2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS represents a new generation for Benz's biggest luxury hauler. The outgoing Mercedes' GLS is comfortable, quiet and roomy for full-size adults, but it was getting long in the tooth. Especially when compared to some of the German brand's smaller and flashier SUVs, such as the GLE and the GLC. And as more and more luxury makers are treading into the deeper waters of SUVs, it made sense for Mercedes to bring out a new interpretation of a fairly traditional platform.

By new, we mean totally new. For starters, the chassis is longer and the body more aerodynamic, which translates into more room and a quieter, more efficient ride. The GLS' two available engines have also been updated with Mercedes' latest EQ Boost technology, which uses a beefy 48-volt starter-generator to smooth out the auto stop-start process, provide a bit of torque at low speeds, and allow the engine to shut off sooner and coast.

Most three-row SUVs aren't actually designed to accommodate even one full-size adult in the third row, but the GLS is different. Available in either a six- or seven-seat configuration, the GLS can comfortably seat adults in all three rows. It also comes standard with an adjustable air suspension system that provides variable ride height and load-leveling functionality.

That means you can adjust the ride for your particular load and driving conditions. The GLS' standard all-wheel-drive system is also equally adept in slippery weather conditions. And when equipped with the Off-Road package, it features true low-range gearing for when the trail gets tough.

The GLS also comes with Mercedes' latest infotainment system. Called MBUX, it has robust voice command functionality. It's kind of like having Amazon's Alexa, but instead you say, "Hey, Mercedes."

Due to the niche capabilities that these vehicles provide, the luxury three-row SUV market is vast. If you like the idea of owning an SUV with above-average off-road ability, consider the Lexus LX 570 or Land Rover Discovery. Though they're smaller on the inside, these two are the vehicles of choice for any terrain.

For more typical use, the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 feature excellent on-road manners and smartphone technology. The new X7 is as adept at hauling passengers as the GLS, but it lacks the GLS' flexible cargo capacity. Finally, for towing duties done luxuriously, consider the Lincoln Navigator.

The GLS 450 will come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLS 580 will come with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque (which, yes, is more than the BMW X7's V8).

Both variants feature the EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system, Mercedes' standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Considering how physically large the GLS is, you'll likely be surprised by how it drives like a much smaller SUV. Thank its adaptive suspension and responsive powertrain for that.

In the softest setting, the adaptive air suspension soaks up the bumps and offers a supple ride. And if you find it to be too soft on twisty roads, switching it up to a more aggressive drive mode can stabilize the body and prevent it from rolling too much. Doing so, however, will make the engine rev higher and longer and make the throttle more sensitive. Thankfully, the GLS lets you customize these critical aspects of driving, such as steering, transmission and suspension individually, or simply leave it on auto mode and let the computers handle the work.

Though the standard air suspension system should work well for most drivers, Mercedes also offers an Electronic Active Body Control suspension (dubbed E-ABC) that will appeal to drivers desiring a sportier experience or simply the best ride quality possible. E-ABC uses a camera to scan the road ahead and preemptively change the suspension settings for each individual wheel before they hit anything. This feature lets the suspension counteract larger bumps, such as railroad crossings, that could upset the body. This system also lets the GLS lean into turns like a motorcycle, which gives it more stability, particularly when faced with multiple turns in a row, by drastically limiting body roll.

The standard inline-six engine features turbocharging and a mild hybrid system that bumps up power and torque when you need it. Practically speaking, you never notice the system directly, just that you're never short of power when you need it. Pulling out to pass slower traffic or quickly merging onto a highway results in a quick downshift and smooth torque. The optional V8 also features the same technology, which further increases the already potent capabilities that the larger engine provides.

Compared to its fellow luxury three-row competitors, the GLS ranks about the middle in performance but is tops in on-road quietness and comfort. It comes with large wheels and tires that look great but make steering feel somewhat vague. It makes up for it, though, with excellent response and good feedback.

With a large 12.3-inch configurable instrument panel display and an equally sized central touchscreen display, the GLS features the same layout as other recently introduced big Mercedes-Benzes. The new model is a little longer and wider, which adds legroom to both the second and third rows and a little extra something to the cargo area.

The fully powered second- and third-row seats are particularly interesting. Unlike other luxury SUVs that make you pull levers or handles to stow or deploy seats for loading cargo or people, the GLS does all the hard work for you with switches located on top of the seats and in the rear cargo area.

Third-row passengers get their own switches, so they're not dependent on the second-row passengers to fold their seats forward. Even tall adults will find it easy to get into and out of the third row thanks to the high roof height and wide aperture created by the folded-over second-row seat.

The GLS' cabin materials are of expectedly high quality. From the dash to the third-row seats, the leather feels durable, and the wood and metal trim is well-integrated into the design. There are two USB-C ports for the front passengers, two for the second row and four for the third. There's also an inductive phone charger in front of the cupholders in the center console and a 110-volt outlet. Should you equip your GLS with an Executive Rear Seating package, you'll gain an additional inductive charger for one rear-seat passenger.

If you need a luxury vehicle that can also transport up to seven adult passengers, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS fits the bill. Even with all the new tech, the GLS aims to be the same comfortable and capable three-row SUV that Mercedes-Benz calls the S-Class of SUVs. The GLS comes standard as a seven-seater, with a 60/40-split folding second row and two-seat bench for the third row. The third row can fold down flush, while the second-row seatbacks fold forward to present a flat load floor. A six-seat option is available, which swaps out the second-row bench for two captain's chairs.

Regardless of configuration, both rear rows can be stowed or deployed at the touch of a button. Its power-actuated seats make the task of folding down seatbacks or sliding the second-row seat around to make room for passengers, cargo or any combination thereof a literal button-push away.

The GLS will also be able to tow up to 7,700 pounds, with its ride-leveling suspension ensuring its body stays level, while the traction control system will mitigate sway. An available Off-Road package offers a true low-range and additional off-road-specific driving modes that give the GLS a surprising amount of capability when the road turns into a trail.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS features the German brand's latest infotainment system dubbed MBUX. This system is advanced and integrates very neatly into the vehicle. The learning curve is somewhat steep, as MBUX requires some degree of knowledge to reap the most rewards of ownership.

Helping you out are the multiple ways of communicating with MBUX. Plain-speech voice commands, touchscreen inputs, and swipes and multi-gesture inputs on the centrally mounted haptic touchpad allow most drivers to access core functions, such as phone, navigation and multimedia, with a minimum of fuss. Once you've got the hang of it, you'll find MBUX can even provide features such as navigation cues highlighted by augmented reality support on the infotainment screen, voice activation for the massaging seats, or even gesture control for interior lights or your favorite function.