2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS, often dubbed the "SUV of SUVs," represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's full-size luxury SUV offerings. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, this generation brought a significant evolution in design, technology, and capability, solidifying its position as a true competitor in the ultra-luxury SUV segment. It's a vehicle that prioritizes opulence, comfort, and advanced features for families and individuals who demand the very best.
Highlights
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Engine & Performance: The GLS offers potent powertrains that balance refined power with impressive capability.
- GLS 450 4MATIC: Features a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with EQ Boost, producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system provides a temporary 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, aiding in acceleration from a standstill and improving fuel efficiency.
- GLS 580 4MATIC: Equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, also with EQ Boost, delivering a robust 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost here offers a temporary 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, making for seriously swift acceleration.
- Transmission: Both models come standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission, renowned for its smooth and responsive shifts.
- 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Standard on all GLS models, Mercedes-Benz's intelligent all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction and stability in various driving conditions, from dry pavement to inclement weather.
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Safety Features: The 2020 GLS is a technological marvel when it comes to safety, packed with an extensive suite of driver-assistance systems.
- Active Brake Assist: This system can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions. It utilizes radar and camera sensors to detect potential hazards.
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: An advanced adaptive cruise control system that can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically braking and accelerating as needed. It can also assist with steering to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Assist: Warns the driver when another vehicle is detected in the vehicle's blind spot, both audibly and visually through the side mirrors.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Can detect if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane unintentionally and provides steering wheel vibrations and can even apply corrective steering to bring the vehicle back into its lane.
- Traffic Sign Assist: Recognizes and displays speed limits and other traffic signs on the instrument cluster.
- PRE-SAFE® System: A suite of preventative safety measures that prepares the vehicle and occupants in the event of an impending collision, such as tightening seatbelts and closing windows.
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Trims & Notable Aspects:
- GLS 450 4MATIC: The entry point into GLS ownership, offering a luxurious experience with a powerful yet efficient engine, ample interior space, and a comprehensive standard feature list.
- GLS 580 4MATIC: Steps up the performance significantly with the V8 engine, often includes more premium standard features, and is the platform for further customization and the ultimate expression of GLS luxury.
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (Optional): A revolutionary active suspension system that uses cameras to scan the road ahead and proactively adjust each wheel's suspension independently. This results in an incredibly smooth ride, exceptional body control in corners, and even the ability to "rock" the vehicle out of snow or sand.
- Spacious and Versatile Interior: The redesigned GLS boasts a significantly more spacious interior than its predecessor, with a standard three-across second-row seat and a power-folding third-row seat that accommodates adults comfortably. This makes it one of the most practical luxury SUVs for larger families.
- MBUX Infotainment System: The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz's intuitive infotainment system, featuring large dual displays (one for the instrument cluster, one for the infotainment screen), natural language voice control ("Hey Mercedes"), and a haptic touchpad.
- Luxury and Comfort: Expect premium materials throughout, heated and ventilated seats, multi-zone climate control, and a serene cabin environment that effectively insulates occupants from the outside world.
What to Expect
Owning a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS typically means embracing a lifestyle of sophisticated comfort and effortless capability. The ownership experience is characterized by:
- Refined Driving Dynamics: The GLS drives with the poise and composure expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The ride is exceptionally smooth, absorbing road imperfections with ease, particularly with the optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. While it's a large SUV, it feels surprisingly manageable thanks to its advanced steering and suspension.
- Exceptional Comfort: The cabin is a sanctuary, offering plush seating, ample legroom and headroom in all three rows, and a quiet environment conducive to conversation or enjoying the premium audio system. Long journeys are a pleasure in the GLS.
- Maintenance: As a luxury vehicle from a premium brand, maintenance for the 2020 GLS will be more involved and costly than for a mainstream vehicle. Regular servicing at a Mercedes-Benz dealership or a reputable independent specialist is crucial to maintain its performance and longevity. Expect routine oil changes, filter replacements, brake inspections, and fluid checks. Mercedes-Benz vehicles often have scheduled maintenance intervals that should be adhered to.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for a vehicle like the 2020 GLS will likely be higher than for less expensive or less performance-oriented vehicles. This is due to the vehicle's high purchase price, advanced technology, and luxury components, which are more expensive to repair or replace in the event of an accident. Factors like your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly impact the final cost.
Potential Considerations
While the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is an exceptional vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Size and Maneuverability: Despite its advanced driver-assistance systems, the GLS is a very large SUV. Navigating tight city streets, parking in crowded garages, and executing complex maneuvers can require more attention and effort than with smaller vehicles.
- Fuel Economy: While the EQ Boost technology offers some efficiency gains, the powerful engines in the GLS, especially the V8, will naturally have higher fuel consumption than smaller SUVs. Drivers looking for maximum fuel efficiency might need to reconsider.
- Option Packages Can Add Up: While the GLS comes well-equipped, many desirable features, such as the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, advanced driver-assistance packages, and premium interior appointments, are part of optional packages. Understanding what is standard versus optional is important to avoid surprises.
- Complexity of Technology: The advanced technology, while impressive, can also be complex to learn and operate fully. Users who prefer simpler interfaces might find the extensive MBUX system and numerous driver-assistance features to be overwhelming initially.
Overall Summary
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a masterful blend of luxury, space, and capability, setting a high bar for full-size luxury SUVs. It delivers an opulent and comfortable ride for all occupants, a potent and refined driving experience, and an array of cutting-edge safety and infotainment technologies. While its size and potential maintenance costs are factors to consider, for those seeking a supremely capable and exquisitely appointed family hauler that embodies the best of Mercedes-Benz engineering and design, the 2020 GLS stands as a compelling and highly desirable choice.