2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a three-row crossover SUV, is a masterful blend of performance, comfort, and luxury. It's also huge, at 205 inches long on a 123.4-inch wheelbase. With available second-row captain's chairs, it makes for a great luxury car for at least four people, and up to seven. The GLS 450 is powered by a 362-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 paired to a 48-volt electrical system that adds power when the throttle is stabbed. It's plenty fast, making the much more costly GLS 580 that's powered by a 483-hp V-8 difficult to justify. It too has the mild-hybrid system, and they both use a 9-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is standard on both versions. There's an off-road package that makes the GLS remarkably capable on a trail; it raises the suspension at the tap of a button, among other things.
The standard air suspension provides a supple ride that's perhaps too soft in standard mode but just right in sport. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system in the GLS 450 uses the car's active safety gear to read the road ahead and pre-adjust the suspension accordingly. It does a stellar job for both bumps and corners.
The GLS 450 is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg city, 23 highway, 21 combined, while the GLS 580 is rated at 16/21/18 mpg.
It hasn't been crash-tested by either federal or independent testers and probably won't be, because of its cost. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and crossing traffic. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and a system that can automatically move the GLS into an open lane of traffic at the tap of the turn signal.
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The GLS 450 is powered by a 362-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 paired to a 48-volt electrical system that adds power when the throttle is stabbed. It's plenty fast, making the much more costly GLS 580 that's powered by a 483-hp V-8 difficult to justify. It too has the mild-hybrid system, and they both use a 9-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is standard on both versions. There's an off-road package that makes the GLS remarkably capable on a trail; it raises the suspension at the tap of a button, among other things.
The standard air suspension provides a supple ride that's perhaps too soft in standard mode but just right in sport. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system in the GLS 450 uses the car's active safety gear to read the road ahead and pre-adjust the suspension accordingly. It does a stellar job for both bumps and corners.
The GLS 450 is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg city, 23 highway, 21 combined, while the GLS 580 is rated at 16/21/18 mpg.
It hasn't been crash-tested by either federal or independent testers and probably won't be, because of its cost. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and crossing traffic. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and a system that can automatically move the GLS into an open lane of traffic at the tap of the turn signal.
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| Engine | I-6 |
| MPG | Up to 19 city / 23 highway |
| Seating | 7 Passengers |
| Transmission | 9-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 362 @ 5500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC all wheel |
| Curb Weight | 5,412 lbs |
