2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review & First Drive ― Redesigned Luxury SUV

The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS has a lot of features that make it great for road trips and the occasional off-road adventure. Most importantly, you’ll be able to bring six of your full-size adult friends with you on your journey. Follow along as we take the GLS over the highway and off-road and discover what makes it unique in the SUV segment.
First and foremost, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a quiet, comfortable and roomy full-size three-row SUV. But it features the latest technology to make it a cut above the rest. Both of its available engine choices come with 48-volt mild hybrid technology that gives the GLS more punch off the line and a smooth stop-start experience. All-wheel drive is also standard, and the system works well over slick surfaces on the road and off the road over dirt. Finally, the high level of technology gives the GLS a space-age feel and will surely impress your passengers.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review
The Mercedes-Benz GLS represents a new generation for Benz's biggest luxury hauler. As more and more luxury makers are treading into the deeper waters of SUVs, it made sense for Mercedes to bring out a new interpretation of a fairly traditional platform.
The redesigned GLS' chassis is longer and the body more aerodynamic, which translates into more room and a quieter, more efficient ride. The two available engines have also been updated with Mercedes' latest EQ Boost technology, which uses a beefy 48-volt starter-generator to smooth out the auto stop-start process, provide a bit of torque at low speeds, and allow the engine to shut off sooner and coast.
The GLS 450 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLS 580 comes with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque (which, yes, is more than the BMW X7). The starter-generator from the EQ Boost system can contribute up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque as needed.
Both variants feature Mercedes' standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and nine-speed automatic transmission, though an optional low-range transfer case is available on the GLS 580.
The GLS comes standard as a seven-seater, with a 60/40-split folding second row and two-seat bench for the third row. The third row can fold down flush, while the second-row seatbacks fold forward to present a flat load floor. A six-seat option is available, which swaps out the second-row bench for two captain's chairs. Regardless of configuration, both rear rows can be stowed or deployed at the touch of a button.
The climate control options are equally as vast. A three-zone automatic system is standard, but you can option up to four zones or even five zones. The five-zone system even adds an extra A/C compressor and heating element to feed the roof-mounted vents in the third row.
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[@rashid138888]

It’s very strange the number of people who love BMW over MB ! In the Middle East it totally opposite . We like MB for reliability over BMW .

[@TURKEYDAY2023]

In a world where anyone thinks they are a reviewer, your what we have been looking for to describe new vehicles. Awesome great job! Informative and real world testing. Give this man a raise!

[@Ulvaeus]

Looking forward to comparison test between BMW X7 and GLS (with the trick suspension). BMW interior quality seems a bit better and conveys more luxury, but GLS may outdo it in ride comfort.

[@joshmiller1640]

I really like the GLS, but I would be hesitant to drive this expensive luxury vehicle off road. I got so much crap from my family when I scratched the rim on a curb. The cargo space looks great and the interior looks great. One complaint is that touchpad thing for the infotainment system makes you take your eyes off the road because there is no tactile feel and you constantly have to look at what is happening. Nice review.

[@ZestyLemonBoi]

Brilliant!

[@BrokenFiddles]

Off road package and they still give you huge alloy wheels. Its like going hiking, dressing up in all the adventure gear and putting on dress shoes.

[@ALMX5DP]

Most manufacturers have similar philosophies. Almost like the majority of buyers dont go offroad and just want to potential or looks.

[@richardgarriga6766]

I don't know about you guys, but I think BMW X7 has a way better interior.

[@josephspectre8810]

its hideous

[@marklingling]

BMW interior? Wonderful back in the early 2000,

[@senorgato70]

It’s just garnished with fancy colors in all marketing photos. Really look at it and it’s just a plainly designed interior that the brand has been following for decades.

[@RossMKF1]

Ib7 h yea lol and build quality is subpar compared to the BMW plastics flex and the bottom of the door feels like a 20k Toyota

[@Ulvaeus]

BMW has a glitzier looking interior, and lower level plastics seem better than in the Benz unless you get the latter with the Designo upgrade which really lifts the perceived quality. I like the cleaner lines of the GLS interior but that’s just personal taste. The GLS tempts me because of the amazing optional suspension.

[@limpunsing224]

Seemingly great on all aspects except for the front facia It doesn't look regal enough IMO

[@93remix]

I didn't hear anything about HP&TQ 4 any of the engine choices

[@theforgottenorg]

Road noise seems loud compared to the infortainment voice.

[@kevingaughan8943]

I just bought one these. 2021 Black on black, with options $88,600. I had to order it but it will be here mid September. It came down to the GLS 450 and the BMW X7. Both drive great, the Beemer is a little bit more lively and a little faster 0-60 but in the end the GLS won out because of its interior, MBUX, and more room in the back.

[@joelcrow]

Test drove one and noticed those grip handles in the center console fit right under your wrist and feel hella comfortable to rest your arm on.

[@hltsolo]

mercedes always been consider a higher class than bmw. doesn't matter what you think or how you feel. you can be a fan of one or another but that's the perception between the two brand.

[@jonnywoods6769]

This car looks ugly, the tail light sucks. This car only carries the mercedes badge. Nothing spectacular at all

[@carlosbaltodano7811]

Between the GLS base engine with fully optioned tech vs Navigator Black Label. Would appreciate a comparison review. Keeping our 2017 Volvo XC90. Find it hard to jump to Lincoln based on lack of tech features, main one being no lane centering - just lane keep.

[@Insuranceexamprep]

he say he 6ft but he really 5'9"

[@varietiesofvideos1653]

Its basically a hybrid version of mercedes

[@hoopcrazyt8]

When did Mercedes started making inline 6 cylinder engines ?

[@SoccerBoi500]

hoopcrazyt8 A couple years ago! And per usual, it’s one of the best engines on the market!

[@Searcher356]

1924.

[@sirtonm.d.5229]

You sir,is waaay better presenter,than the previous....

[@sequoyah59]

Most complete reviews I have seen.

[@annsiegel758]

Very nicely done video.. sold me! Thank you!

[@1563ckg43]

선배님, 안녕하세요! 감사합니다! Mercedes GLS 대박! 안녕, 찰스, 임니다.

[@assaultlick2169]

Buy a Tahoe, lift, real tires, a boat and a vacation.. And still have money left over. Also No one in 4 low has ever griped about a transfer case or "diff lock"

[@FixItRyan]

Holly s**t I got bored quick... I'm out

[@ALMX5DP]

Ryan N sounds like you might be a millennial.

[@joshmiller1640]

ADHD + millennial

[@kareeminyourdream]

What's the starting price on this?

[@rayanthonygerungan9433]

Where were the off-road scenes shot and are they open to the public?

[@Searcher356]

Looks like Salt Lake City area.

[@miguelircontar]

Front looks like VW Atlas

[@yeahfei84]

Miguel Ircontar better make an appointment with your opthalmologist

[@senorgato70]

Lol. Looks absolutely nothing like the ATlas.

[@joshmiller1640]

Haha

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

I’ll take a Telluride, keep the $40K

[@ALMX5DP]

If you're going that way, why not go further and go with a Sedona for even less than a Telluride?

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

Alan Bowers Not equivalent in size. Taken to its logical conclusion, why not walk.

[@tibchy144]

koreans make quality generic copies of german and german owned (i.e. british) cars.. they take design elements from different brands and put them together in one vehicle

[@ALMX5DP]

eriknephron gfr the Telluride and Sedona are incredibly similar in size/dimension.

[@RossMKF1]

Alan Bowers Sedona can’t go off-road and isn’t as cool as a Telliride

[@Endorion_YTC]

I'm glad I placed my preorder for this! I was going to get the new 2019 Sprinter Van facelift, but this took my interests to the whole new level!

[@kakashi99908]

Strip the interior to bare metal and you got a nice sports car for the weekend

[@gigi9467]

Am good all that money and u get a 3lite v6 torboed lol joke!!!

[@ALMX5DP]

but @1:45

[@gigi9467]

Alan Bowers “i dont think it needa a v8” sounds more to me like “ i was paid to say that”

[@ALMX5DP]

@@gigi9467 Sounds like an honest opinion to me. Since he does this for a living, I'm inclined to value his opinion a decent bit.

[@joshmiller1640]

@@gigi9467 Why would they pay him to say that? Also, they are not paid to say anything.

[@joshmiller1640]

@@ALMX5DP Agree 100%

[@josephspectre8810]

if you can afford this one don't bother with it, just get the G63

[@Spartan168]

Lol. Most parents with multiple kids don’t even want a g wagen. Makes more sense for them to get the GLS

[@josephspectre8810]

@@Spartan168 thats exactly why you shouldn't get one over the g wagon

[@ClaytonYatescarenthusiast]

Because your in the what that means what?

[@desertmodern]

Beautifully smooth, understated exterior styling. A welcome evolution of the previous look and tasteful antidote to the X7 with its garish front end.

[@bluediamond9364]

Can you add the 23" wheels to GLS 450?

[@richystar2001]

Mercedes + Asian = expected stereotype.

[@logancarter3919]

The steering column looks SO cheaply finished in the sunlight

[@richardgarriga6766]

I also noticed the new control stalks look cheap and plasticky compared to E class and S class stalk.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@richardgarriga6766 The steering column that you cant really see in everyday use? Rolls Royce Phantoms have a similar issue when reviewers put their cameras in places that you normally dont have a perspective from, and I havent heard any complaints from those owners yet, so I think people here will be as happy as anyone.

[@williamliebl]

test?? just walked, bad test.

[@elijahlagae7272]

First comment!

[@fonzierello3424]

POS

[@The333Wanderer]

The most dangerous off-reading this vehicle will see is when the woman driving it is on her cell phone, has her Starbucks latte, a kid crying in the backseat and she drives over her newly manicured front lawn.

[@quietguy1948]

Ya seen one MB, you seen 'em all. All over priced junk. NO SALE.

[@gailramsey1979]

Have you ever owned one?

[@pungolay6586]

Lol, do you even have one?

[@tiberianexcalibur]

Cheap over exaggerated car.

[@metetuncay5165]

Great review but you really need to upgrade to 4K cameras. No excuse for subpar picture quality.

[@joshmiller1640]

Okay, you already said this on another video - just copy and paste your comment again. The video is HD and nowhere close to subpar, so enough of your BS. Most people do not even have 4K monitors and more than 50% watch on mobile devices.