ultimately, it’s about personalization and how you want to be different to everyone else.”
This distinct personalization of the two tone attributes goes beyond car options, but about knowing that someone personally brought the design to life.
“In a world of mass production, this added emotional aspect is valuable,” says Roland.
The Pandemic Fuel
“Some significant changes happened with the pandemic,” says Roland. “It acted as a fast forward button, and digitized changes that may have taken 4-5 years took place in less than two.”
One example, more people started purchasing cars online through the Mercedes-Benz website, with this function also available in Thailand.
“It’s not a counter movement to personalization, as you receive a lot of information online, as well as leverage our dealership network here in Thailand, such as Benz Star Flag.”
As Roland relays, more people are viewing car showrooms virtually, and communicating directly online with Mercedes-Benz’ product specialists. The core of the Mercedes brand however, has remained constant whilst evolving with changing consumer preferences.
“We have always tried to get as close to what the market wants, across the globe,” says Roland. “At Mercedes-Benz, we have a wealth of high performing, high quality vehicles in our portfolio with a vast range.”
Even the SUV alone has a wide array of choices. Think about this, the GLA, GLC, GLS and even the G-Wagon in its own category.
“With the SUV range, we have multiple versions of one model. There’s about 16-18 variants produced by Mercedes. From our entry versions to sedans and up to the ultimate luxury of the Maybach, we cater to all preferences,” says Roland.
The Carbon Neutral Mission
Mercedes-Benz has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2039, but Roland Folger says ambitions have already turned into actionable steps, with progress to be made by 2025.
“We plan to offer only electric variants by 2030,” he says. “However, the infrastructure in markets we operate in also has to be ready.”
In order for Mercedes to invest in eco-friendly solutions, it also has to be possible to do so.
“In order to invest, we need cooperation from governments and for the infrastructure to be ready, such as setting up EV charging stations nationwide,” says Roland. “From Mercedes’ side, we are committed and capable, but it has to be possible for us to drive this change.”
