2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580: more space, comfort, luxury

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580: more space, comfort, luxury

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, January 17, 2020 1:30am

Family, friends, vacation time, Christmas and 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC.

You will not be reading any complaints from this blessed writer.

The new GLS is the largest, most luxurious SUV from Mercedes-Benz and it offers more — more space, more comfort and more luxury.

Three adjustable-seat rows offer all passengers a generous amount of space and outstanding seating comfort. The seats in the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase the trunk space, while the seats in the second row fold flat, providing cavernous storage space when needed.

GLS is powered by a new engine: The 4.0-liter, V8, Bi-Turbo now includes EQ Boost – a 48-volt onboard electrical system with an integrated starter generator. Mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the duo generates 483 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. My tester seated six and EPA mileage ratings are not yet available.

“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like almost no other vehicle,” said Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for corporate research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development.

The base GLS comes with a $97,800 price tag, but mine came with optional equipment that topped out at $120,475. Highlighted options included 22-inch multi-spoke wheels with black accents ($1,250), panorama sliding sunroof ($1,000), driver assistance package ($2,250), off-road package ($1,900), warmth and comfort package ($1,320), energizing parking package ($2,100), night package ($400), acoustic comfort ($1,100), and E-Active body control ($6,500).

The latter, delivers an active suspension that provides outstanding comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability. Paired with the new variable 4MATIC system, the combination ensures great agility on the road and strong performance off the beaten track. The GLS also offers impressive aerodynamics in its segment.

At present, Mercedes-Benz offers seven models in the SUV segment (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS and G-Class). To date, more than five million customers worldwide have purchased a Mercedes-Benz SUV. The GLS is produced in the U.S. in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

With more gadgets, gizmos, buttons and levers than an old Norwegian could navigate in just a week, let’s cut the chase – creature comforts. First off, it’s hard to beat three rows of captain’s chairs. Every passenger sits on a Nappa leather throne with five-zone climate control to please everyone.

Front passengers benefit from heated and cooled seats with massage feature, multiple adjustments including lumbar, heated steering wheel, heated arm rests and heated side panels front and rear. Air balance delivers your fragrance of preference, so unseemly smells are kept at bay.

After dark, LED light accents can be managed to select your color of choice (64). It goes with saying my cabin was decked out in Husky purple in celebration of a Las Vegas Bowl blowout win over Boise State. Can’t beat purple for ambience!

Let’s see, there was wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation with voice control, Burmester surround-sound audio system, head-up display to show speed through the windshield, LED side mirror logo projectors (for showing off) and illuminated door sills.

Safety features defy description. I could write an entire review on that subject alone. Let’s just say there is enough technology to counteract human error. The GLS virtually drives itself.

Base Price: $98,750

Price As Driven: $120,475

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.

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