Meet the SUV version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the GLS. The only car we can think of that competes with the GLS is the BMW X7. Both are uber luxurious 7-seaters.
Bold exterior
Everything about the GLS 580 is large and in charge. At the front you’re greeted with a massive grille with the Mercedes-Benz emblem that houses the radar cruise control sensor and full adaptive LED lights. The side is pretty simple housing optional 21-inch AMG wheels, whilst at the rear you get a set of beautiful LED taillights. The AMG -Line kit is a no cost option and looks rather sporty but we’re not particularly a fan of the fake exhaust tips. Overall it looks mega and quite commanding.
The interior
When it comes to the interior of the GLS 580, it’s a rather classy affair. The entire cabin is covered in premium materials and we’re happy to state that Mercedes didn’t go off and add piano black on any surfaces. The two 12.3-inch displays make the GLS look like the inside of a spaceship. The screens are crisp and easy to toggle through. The MBUX infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior was fitted with a macchiato beige / black combination and tops off the luxurious look of the cabin. The front two seats boast exceptional comfort, equipped with heating and cooling capabilities, as well as an array of massage functions. Additionally, the backseat passengers are not neglected in terms of comfort, with electronically adjustable and heated seats. The new GLS is 77mm longer, 22mm wider, and has a 60mm longer wheelbase compared to the previous model, which contributes to the impressive rear legroom.
Power
Packing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that produces 376kW (16kW from its mild-hybrid system) and 700 Nm of torque and is more of a cruiser rather than an apex hunter. It sends its power to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic gearbox. The V8 sounds beefy and when you squeeze the loud pedal, the big beast rises to occasion reaching illegal speeds very quickly. However, dial back a bit and the ride is extremely comfortable. As much as the cabin is well insulated, the sound of the V8 does creep in a bit. The comfy ride is courtesy of adjustable air suspension that takes care of all the road imperfections. Mercedes-Benz claims 10.1 L/100km but during our stint, we mainly saw it hover around 13 L/100 km. Doubt fuel consumption is a concern when you can afford a car with such a price tag.
Final words
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is winner if you want to transport your 5+ family in luxury. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 starts from R 2 201 444 before options.
