ByJim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 26, 2024) The enormous and exquisite luxury Mercedes GLS 580 checks all the boxes of what you crave in an SUV answering the concerns of high-net-worth consumer's automotive trappings. With three spacious rows of seats, the cabin is a tour de force of advanced technological wonderment, an interior that looks stately with gorgeous materials and fine craftsman fit and finish and a drive quality where road noise and turbulence is difficult to recall and rather nothing more than a rumor.

In a world of big, expensive, luxury SUVS like the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover or Lincoln Navigator, nobody does it better than the Mercedes GLS.

Now in its third-generation, the Barons of Bavaria has given the GLS a style freshening that includes a new and striking four louver grille in a Silver shadow finish, a new lower fascia bumper with integrated air inlet grilles in high-gloss black. At the rear, the GLS impresses with new LED taillights showcasing a light signet formed by three horizontal blocks. Inside, there's fresh new interior color schemes such as high-gloss brown Linden wood trim, two new leather upholstery options - Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown, a new steering wheel. Our test GLS was equipped with the optional six captain's chairs that can comfortably seat six-adults with minimal complaints.

Twin 12.3-inch digital displays occupy the majority of the instrument panel, one as a reconfigurable gauge display for the driver, the handling the infotainment duties operating on Mercedes MBUX software similar to features on an iPhone. Wi-Fi hotspots are standard, ditto for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The excellent 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo is standard while our GLS came with the $4,550 extra Burmester High-End 3D surround system.

Our test GLS furnished by the manufacturer was finished in the optional Alpine Grey ($1,750) exterior color and black exclusive Nappa leather with natural grain Grey Oak wood trim inside. The Alpine Grey paint finish was unusual in that its light gray color is nonmetallic, and oddity since luxury vehicles have been increasingly offered sparkle effect finishes or the complete opposite matte finish. The Alpine Grey looks fantastic and the subject of numerous extemporaneously positive comments.

Also new for 2024 is the more powerful 510-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive. Airmatic suspension that can raise the SUV an additional 1.2 inches for improved ground clearance is part of the optional Off-Road Mode package and includes an underside guard for body protection when negotiating off-road rocks, ruts and rugged trails.

Overall the GLS 580 is a marvelous if not massive vehicle inside and out, a tremendous long-distance cruiser with cosseting seats and a travel experience that's first-class for all occupants.

VITAL STATS

2024 Mercedes GLS 580
Base Price: $112,000
Price as Tested: $128,880
Engine: 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V-8
Horsepower: 510
Seating: 6, 7, or 8

Fab Features:
Massively large inside and out
Overflowing with advanced technology features
Silky-smooth driving and riding dynamics