The Alabama-built, high-end Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV will go on sale later this year with a base price of $160,500, the automaker announced today.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is the “top-of-the-range option for U.S. customers to gravitate to in the incredibly popular luxury SUV segment,” according to a release from Mercedes.

The world’s first Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has been built at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Alabama. (MBUSI)

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is built by a specially trained team at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant in Tuscaloosa County.

Among the Maybach-exclusive features are a distinctive grille with vertical chrome louvres, a standing Mercedes-Benz star on the hood (a first for an SUV), fully retractable electronic running boards and 22-inch multi-spoke light allow wheels. Maybach emblems and lettering are other distinguishing finishing elements.

Among the standard-equipped technology are:

• Dual 12.3-inch digital display screens with touchscreen.
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.
• Augmented video for navigation.
• Smartphone integration.
• Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system.

Active and passive driver assistance systems include features that allow the vehicle to maintain its speed and the distance to the traffic in front as well as stay in its lane on multilane roads and reduce the vehicle speed autonomously based on traffic.

All seats in the Maybach GLS are heated and ventilated, have multicontour adjustment and massages.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa County has produced the luxury automaker’s first-ever Maybach GLS 600 SUV. (MBUSI)

Additional features include heated and cooled cup holders, wireless charging in the front and rear, and extended ambient lighting in the roof liner.

An Air Balance cabin fragrance system includes a signature fragrance for the Mercedes-Maybach, which the automaker describes as “the light and floral white osmanthus blossom, rounded off by gentle notes of leather and spicy tea.”

Add-ons can up the luxury factor, including a refrigerated compartment and custom champagne flutes.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS will be equipped with a 4.0-liter V-8 bi-turbo engine with EQ boost and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. It produces 550 horsepower capable of rocketing the full-size SUV from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

The E-active Body Control suspension features a camera that automatically scans the road ahead to proactively counteract bumps and dips for a smooth ride and will lean into curves for more dynamic handling.

When the doors are opened, the suspension slightly lowers the vehicle to make boarding and exiting easier.