Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class hits the sweet spot for luxury SUVs, offering room for seven passengers in a right-sized platform that shuns overt bulk and garish exterior treatments. Offering a choice of two twin-turbocharged engines, the GLS isn’t lacking in power or ability, although it can’t perform the kind of off-road duty expected of its larger sibling, the Gelandewagen G-Class. With a tow rating of 7,500 pounds, the GLS can certainly hold its own against most competitors, and although it lacks a diesel or hybrid option, the V6 model earns a respectable 22 mpg on the highway. Toss in the air suspension and plethora of Mercedes-Benz technology, safety and luxury features, and it’s hard to find reasons not to own this SUV.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is supremely confident on slippery roads thanks to the Dynamic Select modes for the drivetrain, which includes a Slippery setting.

The settings are so good at controlling and maintaining traction that it may be too easy to forget that the laws of physics still apply; don’t get overconfident. If you order the off-road package, Dynamic Select gets an Off-Road+ setting that enables a low-range gearbox and center differential lock for off-pavement driving. While it can’t take on the truly rough stuff like a Jeep Wrangler can, it’s better than a lot of other competitors.

All the while, you’re surrounded by the kind of leather-bound comfort you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz. The twin-turbo V6 is more than adequate in terms of acceleration and passing, and of course the twin-turbo V8 is exceptionally satisfying. The 9-speed automatic transmission remains a delightful companion to both engines.

To its credit, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class doesn’t jam in a child-size 3rd-row seat to claim 7-passenger seating. No sir, there is ample room for adults in all three rows. The price paid for such a spacious third-row seat is precious little cargo room behind it, but when it is folded the GLS has ample space for luggage, groceries or gear.

Luxury abounds in the GLS-Class, from the large infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to the numerous leathers, colors and Designo selections allowing for a level of individualized customization increasingly hard to find these days.

There’s no mistaking the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class as coming from any other manufacturer. However, its upright lines and squared shoulders definitely give it a last-generation appearance despite a recent general softening of the lines. At the same time, Mercedes massaged the headlights, grille and front bumper to resemble something closer to the GLC-Class, and we like the more modern LED taillights and subtly reshaped rear side glass. There are Designo paint schemes available, as well as a range of different alloy wheels.

DYNAMIC SELECT
Depending on the road surface, the GLS-Class’ Dynamic Select system can adjust the drivetrain to adapt for maximum traction. The Slippery setting deals with wet or ice-covered pavement, while the Off-road+ mode allows this big Mercedes to venture confidently in moderate off-road situations.

SURROUND-VIEW SYSTEM
It can be difficult to see where the GLS-Class ends and painted parking lines begin, which is why the Surround View system can be a lifesaver. Multiple cameras produce a 360-degree bird’s-eye view, erasing any excuse for a sloppy parking job.

With a starting price tag in the low $70,000 range, one would expect a bevy of standard features and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class doesn’t disappoint. On board is cruise control, a power driver’s seat with memory function, remote start, heated front seats, Garmin Map Pilot, power-folding 50/50 3rd-row seats, a power sunroof, 115-volt outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD/DVD audio with 6-disc changer, Bluetooth, a rearview monitor, power-folding mirrors, power liftgate, crosswind stabilization, drowsiness monitor, automatic emergency braking and a complimentary subscription to Mercedes Me Connect remote-access support and services.

Options get grouped into packages, such as the Driver Assistance package, which includes blind-spot alert, brake assist, Pre-Safe anti-collision system, active cruise control and active lane keeping. Pick the Premium package and you’ll get niceties like illuminated doorsills, push-button ignition, navigation and more. One clever feature is the Active Curve System package, which includes adaptive shocks and a curve-system stability control that is just about as close to autonomous driving as Mercedes’ lawyers will let the engineers get. Like many luxury manufacturers, leather is actually an option, with your choice between regular and super-soft Nappa hides. The Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system is a must for audiophiles.

The 2019 GLS 450 comes with a twin-turbo V6 engine putting out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, stats that were solidly V8 territory not too long ago. However, there is a V8 in the GLS 550, a 4.7-liter twin turbo that puts out 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on both models, as is an excellent 9-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly enough that you may not even notice. All GLS-Class models require premium fuel, with the V6 the thriftier of the two as it sips a gallon every 22 miles.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (GLS 450)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (GLS 550)
449 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg