DEEP DRIVE: Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4Matic 9G-tronic

It’s bigger, more luxurious and more technologically advanced than ever. But is the new GLS580 really the S-Class of SUVs?

+ oodles of space and comfort; silky smooth V8 power
– spills out of parking bays; cabin not quite at S-Class level

By: Ryan Bubear | Photos: Kian Eriksen

Head over to your toolbox, have a rummage around and dig out your trusty tape measure. Found it? Wonderful. Now mark out 5 207 mm, which happens to be the exact length of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS. If you’re like us, your cheap-and-cheerful measuring tape runs out of real estate at a mere five metres, just like the average South African parking bay.

Such an exercise serves to illustrate that the latest three-row GLS has become a veritable automotive behemoth. In fact, it’s a full 77 mm longer and 22 mm wider than its already king-sized predecessor, while the wheelbase is 60 mm more generous than before at a mammoth 3 135 mm. As you might expect, the result is just as Mercedes intended: a truly cavernous interior.

There is, however, a less favourable consequence of those dilated dimensions, as any attempt to dock the seven-seater GLS in a typically tight shopping mall parking space conjures up visions of a 140 kg tight-head prop inelegantly trying to wedge himself into an economy-class airline seat. It’s just not going to end well.

Still, the sheer size of the new X167-generation model lends it a surfeit of road presence, particularly when specified with the more aggressively styled body elements that come bundled with the optional AMG Line package. The charisma continues inside this GLS580 derivative, where the widescreen cockpit is fitted as standard, along with items such as a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, wireless smartphone charging, an expansive panoramic sunroof and heated/ventilated front seats.

Benz’s familiar double-width screen here comprises a pair of 12.3-inch displays rather than the 10.25-inch twins used in the German company’s lesser models, again smartly positioned side by side under a seamless panel of glass. The system’s responses are rapid, the graphics crisp and the displays highly configurable, though the GLS buyer may feel more than just a tinge of jealousy once they catch a glimpse of the frankly gargantuan MBUX Hyperscreen available in the W223-generation S-Class and electrically powered EQS.

Still, the interior designers have included stacks of soft leather surfaces, substantial-feeling controls and a couple of grab handles on the centre console, with the latter serving to remind occupants the GLS is indeed capable of heading far off the beaten track. In addition, we didn’t detect the sorts of creaks or rattles that seem to plague so many other modern Mercedes models. Ultimately, though, while the front quarters feel suitably upscale and special (even without many of the numerous options fitted), they’re not quite as much of an occasion to experience as those of the even more sumptuous S-Class sedan.

Where the new Alabama-built GLS – which the firm makes a point of describing as the “S-Class of SUVs” – does set itself apart from Mercedes-Benz’s flagship luxury saloon, though, is in terms of spaciousness. Those seated in the second row of Stuttgart’s largest SUV enjoy the most significant benefits of the extra length between the axles, with claimed legroom here increasing by a full 87 mm when the electrically adjustable pews are set to their rearmost position. There really is plenty of room to stretch out.

The final row of two individual perches, meanwhile, is a little trickier to access (as it is in most seven-seaters), despite the standard fitment of an electrically initiated tilt-and-tumble function for the second row. While the premium brand claims this last row features “fully fledged seats” that are “suitable for people up to 1.94 metres tall” (despite somewhat conflictingly billing the vehicle as a “5+2-seater”), we found the area better matched to young children, due to short seatbacks and limited foot space.

Stowing the split-folding second and third rows, however, is as simple as flicking a switch, which liberates a whopping 2 400 litres of utility space. For the record, claimed luggage capacity is a reasonable 355 litres with all seats in place.

The GLS580 variant – which slots in above the oil-burning GLS400d but below the supremely posh Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 and rip-snorting Mercedes-AMG GLS63 – draws its urge from a freshly developed, electrified version of the German automaker’s familiar twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. The bent-eight unit delivers its 360 kW and 700 Nm to all four corners via a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the 48-volt electrical system (complete with an integrated starter-generator) is capable of adding 16 kW and 250 Nm for short bursts. 

The big-drinking combustion engine is a fantastically silky thing, rumbling away unobtrusively in the background while offering the driver swift access to a deep mine of torque rendered even deeper by the mild-hybrid system. Though the V8 soundtrack is suitably muted under low to moderate throttle, it builds to downright throaty under more aggressive inputs, with the 2.5-tonne barge responding by hunkering down and reeling in the horizon.

When the tarmac turns twisty, the all-paw GLS – which ships standard on air suspension with adaptive dampers – remains unexpectedly composed, cleverly disguising what should be an obvious top-heaviness and serving up more grip than it has any right to. And even sans the optional E-Active Body Control system (which adjusts the spring and damping forces at each wheel individually for an extra R118 300) and riding on 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels (yours for the sum of R50 300), the GLS wafts along with the sort of sophisitication entirely befitting a Mercedes-Benz SUV with an “S” in its name. 

So, is this latest GLS580 really the S-Class of the luxury SUV world? Well, Mercedes certainly believes so, having adjusted the nomenclature of the second-generation GL – the very existence of which prompted BMW to develop the X7 – to include the letter back in 2016. But in reality the GLS doesn’t quite exhibit the difficult-to-define aura that makes the S-Class so very special, even if it offers a remarkably similar combination of luxury, comfort and technical innovation. Though the Benz bigwigs may not care to admit it, this is likely entirely by design, as the company simply can’t have the GLS tread on the toes of the S-Class.

Still, anything the GLS may lack in atmosphere or sense of occasion compared with its more storied sibling, it virtually makes up for in sheer size, both inside and out. Just take care in those comparatively tiny parking spaces.

Verdict

4.5/5

While the inimitable S-Class saloon remains the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range, the GLS offers an almost-as-special alternative, complete with the benefits of seven seats and added ground clearance. This GLS580 may well be the pick of the range, offering near-AMG levels of straight-line performance and plenty of luxury for more than a million less.

Deep Data

Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4Matic 9G-tronic