The Mercedes Benz GLS is offered with one of two engines. The Base GLS 450 4Matic comes with a 3.0L, 362 horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine sending power to all-four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. In addition, a mild hybrid system is included, providing an additional 21 horsepower, which allows the GLS to coast in electric only mode, saving gasoline. The GLS 580 4Matic is powered by a 4.0L V8 aided by two turbochargers and a similar mild-hybrid system. With 483 horsepower, the GLS 580 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Standard features on the GLS 450 4Matic include power seats with three different memory slots that will also remember the position of the steering wheel and mirrors, a power liftgate with hands free access, keyless entry and a remote starter that can be linked to a smartphone, dual-zone climate control, a powered sunroof, a 12.3-inch multimedia display in the center console, a second 12.3-inch, multiconfiguration display for the driver's instruments, navigation with built-in voice control, 64-color ambient LED lighting, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android auto, nine different USB ports as well as a household style 115V power source, a Burmester sound system and steering wheel mounted touch controls.
An AIRMATIC suspension is also standard, meaning that the GLS 450 can raise or lower its ride height depending on conditions, making everything from off-roading to simply getting into the vehicle easier than ever. It also means the GLS can change its suspension stiffness between comfort and sport modes. Standard safety features include an active brake assist system, blind spot assist, Mercedes' PRE-SAFE system, Active Brake Assist pedestrian detection, seven airbags and a surround view monitor.
The GLS 580 trim adds soft close doors, ventilated front seats, leather seating surfaces and 5-zone automatic climate control in addition to the much more powerful engine.
Option packages include an Executive Rear Seat Package with second row wireless charging, a removable 7-inch tablet for the second row which can control the comfort and infotainment settings, nicer headrests and additional airbags. The Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS adds heating and ventilation and a massage function to the second row, while a Driver Assistance Package PLUS includes active steering assist, active brake assist and a radar guided cruise control which can maintain a set distance from vehicles the GLS might be following on the freeway. Standalone options include a Burmester 3D surround sound system, a heads-up display and heated and cooled cup holders for the front or second row.
Comfortable Ride
Spacious Interior With Three Rows Of Seating
Sophisticated Interior Tech
Powerful Engine Options
All-wheel Drive
Mild-hybrid Engines
The Mercedes-Benz GLS gets a full redesign for 2020 with the goal of offering drivers and passengers a more comfortable vehicle that is easier to live with. At the very heart of the redesign is an increase in wheelbase by about two and half inches, which pays big dividends for interior spaciousness while also increasing ride quality. While the third row of seating is generally reserved for children on most large SUV's, Mercedes boasts that the third row in the GLS easily fits people over six feet tall. In addition to the extra space, the third row gets features not normally seen back there: all three seats are adjustable and can be configured with seat heaters.
The Mercedes GLS competes with other large, luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7 and the Cadillac Escalade. While Mercedes-Benz usually charges a premium over other brands, the pricing of the GLS is right in line with the base price for those two competitors, while offering more comfort than the BMW and more sophistication and technology than the Cadillac. And while the BMW has the slightly muddled mission of combining a dose of sportiness into the large SUV experience, Mercedes seems to have made comfort the top priority on their large SUV, with technology being their main tool in the pursuit of that goal.
