by The Luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 Is Rapidly Losing Value
The market has many luxurious SUVs, but the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 stands out even among them with its overt opulence. However, despite all its glamour, this model shares a common and not very attractive trait with many other premium Mercedes cars: severe depreciation and a rapid drop in value.
A Vivid Example of Auction Losses
As an example, consider a specific 2025 model year vehicle. Its current owner purchased the car for $207,300, and it soon ended up at auction with only 2,600 miles (approximately 4,180 km) on it. This is not an outdated model, but a 2025 model year car, first registered in late August 2025.
Despite its near-new condition, the GLS600 changed hands for $157,600, which is almost $50,000 less than its original selling price.
Such a loss is equivalent to approximately $19 for every mile driven, which can hardly be called desirable “efficiency” for the buyer.
What Makes This Car So Expensive?
The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for this GLS600 was $178,450 without options. The most impressive additional option was the two-tone Cirrus Silver and Obsidian Black Metallic paint, which alone cost $18,500. This is a huge amount for paint, although the result looks truly impressive.
Other options further increased the total amount:
- Champagne glass holders for $800.
- 23-inch forged wheels for $5,500.
- A pair of folding tables for rear passengers for $1,800.
- A refrigerator built into the center console for $1,100.
A True Palace on Wheels
The GLS600 can rightfully be called a palace on wheels. Although the front seats look incredibly comfortable, and the dashboard design is one of the most refined among modern Mercedes models, it is the second row of seats that causes the most admiration. After all, a Maybach is not exactly the kind of car one wants to drive themselves.
The legroom and headroom for the two captain’s chairs in the rear are simply enormous. The seats, door panels, and transmission tunnel are upholstered in the finest Nappa leather. Add to that the aforementioned refrigerator in the rear center console and the glass holders, allowing passengers to enjoy the finest beverages while being driven to their next business meeting.
It is truly a wonderful place to be, without a doubt. It’s just worth letting someone else take the initial financial hit from depreciation.
This case clearly demonstrates the dynamics of the ultra-expensive car market, where status and novelty often come at a very high price. The rapid depreciation of models like the Maybach GLS600 opens up opportunities in the secondary market, where one can get a practically new car at a significantly more attractive price. This calls into question the traditional logic of “new means better” in the premium segment, where the emotional value of buying a new car can significantly outweigh its practical benefit.
