First Drive: Polished 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Expands Tech and Luxury
This redesigned premium SUV wows with a quiet ride and tons of tech
The new full-sized Mercedes-Benz GLS is a top-of-the-line SUV positioned to show competing models just how high standards are getting. And just glancing at its gorgeous interior, we'd say that most competitors need to play catch-up.
No large SUV gets good fuel economy, but Mercedes is trying to make things better with the GLS. It's fitted with fuel-saving technology, such as a standard 48-volt battery setup that allows accessories to operate without taxing the engine. This gas-saving system also smooths out the stop/start feature.
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in November 2019, we finished testing the GLS.
See the complete Mercedes-Benz GLS road test.
What we bought: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic
Powertrain: 362-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine; nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $75,200
Options: $12,835, which includes black leather seats, walnut trim, MBUX navigation, captain’s chairs, heated/cooled cup holders, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, black headliner, trailer hitch, illuminated running boards, heated rear seats, 21-inch wheels, chrome door handle inserts, Driver Assistance Plus package (adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance), Warmth and Comfort package (rapid-heating front and rear seats, heated front armrests and door panels, rear heated armrests), Energizing Comfort Plus package (vented front seats, air balance package, active multicontour front seats with massage).
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $89,030
