Having earlier come through a tense quarter-final to beat Ted Evetts 6-5, van Gerwen stepped up a gear with a 7-1 dismissal of Rob Cross before taking a largely one-sided final.
The World Champion, who turns 30 himself on Thursday, was rampant in the final - averaging 106.45 as he charged to a 5-0 lead before cruising to victory.
Two early breaks of throw set the tone, followed by a showpiece 137 checkout on two double-tops, put the Dutchman firmly in command.
Whitlock, who was without a win against Van Gerwen in 14 attempts ahead of the final, was left languishing as the reigning champion then took out 100 in two darts for a five-leg advantage.
Eventually the Australian found a way into the game with back-to-back legs to trail by three.
The pair then traded blows, but Van Gerwen was clinical on the doubles - landing eight of his 12 total attempts - as he quickly wrapped up the remaining two legs to clinch the £25,000 top prize.
"I'm absolutely delighted to retain my title here in Munich and clinch a 30th European Tour title," said the Dutchman.
"This is a great achievement for me. I wasn't at my best at the start of this evening, but I did the right things at the right times and always felt confident."
"Simon is a great player and I'm just happy to get past him and win another title for my fans"
This milestone 30th European Tour title for Van Gerwen puts him 24 ahead in the record books of his nearest competitor Peter Wright, with six.
The European Tour action moves to Saarbrucken on April 26-28.
Monday results
Monday April 22
Afternoon Session (12pm GMT)
Third Round (Best of 11 legs)
- Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Stephen Bunting
- Ricky Evans 4-6 Ted Evetts
- Rob Cross 6-5 Daryl Gurney
- Mensur Suljovic 6-5 Dave Chisnall
- Karel Sedlacek 6-5 Darren Webster
- Kim Huybrechts 3-6 Max Hopp
- Ritchie Edhouse 4-6 Joe Cullen
- Ross Smith 4-6 Simon Whitlock
Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 11 legs)
- Michael Van Gerwen 6-5 Ted Evetts
- Rob Cross 6-5 Mensur Suljovic
- Max Hopp 6-5 Karel Sedlacek
- Simon Whitlock 6-1 Joe Cullen
Semi-Finals (Best of 13 legs)
- Michael van Gerwen 7-1 Rob Cross
- Max Hopp 6-7 Simon Whitlock
Final (Best of 15 legs)
- Michael van Gerwen 8-3 Simon Whitlock
CLICK HERE FOR FULL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Related Darts Content
