Page 33 - Motor Trend (January 2020)

SUVOTY I Finalists

PRO Great handling • Two powerful engines • Opulent interior CON E-ABC still needs work • Infuriating infotainment system • Slow access to third row

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

two-time SUV of the by great sound effects,” de Benz, but Mercedes was able
Year champion, the 2020 Nysschen said. “Disappointingly, to include modern lines without
M
A ercedes-Benz GLS came gearshifts are very discernible having to change its shape much.
back this year with more space, when the performance potential To Tom Gale, Mercedes’ designers
technology, and power. And when of the engine is explored.” did a great job showing an evolu-
we say technology, we’re talking The judges had positive tion of the iconic design: “Hats off
about hardware and software comments about E-ABC. “It to Mercedes for finding a way to
that can even help the suspen- handles beautifully, including the advance its brand offering with
sion system. fantastic Curves mode, which recognizable Mercedes-Benz rushing to get their kids in the
Mercedes’ flagship SUV arrived keeps the body completely cues and still come off appearing Merc when it’s raining will not be
with a fancy setup known as flat through corners,” Rechtin fresh and new. I especially liked happy with this feature.
E-Active Body Control (E-ABC), said. “It’s almost otherworldly the soft surface without resorting Overall, the GLS made a good
which uses cameras to read the compared to the huge lean from to unnecessary lines, brightwork, impression on our judges, but it
road ahead to adjust the spring other big vehicles.” or graphics. Everything fits—the fell short on the value proposition.
and damping rates and provide But after we left the Honda package, stance, wheel design, It was hard to see what you get
a smoother ride with the help of proving ground and drove on and lamps.” for the money, and with a starting
a 48-volt system and individual public streets, the suspension Inside, the usual Mercedes price of more than $75,000 for
hydraulic pumps. And with a new showed some weaknesses. When elegance shines with plush the GLS 450 (and nearly $125K as
design language that’s setting driving over broken pavement, massaging leather seats and a tested for the GLS 580), Mercedes’
the pace for Mercedes’ new SUVs, some judges felt more vibrations stylish mix of leather, wood, and top SUV is quite expensive for
the GLS brings definite presence in the cabin than in the Subaru chrome. However, the MBUX info- what you get.
to the road. Outback and were left wondering tainment system drew hectoring Miguel Cortina
For our tests, we sampled where the benefit and value were for its clumsy user interface, and
the two powertrains on offer: a in such a fancy suspension—a the radial-finned climate control
3.0-liter turbo inline-six and a $6,500 option, at that. vents “look cool but don’t cool,”
4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. Both “I’m shocked that both the Priddle chided in the unfamiliar
engines come with a nine-speed Outback and Aviator rode nicer 110-degree desert heat.
automatic and are mated to than the GLS,” Seabaugh said. “I There’s enough space for
an electric motor that acts as a shouldn’t feel anything beneath seven people, but the third row
mild hybrid system to deliver a me in the ‘S-Class of SUVs,’ yet can feel a bit cramped. Although
combined 362 hp for the six- the Mercedes still gets upset over the second row can slide forward
cylinder and 483 hp for the V-8. high-frequency impacts.” and back with the push of a
“Under full throttle, it acceler- Design wise, the GLS continues button to help third-row access,
GLS 450
ates purposefully, accompanied to be recognized as the biggest its progress is glacial. Parents

SPECS 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic
Base Price/As tested $76,195/$98,420 $98,795/$124,255
Power (SAE net) 362 hp @ 5,500 rpm + 21 hp (elec); 362 hp comb 483 hp @ 5,500 rpm + 21 hp (elec); 483 hp comb
Torque (SAE net) 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm + 184 lb-ft (elec); 369 lb-ft comb 516 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm + 184 lb-ft (elec); 516 lb-ft comb
Accel, 0-60 mph 5.8 sec 5.4 sec
Quarter-mile 14.3 sec @ 97.0 mph 14.0 sec @ 101.7 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 113 ft 122 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.87 g (avg) 0.83 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 26.4 sec @ 0.70 g (avg) 26.8 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb 19/23/21 mpg Not yet rated GLS 580

Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV Engine/Transmission 450 3.0L turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus front elec motor/9-speed
automatic 580 4.0L twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 plus front elec motor/9-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 450 5,701 lb (52/48%)
580 5,966 lb (53/47%) Wheelbase 123.4 in Length x Width x Height 205.0 x 77.0 x 71.8 in Energy Consumption, City/Hwy 450 177/147 kW-hr/100
miles 580 Not yet rated CO2 Emissions, Comb 450 0.94 lb/mile 580 Not yet rated
JANUARY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 33