2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLS has set the standard for 7-passenger luxury SUVs in the same way the S-Class has done for luxury sedans. For the 2018 model year, the GLS brings with it many brilliant details, including impressive styling, a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, LED lighting front and rear, and a variety of bold wheel sizes that range from 19 to 22 inches.
Performance
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS offers one of the most comprehensive powertrain lineups of any vehicle. Whether you want fuel economy and towing grunt or sensational exhaust notes and high performance, Mercedes-Benz has you covered. Depending on how you equip it, the GLS really can do it all.
The GLS 450 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine that generates 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the GLS 550 employs a larger 4.7-liter biturbo V8. Both models utilize the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and benefit from advanced direct injection technology, which makes more power and torque from less fuel. The available AMG® DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode selector is also on hand and provides the driving comfort you've come to expect from Mercedes-Benz. The technology lets you choose a driving mode to match your mood or needs, from Comfort to Sport or even one for slick surfaces.
Of course, it simply wouldn't be a Mercedes-Benz if the GLS didn't feature rewarding handling and reassuring control, which is why both models come with standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive and 4-wheel AIRMATIC® suspension. The former sends power to the wheels that can use it best, while the latter adapts to changing roads and cargo loads, which ultimately enhance driving control and passenger comfort.
Finally, there’s the GLS 63 AMG®. This is a high-performance model created by AMG®, the automaker's in-house tuner. It’s powered by a handcrafted 5.5-liter biturbo V8 that makes 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque and allows for mind-boggling performance. It too comes with all-wheel drive, but swaps the nine-speed automatic for a seven-speed AMG® SPEEDSHIFT PLUS.
Fuel economy is generally not a concern for SUVs of this nature, but Mercedes-Benz excels in this oft-overlooked category. The GLS 450 returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway).* The GLS 550 drops to 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway).* The performance-focused GLS 63 AMG® returns an EPA-estimated 14 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway).*
Features
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a five-door, seven-seat full-size luxury SUV. It’s the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, with prices starting at $69,550.**
Befitting a flagship vehicle, the GLS comes loaded with standard equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, LED running lights and taillights, Eucalyptus wood trim, power liftgate, 60/40 split-folding second row and 50/50 power split-folding third-row bench seats, the Mercedes-Benz COMAND® system (with both central controller and a touchpad), a Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, and more.
Optional features include a panoramic glass roof, illuminated running boards, various alloy wheels, ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, heated and cooled cup holders, a power tilt-telescoping steering column, power-folding side mirrors, and an 80-gigabyte hard drive navigation system, among other features. Some of this equipment is grouped in option packages, depending on the model.
Design
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is undeniably an SUV. Its boxy profile and tall ride height rebuke the current trend toward more car-like utility vehicles. But its exterior design isn’t without some finesse. The rounded corners and side sculpting give it a muscular look, as do the distinctive headlights and LED daytime running lights.
The interior is just as luxurious as you’d expect from any other Mercedes-Benz, albeit one with lots more space. The GLS seats seven, with 60/40- and 50/50-split folding second and third rows that make switching to cargo-hauling mode easy. With all three rows in place, there is 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space, while lowering the rear two rows yields 93.8 cubic feet of stowage space.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, Crosswind stabilization, Trailer Stability Assist, Attention Assist®, Collision Prevention Assist, and 11-way airbag protection.
Optional equipment includes a surround-view camera system, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS® with PRE-SAFE® Brake, and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist.
Verdict
Combining the very best in performance and refinement, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to tout its credentials as the consummate full-size luxury SUV.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis at 324 6th St, Annapolis, MD 21403.
* EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
** Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $995 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz