2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Power and grip in abundance. One thing S-Class drivers (or, more likely, their passengers) won’t be familiar with is the reassurance of AWD that’s provided as standard in every GLS. The mild-hybrid system’s 48V starter generator provides a welcome slug of low-down power, especially on the base three-liter turbocharged engine. Using the same nine-speed automatic (or wheel-mounted paddle shifters) as other models, this will whisk the base GLS 450 to 60 in less than six seconds. If that’s not enough, the 580 has a twin-turbo four-liter V8 that’ll bring the figure down to around five seconds and additionally tow up to 7,700 lb of trailer weight.

Still not enough? The GLS 63 is – absurdly – a track-ready eight-seater SUV, powered by an AMG-built V8 that generates over 600 hp and hits 60 in four seconds. Inevitably, the ride begins to deteriorate at this point, especially compared to the sumptuous ride quality enjoyed by models riding on smaller 20 and 21-inch wheels. Even they concede second best in terms of comfort to the three-ton Maybach, which basically intimidates road imperfections out of existence. Pity the pothole which dares to stand in its path.

An interior to die for. Having established that the GLS drives in a way its boxy design wouldn’t suggest it’s capable of, let’s return to the safer ground of the cabin. In almost every regard, it’s exquisite. Take the sumptuous synthetic leather seats as an example. While you could have a slimline three-seater second bench, it’s better to specify a pair of captain’s chairs whose comfort and endless power adjustment match those in front. That said, only front-seat occupants can enjoy a massage or ventilation as they drive along on non-Maybach trims. Third-row seats may be the poor relation by comparison, but there’s loads of light back here and the seats themselves are very comfortable with generous legroom.

Trunk storage is a modest 17 cubic feet as standard, though pressing a button to lower the power-folding third row almost trebles that volume; the second-row seats can also be dropped to offer 85 cubes. There aren’t as many cubby holes as you might like around the dash, but there is wireless phone charging between the center console grab handles, plus a large glovebox. More significant than the space is the attention to detail – the gorgeous wooden trim, stitched leather around those minimalist air vents, and the ultra-sharp twin screens whose quality shouldn’t be diminished by their ubiquity elsewhere in the Mercedes range. Even the Burmester speakers (standard on all models) are an aesthetic delight.

The darling buds of Maybach. While it shares most of its body panels with lesser models, it’s best to think of the Maybach as a standalone entry in the Mercedes range. For many years, it was a separate marque, and its reabsorption back into the parent brand doesn’t change the fact you’ll be paying over $170,000 for a vehicle whose front end is gaudier than the elegant three-pointed star affair on normal GLS models. Behind that ostentatious grille is a 550-hp version of the 580’s engine, while the cabin is differentiated by (among other things) fixed second-row seats with folding tables and a huge center console.

You can raid the options list across the GLS range, but the Maybach takes things to a new stratum with champagne flutes, fridges, and other goodies potentially inflating the price beyond $200,000. It’s private-jet luxurious, but it isn’t two and a half times better than the $81,800 GLS 450.

Final thoughts. Gas-powered SUVs don’t come much better than the GLS. Its EQS sibling points towards this sector’s electrified future, but for now, you’ll struggle to find a better all-rounder. Even the mighty BMW X7 can’t compete with the GLS’s comfort and features, the standard interior approaches Range Rover levels of luxury, while Rolls-Royce might lose a few customers to the Maybach. That said, the latter isn’t for shrinking violets – the Cullinan seems almost discreet compared to the Maybach’s brash design details.

For our money, the true stars of the GLS range are the lesser models. The base 450 is sumptuously comfortable, luxuriously specified, and offers just as much space (with more seats) than pricier variants. The ride and refinement are terrific, the performance from any engine is superb, and Mercedes certainly knows how to give a cabin the wow factor. If your budget will stretch to both buying and owning it, the GLS is hard to fault. Just look beyond the bling-bling Maybach and the track-ready GLS 63, since neither represents a compelling ownership proposition.

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