DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, Is The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 WORTHY Of The "S" Nameplate?

DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, Is The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 WORTHY Of The
I've got to be honest, Spies. The first- and second-generation Mercedes-Benz GL/GLS-Class vehicles never did it for me.

They seemed cheap on the inside and their exteriors were meh at best. My favorite part was when I was driving a second-gen GL and the back seats were rattling so bad it drove me insane.

In its third generation, however, the three-pointed star is emphasizing that it is an "S." In other words, worthy of the company's flagship nameplate.

Does it live up to it? Well, I suggest you watch this Roadshow review, below, and see for yourself.



Yes, it's bigger, but the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS especially impresses with its new EQ Boost mild hybrid system that adds a 184 pound-foot surge on top of its turbocharged engine's performance. That system also powers an active suspension that can lean into bends.

The new GLS450 feels more like a flagship than ever before. It features promising and innovative powertrain options, it looks pretty darn good for a big ol' box and benefits from a wave of new cabin and safety technology that I've enjoyed in other modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Maybe this time "the S-Class of SUVs" is more than just marketing.



TomMTomM - 7/14/2019 7:17:31 AM
+2 Boost
I do not know about the rest of the people here - but I never really care that much about READING about a road test - or watching a Video - they are like watching car commercials - they do not really tell the story.

For Example- the 6'4" passedger for the third row will NOT FIT unless the second row is far forward

However - this vehicle does not LOOK like an S class - Its styling is simply too much like a generic SUV for me.


Car4life1Car4life1 - 7/14/2019 1:57:00 PM
+2 Boost
GLS all the way, 1,000% best in segment, makes the X7 look cheap in person side by side, I still can’t get over the X7’s pig snout

Interior is miles ahead of anything in its class

Benz made the G Class for the show boats/ballers and the GLS for the wealthy who like being low profile and AMG trim for those who are more High profile


MDarringerMDarringer - 7/14/2019 9:11:50 AM
+2 Boost
The BMW X7 is 100% the winner in the segment.


mre30mre30 - 7/14/2019 1:00:14 PM
+1 Boost
The X7 is fantastic and is on its way to being the new 'it' vehicle for the Hamptons crowd. People LOVE it.

People are also just sick and tired of their GLS450's and the new one create no excitement and ugly to boot.

While it is admirable that BMW dropped the V12 into their M760i - BMW is missing the boat if they don't roll out a super-luxe $150,000+ X7 M6.0i V12. It would be worth their while.


MDarringerMDarringer - 7/14/2019 2:07:26 PM
0 Boost
The X7 is a massive hit in Palm Springs and Newport Beach too.


dlindlin - 7/14/2019 12:13:23 PM
+3 Boost
Interior looks dumb too


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 7/14/2019 12:48:46 PM
+1 Boost
I'd pay extra for a normal instrument panel.


mre30mre30 - 7/14/2019 12:56:29 PM
+1 Boost
The design of the GLS is super-bland and slab sided.

Although the iPad dash board looks good in the photos, early reviews (and from speaking with two friends who just took delivery of GLE350's) are that the video dashboard is poorly positioned and is actually angled down in a manner to perhaps minimize sun-glare but which makes it harder to see and inadvertently creates interior glare at night.

My sample of two friends plus the recent Car and Driver review leads me to believe that although the vehicle will dazzle in the showroom, there might be annoyances after 1,000 miles. Anyone actually own a new GLE350 and care to comment?


snowboard7snowboard7 - 7/14/2019 1:11:50 PM
+2 Boost
The picture in this review doesnt do justice as it is a base exterior trim nonetheless reviewers are saying in person its well proportionate then the C7 and the pig grills. I like this review here:

https://www-digitaltrends-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.digitaltrends.com/car-reviews/2020-mercedes-benz-gls-review/?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&&usqp=mq331AQA#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitaltrends.com%2Fcar-reviews%2F2020-mercedes-benz-gls-review%2F


As for the GLE, I test drove the 450 and its really impressive tech and improved driving and ride feel with the dynamic suspension. The mbux dashboard screen was very clear without any annoying glare from my test drive in sunny weather.


snowboard7snowboard7 - 7/14/2019 1:12:43 PM
+2 Boost
I meant BMW X7 not C7.


runninglogan1runninglogan1 - 7/14/2019 3:40:24 PM
+1 Boost
It's bigger and has better features than the X7. Plus, it's a Benz. Should easily outsell it.


malba2367malba2367 - 7/14/2019 8:42:43 PM
+4 Boost
Haven't seen one person, but side profile looks terrible in that picture.


bnilhomebnilhome - 7/15/2019 7:14:36 PM
+1 Boost
Is it me or does this vehicle look like a Toyota Highlander or Subaru Ascent from a distance?


MDarringerMDarringer - 7/15/2019 7:21:00 PM
+1 Boost
It's unspeakably generic.


jtz7jtz7 - 7/15/2019 8:20:11 PM
+2 Boost
People are going to act like this is original since it is German. Had it been a Hyundai then they would had accused it of copying Highlander


MDarringerMDarringer - 7/15/2019 8:30:56 PM
+1 Boost
Indeed. Your choices are the gorgeous X7 or this dull model year 2000 Toyota.
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