2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 4MATIC Review: Luxury SUV Gets What’s Important

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EDITORS’ RATING: 9/ 10

If all we appreciated was shuttling guests in convenience, we ‘d all be driving minivans. Love ’em or dislike ’em, huge high-end SUVs are here to remain, and probably absolutely nothing characterizes that mix of eminence and profligacy like the 2024 Mercedes Benz GLS. Now in its 3rd generation, the SUV-formerly-known-as-the-GL-Class acquired an “S” in 2019 as a nod to the S-Class. The concern is, does the remainder of the experience measure up to such renowned contrasts?

Incomparably expensive, this isn’t in fact the most luxurious variation of the GLS you can purchase. Speed addicts can roam over to the AMG side of their closest Mercedes display room and have a look at the honestly ludicrous GLS 63. That does 0-60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds, which appears like a lot to ask from a three-row SUV.

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There’s the even fancier variation, the Mercedes-Maybach GLSTurning over the area of 2 rear rows to a set of reclining thrones, it’s a vision of luxurious plutocrat transport, and if it does not appear completely extravagant in contrast to the remainder of the high-end SUV set, then that’s just due to the fact that the Bentley Bentayga and BMW XM are maybe a little shouty

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Make no error, however, it’s not like the “routine” 2024 GLS 580 4MATIC is inexpensive. No place close, in truth: even with a reasonably light touch method to the choices sheet, this specific example still strikes $124,260 (consisting of $1,150 location). That might still be a far cry from the $146k+ of the AMG GLSnever ever mind the $175k+ of a Maybach GLS, however it’s still plenty.

Your six-figure invest gets you a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo moderate hybrid engine with 510 horse power and 538 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 miles per hour gets here in 4.7 seconds– slower than the AMG, definitely, however just by about half a 2nd– while Airmatic air suspension, 4MATIC four-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automated transmission are basic. The EPA states you might get 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, or 16 mpg integrated, for which you ‘d require a relatively light foot and a big quantity of restraint.

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Those on a more stringent spending plan can select the 2024 GLS 450 4MATIC. That has a “simple” 375 horse power and 369 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged moderate hybrid engine and begins at $87,000 (plus location). It’s likewise more prudent, ranked for 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg integrated.

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Even tuned as it is for less horses, it’s hard to envision somebody discovering the GLS 580 doing not have. Velocity is more than sufficient, and the V8 and its electrical increase quickly shake off the SUV’s 5,820-pound curb weight. No matter your speed, there’s still more punch on tap, all provided with a soft bellow.

You may not miss out on the Maybach’s additional grunt, then, however its extra drive modes might still motivate some envy. While the eponymous Maybach setting because variation of the GLS opens limo-esque wafting, it’s the bluntly-named Curve mode that Benz purchasers may long for many. Its capability to tauten the huge SUV in the curves without leaving it as company as in Sport mode truly seems like the very best of both worlds. The GLS 580’s Comfort mode is extremely soft, in contrast, though the optional E-Active Body Control Package ($6,500, and not fitted to this evaluation vehicle) includes a front-facing video camera selection to scan the roadway ahead and preempt bumps, holes, and curves by tweaking the suspension.

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Something you may not run the risk of the Maybach or AMG with, on the other hand, is venturing off-road, however Mercedes firmly insists the GLS depends on the job. A quickly reached trip height control in the center console enables the basic 7.9 inches of ground clearance to be raised as much as an optimum of 8.5 inches.

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An optional Off-Road Package ($1,900) includes an additional drive mode for more workable efficiency far from the asphalt, though it’s most likely the GLS 580’s 7,700-pound tow score (the exact same, by the way, as the smaller-engined GLS 450) that will be better everyday.

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This is a huge SUV, though the Emerald Green Metallic paint assists mask that rather. Still, when you’re riding on 22-inch AMG multispoke wheels– that do not, honestly, look outsized on the GLS– you’re going to be substantial. Mercedes fits lit up running boards as basic, however they have an aggravating propensity to brush dirt on the back of your trousers legs.

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Still, clamber within, and it’s difficult to be too mad. Leather upholstery comes requirement, together with a scenic glass roofing, heated and aerated front seats with massage, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, and five-zone (5!) automated environment control. The exceptional Burmester Surround Sound audio system is basic, too, though the SUV here got the even much better 3D upgrade (including $4,550 to the sticker label).

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Other choices consist of a wood/leather guiding wheel ($600), the Warmth and Comfort Package with faster seat heating and heated armrests for the front and back ($1,100), the Acoustic Comfort Package ($1,100) with much better insulation for the glass, and the Pinnacle trim ($1,800) with a head-up display screen, projectors to beam a constellation of Mercedes stars on the ground as you unlock, and heated/cooled front cupholders.

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Does your life need targeted heat (or cooling) to the Starbucks drink of your option? That is, maybe, too philosophical a concern for here. Marvel rather at how Mercedes’ twin 12.3-inch control panel screens– one for the motorist’s instrumentation, the other a touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment– now handle to look relatively small compared to the large (and questionable) Hyperscreen discovered in a few of the car manufacturer’s other high-end designs.

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They get the job done, however, and perhaps while being less sidetracking. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto exist and appropriate (together with a bunch of USB-C ports spread out around the cabin for charging tasks), and Mercedes’ voice control system– triggered through the “okay Mercedes” essential expression– stays all of a sudden skilled.

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Lodgings for the front row are, unsurprisingly, really pleasing. The 2nd row gets an almost-as-nice set of captain’s chairs as a no-cost choice (changing the more ordinary three-seat bench), with armrests and power change. The Executive Rear Seat Package Plus ($3,750) includes ventilation, massage, rear cordless phone charging, and an expensive MBUX tablet; enough, you might discover, to fend off much of your Maybach jealousy.

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The rearmost set of seats are certainly tight for grownups however still come geared up with charging ports, cupholders (sans heating/cooling, regretfully), and vents. With all those seats up, the huge Mercedes uses 17.4 cu-ft of freight area. The 3rd row has a 50/50 split, while with the 2nd row folded, there’s an optimum of 84.7 cu-ft to have fun with.

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There’s something reassuringly old-school Mercedes about the GLS. Not in the sense that it’s doing not have in its abilities or falls brief in style: just that, in the face of a few of the car manufacturer’s other current designs, its innovation feels less in-your-face. No high knowing curve for its functions, and devoted buttons and switches for the important things most motorists will be changing everyday.

That appears suitable for what– high-end focus or otherwise– is an automobile with transferring a lot of individuals at its core. With 3 rows filled, whether that’s kids or grownups, the last thing you most likely desire is to be digging through a huge touchscreen to discover some setting or another. And make no error, even without a Maybach badge, the GLS is a magnificent good location to discover yourself being transferred or behind the wheel.

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Fact of the matter is, your choices are relatively restricted when it pertains to people-haulers with correct eminence. Audi’s SQ7 is smaller sized than the GLS; the BMW X7 is exceptional (and the fast X7 M60i or Alpina XB7 are more enjoyable to drive), however down on third-row area compared to the Mercedes. For all there is to like about three-row options from Genesis, Cadillac Escaladeand others, none rather satisfies like the GLS 580 does. Yes, you’ll pay handsomely for 3 rows and the three-pointed star, however the 2024 GLS 580 shows Mercedes does not require AMG or Maybach to make a huge SUV that sticks out.