Mercedes-Benz GLS580 Body Kit & Aero Parts Review

Transforming the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 X167 with a Maybach Body Kit

For owners of the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLS580 X167 seeking an elevated aesthetic, a Maybach body kit offers a comprehensive exterior upgrade. This isn't merely about adding cosmetic parts; it's a meticulous transformation that redefines the vehicle's presence. This review details a recent installation, highlighting the key components and the impact they have on the vehicle's overall appeal, particularly favored by discerning owners in affluent areas like Gangnam.

The Maybach body kit package fundamentally alters the GLS580's visual identity. The front bumper is replaced with a Maybach-specific design, featuring its distinctive grille. The hood emblem is also updated to the latest Maybach specification, significantly contributing to the refined front fascia. The rear undergoes a similar transformation, with the bumper replaced and all trunk badging updated from the standard GLS to Maybach and 'GLS 600' designations. Additionally, Maybach emblems are added to the C-pillars, enhancing the vehicle's profile.

The Crucial Detail: B-Pillar Chrome Molding

A standout element in this upgrade is the B-pillar chrome molding. While some aftermarket kits include adhesive chrome strips, these often fall short. They may exhibit slight color discrepancies with the window trim and can show minor lifting at the edges, detracting from a seamless look.

Opting for genuine Maybach B-pillar chrome molding provides a superior finish. These are direct 1:1 replacements, ensuring perfect color matching with the window frames and a precise, flush fit. This attention to detail is why such upgrades are highly sought after by owners who demand perfection.

Wheel Size and Aesthetic Balance

Complementing the body kit, wheel selection is crucial. Genuine Maybach models typically come with 23-inch wheels, which perfectly balance the GLS580's imposing stature. The standard GLS450, for comparison, is usually equipped with 22-inch wheels.

Owners face a choice: retain their existing 22-inch tires and opt for 22-inch Maybach-style wheels, or commit to the full Maybach experience with new 23-inch wheels and tires. Considering the significant cost of new tires, budget plays a key role. However, for the most cohesive and luxurious appearance, upgrading to 23-inch wheels is generally recommended.

Electrically Retractable Side Steps: Elevating Entry and Exit

For a vehicle as tall as the GLS, Maybach's electrically retractable side steps offer a distinct advantage over standard running boards. These steps automatically deploy when the doors are opened, a signature feature of the Maybach lineup.

The design of these steps is thoughtfully integrated, with a progressively widening profile from the front to the rear doors, enhancing the ease and luxury of boarding and alighting. This functional and aesthetic enhancement adds a notable touch of sophistication, making a statement even in exclusive neighborhoods.

Installation Process:

1. Component Preparation: All new body kit and aero parts, including bumpers, grilles, emblems, and side steps, are inspected and prepared for installation.
2. Bumper Replacement: The original front and rear bumpers are carefully removed, and the new Maybach-designed bumpers are fitted and secured.
3. Emblem and Grille Swap: The factory grille and hood emblem are replaced with the Maybach equivalents. All trunk and C-pillar badges are updated.
4. B-Pillar Molding Installation: The original B-pillar trim is removed, and the genuine Maybach chrome moldings are precisely installed.
5. Side Step Integration: The factory side steps are removed, and the electric side step system is wired and mounted, ensuring proper function.

The interior also benefits from subtle yet impactful Maybach touches, further solidifying the vehicle's transformation into a pinnacle of automotive luxury.