Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the flagship crossover SUV of the German luxury brand, often dubbed “the S-Class of SUVs.” As such, it features some of the most comfortable accommodations, cutting-edge technology and finest driving manners of 3-row luxury SUVs.

The GLS is all-new for 2020, and with this third generation come innovative features and tech in Mercedes’ bid for supremacy over rivals like the new BMW X7, Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. Amenities and creature comforts range from massaging seats and heated/cooled cup holders to an augmented-video navigation system. The GLS offers the choice of a turbocharged inline-6 or twin-turbo V8 engine, both bolstered by a 48-volt electric system for extra power and efficiency.

For the first time, the GLS can be configured in a 6-passenger setup vs. the standard seven. The Mercedes-Benz GLS still trails the Navigator and Escalade ESV in sheer size but lacks little else vs. competitors, and in most other aspects remains the benchmark among full-size 3-row crossover SUVs.

Whether you opt for the “base” $75,000-plus GLS 450 and its 6-cylinder engine or pony up nearly $99,000 for the V8, you can’t go wrong. The new turbocharged inline-6 is a marvel. It is exceptionally smooth and easily moves this full-size Mercedes SUV. Part of the magic is the GLS’ new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which can instantly add 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 horsepower to the output of either engine.

As such, the 6-cylinder Mercedes GLS can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 5.9 seconds. Step up to the V8-powered GLS 580, and get even quicker acceleration — 0-60 mph arrives in 5.2 seconds — and gutsier passing power.

But the GLS is far more than just its impressive engines. With selectable drive modes, its ride is shockingly chameleon-like. Most drivers will be content to leave this rig in Comfort mode, its 9-speed automatic transmission smoothly ticking through gears as you waft along. Toggle the Dynamic Select to Sport, and it firms up the standard air suspension and tweaks throttle response and other vehicle characteristics for a change you can really feel — it’s livelier and more athletic.

An Eco mode aids efficiency, while an Off-Road mode tailors the GLS’ standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for venturing off the beaten path. If you’re among the elite few who want to willingly take your 6-figure luxury SUV off-road, the GLS 580 offers an off-road package that adds a 2-speed transfer case and added off-road prowess. We ventured deep into off-road territory at altitude around Park City, Utah, and were quite amazed at its capability.

The new GLS Mercedes SUV remains a 3-row SUV with seating for seven, but has increased interior room compared to the last model. For the first time, the GLS can be had in 6-passenger form. As a no-cost option, the 2nd-row bench seat is replaced with two captain’s chairs. If you need to seat up to eight passengers, however, that’s still the domain of the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX80.

Room has been improved in the second and third rows, and access to the last row is easier if you opt for the 2nd-row captain’s chairs. Executive rear-seat packages on 7-passenger models can add indulgent features like heated and cooled 2nd-row seats with massaging functionality, wireless charging and a tablet to control multimedia.

In general, the GLS is awash in premium materials and cutting-edge tech. Up front are twin 12.3-inch digital displays. One acts as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment display for navigation, audio, phone connectivity and the like. As the S-Class of SUVs, the front seats are commendably comfortable and supportive, and if you can spring for the Multicontour massaging front seats, do it.

Cargo room has also grown. Behind the rear seats is now 17.4 cubic feet — enough for a few suitcases. Folding the third row creates up to 48.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded you get 84.7 cubes of space.

The all-new GLS has grown by three inches over the last model for a total length of 205 inches. That’s big, but not gargantuan. That’s a smidge longer than the current Cadillac Escalade, but still far less than the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV that comes in at 224.3 inches. In everyday terms this means the GLS has the size and presence that will meet or exceed most needs without feeling like a locomotive to park and maneuver.

In design, this new model doesn’t stray far from the handsome looks of the prior-gen. The new-gen GLS has more rounded edges, a revamped front fascia, and now rides on wheels up to 23 inches in size.

AUGMENTED-VIDEO NAVIGATION SYSTEM
This add-on feature makes the GLS’ standard navigation system incredibly more helpful. When following directions, the augmented system uses live video from two front cameras and overlays direction markers and symbols, so you won’t miss a turn. For only $300 extra, it’s a no-brainer.

CARWASH MODE
With this standard feature, all it takes is one selection to prepare the GLS for a trip through the wash. When engaged, it disables the rain-sensing windshield wipers, closes the windows and moonroof, folds in the exterior mirrors and even raises the SUV’s height so the wheelwells can be cleaned.

When choosing a GLS, your first and biggest consideration will be which model. The GLS 450 is considered the base model with its 6-cylinder engine, while the GLS 580 packs the V8 and has even more standard features. Yet the $75,000-plus GLS 450 is hardly a pauper. As standard you get a hands-free power tailgate, remote start via the Mercedes me mobile app, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, heated front seats, power-folding 3rd-row seats, surround-view camera system and air suspension.

The standard infotainment system is impressive. It bundles two 12.3-inch screens that spread across the dash, has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a wonderful Burmester audio system, navigation, and nine USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Safety systems include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and a driver-attention monitor.

With the GLS 580, you gain the V8 engine and more amenities like a genuine leather interior instead of the synthetic MB-Tex of the 450. It also includes front seats with massage functionality and ventilation, soft-close doors, 5-zone climate control and an adaptive damping suspension. Options for both models are long and varied. They range from an acoustically sealed cabin and the aforementioned executive rear-seating package to the Energizing system that adjusts climate, audio, lighting and even in-cabin fragrance to set a certain mood.

One package we highly recommend is Driver Assistance Plus. It bundles adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and active stop-and-go assist, which enabled the GLS to resume cruise control after even a minute stopped in traffic. Pricey but exceptionally cool is the E-Active Body Control ($6,500), an innovative system that can adjust each individual wheel’s suspension for everything from better ride and handling to getting unstuck from sand. Speaking of, the GLS 580 model also offers the Off-Road Package with 2-speed transfer case with low-range gearing.

The revamped Mercedes GLS offers a choice of two new engines to this flagship luxury SUV. GLS 450 models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 362 horsepower, while the GLS 580 has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 483 horsepower.

These engines would be great on their own, but they both come with Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This 48-volt electrified system and integrated starter generator improve efficiency by running power-intensive functions such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor. Moreover, it also provides a jolt of power when needed. Over short periods, the system can supplement the engine with an additional 21 horsepower and impressive 184 lb-ft of torque.

Both models have all-wheel drive standard, which Mercedes calls 4Matic. Both also use a 9-speed automatic transmission that performs better than many other 9-speed automatics we’ve tested. As with many new vehicles, the engine uses a start/stop system that cuts power at idle to save fuel. It can be disabled if desired. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds with either engine.

Note that the 603-horsepower, high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 will be reviewed separately.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 w/EQ Boost electrical system
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/23 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
483 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg