Both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive.īoth versions are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, though, to be honest, if that system is doing anything at all I’ve yet to figure out what it is. The higher model is the GLS580, powered by a twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid 4.0-liter V-8 engine pumping out 483 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque.

is the GLS450, which is powered by a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine making 362 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. Spacious, smooth and bristling with the latest Mercedes-Benz interior multimedia displays and powertrain and suspension technology, it truly is a luxurious (if somewhat complicated to operate) prestige SUV. Related: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class First Drive: Resetting the Luxury BarĢ020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | photo by Aaron Bragman Do You Really Need a V-8? (And just wait until an AMG version gets here, likely boosting that price even further.) Given these hefty prices, has the redesign of the new GLS truly made it a proper S-Class-level SUV? It’s certainly priced to be competitive with the S-Class the base GLS450 with a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine is $76,945 including destination fee, and prices can stretch up over $126,000 for a well-equipped GLS580. But the trend toward choosing luxury SUVs over their sedan counterparts has been strong for decades, making the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class arguably more relevant right now.įor 2020, the GLS gets a major makeover, sharing a platform with the smaller GLE mid-size SUV and receiving a full redo of its interior. Big, smooth and built to impeccable standards, it’s been the world standard for luxury sedans for decades. American alternatives, meanwhile, have finally caught up in refinement, amenities and glitzy displays.įor many people, the most iconic luxury sedan in the world is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Versus the competition: The BMW X7 matches the GLS for interior luxury appointments, but the Benz beats it with its latest multimedia and suspension tech. The verdict: It’s pricey, but the posh 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class makes a solid case to be considered the S-Class of luxury SUVs.

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