Despite the push for all-electric vehicles, there are still a lot of big gas-powered vehicles out there, including full-size SUVs. All of them serve the same purpose — carrying up to eight people and their gear in comfort and safety, with reliable long-distance travel guaranteed by their ability to refuel at gas stations.
But they are not all created equal. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is arguably the most luxurious and sophisticated three-row SUV on the market. It is also ideal for wet weather travel in the Pacific Northwest, including weekend ski trips with families or friends.
The Mercedes GLS is available in three versions. The 450 comes with a silky smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6 that produces 375 horsepower. While that should be sufficient for most buyers, the 580 boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that pumps out 510 horsepower. The AMG version of the 580 pumps that up to 600 ponies.
Although all versions feature some form of hybridization to increase mileage, no one should consider either of them to be economical. The fuel-efficient full-size SUV has yet to be invented, although mileage is much approved across the board from even just a few years ago.
Regardless of which GLS you choose, both feature all of the German manufacturer’s trademarks, including advanced engineering, high-quality construction, a smooth ride, a refined interior, and more technology that most owners will ever figure out how to use. Although the exterior styling is necessarily blocky, the GLS looks stately and the large M-B grill lets everyone know what you’re driving.
My test GLS was the V8-powered 580, which also came with numerous premium options, including a $4,550 Burmester 3D surround sound system that helped push the total price to $125,770. Yes, that’s a lot of money, but it somehow seems justified when driving.
During a week of testing, GLS 580 had a rock-solid feel, but could also go surprisingly fast for a two-and-a-half ton vehicle. It was also remarkably quiet with the stereo off and almost completely isolated from the bad roads in my part of town, thanks to an air-pressure suspension that was firm without being harsh. It could also be lowered vehicle for entry and exit, and raised to cross challenging terrain.
My first day out, I was hit with a sudden thunderstorm while driving in the passing lane up a steep hill. While the slower traffic slowed down even more, I was able to keep up my pace — and could have gone even faster — thanks to the impressive traction provided by the standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Anyone carrying family members would have been reassured by how normal it all felt.
Luxury interiors once meant cushy seats, embossed door panels, and lots of wood trim, some of it not too convincing. Today’s top-of-the-line vehicles are much more refined. The interior of the GLS is a mix pf rich leathers — including supportive sport-style front bucket seats — and tasteful brushed metal, accented by chrome trim. Despite the high price, nothing felt excessive about the interior of the 580.
The dash features one of the largest displays on the market, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and another screen the same size for your driver information display. All are encased in one continuous panel of glass that is integrated into the dash – not sticking up above or protruding out of it, like those in some other vehicles. The GLS is so large, it just seems perfectly proportionate.
All of today’s vehicles are competing for the best technologies. More is expected of luxury vehicles, of course, and Mercedes is not prepared to be out shown. The GLS comes with the voice-controlled Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which is literally prepared to do anything you ask. It can turn on the driver's seat massage and heat, change the radio station – and even navigate you to the nearest restaurant of your choice or read a Wikipedia page for you because it is connected to the Internet. As if audio books aren’t enough for long trips.
Naturally, the safety systems in the GLS – or any Mercedes, for that matter – are among the most advanced on the market. They include surround-view camera system, active steering assistance, and active parking assistance, and much more.
A number of all-electric full-size SUVs are now beginning to hit the market, including the Mercedes-Benz's own 2024 EQS and the upcoming 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Given the lack of public recharging infrastructure, I don’t consider them yet practical enough for very long family trips, especially through rural areas, yet. That’s one reason why gas-powered vehicles aren’t really going away anytime soon.
Despite its size and cost, the 2024 GLS-Class is not the largest or most expensive full size luxury SUV on the market. But it has everything – and more – than anyone could reasonably want.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC
Base price: $112,000
Price as tested: $125,770
Type: Full-size luxury SUV
Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (510 hp, 538 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Off road, Individual
EPA estimated mileage: 14/20
Overall length: 205 inches
Curb weight: 5,489 pounds
Final assembly: Vance, Alabama
Most Popular
Comments / 0