GLS 600 armoured INKAS

The GLS 600 is the only Maybach version of the GLS X167, facelifted in 2023. It stands out with its unique front end and interior: 5,205 mm long, 3,135 mm wheelbase, third row removed in favour of four seats, two rear armchairs separated by a fixed console.

The engine is the 4.0 biturbo V8 M177, hand-assembled in Affalterbach, in Maybach specification: 410 kW (557 hp) from 6,000 to 6,500 rpm and 730 Nm from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm, complemented by the 48 V EQ Boost which adds 22 hp and 250 Nm. 9G-TRONIC gearbox, 4MATIC, 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 s, 250 km/h. The chassis combines AIRMATIC and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, an active suspension powered by 48 V that controls spring and damper wheel by wheel. In unprotected specification: 2,785 kg unladen, 3,250 kg gross weight.

The INKAS armouring meets CEN 1063 BR6 level, defined by three impacts of 7.62 x 51 NATO with lead core, 9.5 g at 830 m/s. The protection is perimeter, 360 degrees around the four seats: doors, pillars, roof and floor, the latter withstanding the simultaneous detonation of two DM51 grenades. An adjusted armoured rear partition separates the cabin from the boot and preserves its usable volume. Added to this are overlapping coverage of door joint seams, ballistic glazing matching the original curves, and a run-flat system.

INKAS armouring, 360-degree ballistic protection to CEN 1063 BR6: the weight, 0 to 100 km/h and maximum speed indicated are those of the standard model and do not take the armouring into account.

On a protected GLS, the suspension is the sensitive point. The AIRMATIC and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL work according to the mass: air springs, compressor and hydraulic actuators operate closer to their limits, and the settings must match the actual weighed weight. The active E-Active Body Control suspension operates on a 48 V network and controls each wheel independently: it is what keeps the 2.8-tonne GLS flat in corners.

Two administrative points. The permis B (French category B driving licence) covers 3,500 kg of maximum authorised weight; beyond that, article R221-4 of the French Highway Code refers to the permis C1 (French category C1 driving licence), and a ballistic conversion shifts this weight: section F.2 should be checked before signing. The malus (French CO2 penalty), then, is calculated according to the scale of the year of first registration, the weight tax being based on the kerb weight in section G, due from 1,600 kg for a 2025 registration and up to 30 euros per kilo above 2,100 kg; the capping of article L. 421-74 reduces it as soon as the CO2 share approaches its ceiling, 70,000 euros from 193 g/km for this scale.