The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Is a High-Tech Palace of a Three-Row SUV

Likes: Standard all-wheel drive, two powerful and competent powertrains, engaging driving dynamics.
Dislikes: Tows less than main rivals.

The base engine found in the GLS450 is a purring and muscular 362-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, while a stout 449-hp twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8 powers the GLS550. Both engines pair with standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is optimized for highway cruising. The nine-speed shifts smoothly and rarely stumbles, but the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 is the real star—in our testing, it was as quick as the competition’s V-8s. While the GLS can tow up to 7500 pounds, that’s less than rivals such as the Escalade that can handle up to 8500 pounds.

Thanks in part to its standard air suspension, the GLS-class rides like the luxury cruiser it is. Bumps and pavement imperfections melt away in the standard Comfort setting; the available adaptive shocks stiffen the pillowy ride when Sport mode is selected. The GLS isn’t designed for hard cornering, so drivers will notice body roll when pushing it hard, but for everyday driving, it delivers the coddling ride we expect from a Mercedes. Steering is accurate and keeps this big ute tracking straight on the highway, but there’s almost no feedback from the road, and reaction to inputs is somewhat lazy. Stopping the GLS-class in its tracks is no mean feat, given that it tips the scales at more than 5300 pounds. When you first apply the pedal, there is sponginess to the feel of the pedal, but push through that and it feels firm and reassuring.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With its hulking size and a pair of large-displacement engines, the GLS-class can guzzle gas with the best of them, but the V-6 model at least manages better mileage than several V-8–only competitors. The optional V-8 aligns more closely with the competition from General Motors and Nissan. We don’t have test results for the GLS550, which is EPA-rated at 19 mpg highway, but we did test the GLS450, which matched its 22-mpg highway rating in our highway fuel-economy testing.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Cushy cockpit, myriad luxury options, more third-row legroom than main rivals.
Dislikes: Not quite as flashy as an S-class, desirable features cost extra, limited luggage capacity behind third row.

Certain interior features that should be standard at this price point are extra-cost options, such as leather seats, a power-adjustable front-passenger’s seat, ventilated seats, and three-zone climate control. Others, including heated and cooled front cupholders, are welcome extras that add innovative touches to the cabin. The first- and second-row seats are very comfortable, and even the third row is roomy enough for adults. Power-folding second-row seats are optional and make access to the third row easy.

Don’t let the 12-button number pad fool you: The GLS-class can be outfitted with the latest version of Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system. It’s mostly a successful application, although the touchpad can impede access to the rotary dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available but cost extra. All Mercedes owners have remote access to their vehicles via a smartphone app, which can remotely start a paired vehicle and either begin heating or cooling the cabin.

Easy cargo loading and a wealth of space in an elegant package make the GLS-class an excellent choice for those who want to transport their cargo in style. However, if maximum storage capacity in a luxury cruiser is a high priority for you, there are other SUVs that can carry even more. Depending on which seats are deployed, the GLS’s cargo area is either cavernous or cramped. With all three rows in use, we could only squeeze three carry-on bags into the luggage compartment. With the second and third rows folded, we stuffed 34 carry-ons behind the front seats.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The GLS-class has not been fully crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mercedes-Benz’s outstanding driver-assistance technology is available on all models, but most features are optional extras. Even blind-spot monitoring, which is finding its way into much more affordable vehicles as a standard feature, is optional in the base GLS. Key safety features include:

  • Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  • Available self-parking assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Benz’s warranty package is average among luxury brands in coverage length, and it fails to offer the complimentary scheduled maintenance that some competitors have.

  • Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

 

Source: caranddriver.com