2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

History/Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a full-size SUV with three rows of seating. Formerly known as the GL-Class, it was renamed and redesigned into a second generation in 2017. For 2020, it has been redesigned again for its third generation.

Available Trims

Mercedes offers the GLS-Class in two variants, each based around a different turbocharged engine with the company's mild hybrid gas-electric technology. The GLS 450 uses a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine, and the GLS 580 boasts a V8.

A nine-speed transmission and AWD are standard with both engines.

Standard Features

Among the GLS 450's standard exterior features are an air suspension system, 21-inch wheels, aluminum roof rails, active multibeam LED headlights, LED taillights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, a hands-free power tailgate, a Class III trailer hitch, and passive keyless entry with push-button engine start.

Inside, the GLS 450 has a Nappa leather steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, lighted door sills, seating for seven, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats with power adjustments and memory, heated second-row seats, heated front and rear armrests, artico upholstery, climate controlled front cupholders, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment displays, MBUX infotainment, navigation, 9 USB-C ports, wireless smartphone charging, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, automatic climate control, power-adjustable steering column, power-folding side mirrors, and power-folding third-row seats.

GLS 450's standard safety features are attention assist, automatic high beams, crosswind assist, active lane keeping, blind spot monitoring with car exit warning, parking assist, traffic sign assist, and tire pressure monitoring.

GLS 580 adds sport brakes, artico dash and door trim, AMG body styling, surround view exterior cameras, four-zone climate control, rapid-heating front seats, power second-row sun shades, a 115-volt power outlet, and leather upholstery.

Key Options

Among the GLS's options are second-row captain's chairs and a rear-seat entertainment system; the GLS 580 can be ordered with a premium rear seating package.

An intelligent drive package is available with both engines. It adds active cruise control with stop-and-go assist, active steering and lane change assist, active blind spot assist, route-based speed adaptation, evasive steering assist, side impact protection, and active speed limit assist.

GLS 580 offers an E-active body control suspension that leans into corners, scans the road surface to pre-adjust the suspension's reactions, and includes two off-road assist programs. Also available in the GLS 580 is an enhanced off-road package.

Other extras include a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, hand gesture controls, and two different Burmester stereo upgrades, with 13 and 26 speakers, respectively.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz had not published fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 GLS-Class. For reference, the 2019 GLS 450 and 550 models were rated 14.9/11.2 L/100 km (city/highway) and 17.2/12.6 L/100 km; the new model's electrified powertrains promise more economical performance.

Competition

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class competes for luxury SUV buyers with the BMW X7, Audi's Q7, the Volvo XC90 T8, the Infiniti QX80, Cadillac's Escalade, and the Lincoln Navigator.