Mercedes-Benz is one of the companies that had anticipated the public’s thirst for full-size luxury SUVs with its proposal that was initially knows as the GL Class now entering its 3rd generation as the GLS.
A rival to the likes of the Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, as well as the BMW X7, it is all-new, inside and out. It has a larger footprint that includes a longer wheelbase that frees up (even) more space in the cabin. The GLS remains a 3-row SUV with the Germans claiming that it’s so spacious that a 6.4 foot (193 cm) tall person can fit in the last row.
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Billed by Mercedes itself as the ‘S-Class of SUVs’, you can imagine the bundle of technology and comfort items present. From the MBUX system to the E-Active Body Control suspension that improves riding comfort, the GLS has it all. The design of the dashboard and center console has been simplified, so nobody will be overwhelmed by the presence of the brand’s latest and greatest features. For a more pleasant driving experience, it also comes with ambient lighting, five-zone automatic climate control, sliding sunroof and premium sound system.
In the U.S., the GLS comes in two grades, the GLS 450 and GLS 580. Pricing starts at $75,200 and $97,800, respectively, with the former getting a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6, rated at 362 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, and the latter a 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. Both of them feature a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Even the entry-level model is very well equipped, boasting electrically adjustable seats, sliding sunroof, Burmester premium sound system, ambient lighting with 64 colors to choose from and many more. Given the lesser price tag, this will be the trim level most will opt for, and was also the model driven in the review from CNET’s Roadshow. Time to find out if this is really the ‘S-Class of SUVs’.