2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: The 7-seat 'S-Class of SUVs'

[MUSIC] Meet the new 2010 Mercedes Benz GLS class. In Ben speak, that means the S class of luxury SUVs. Now, if you've seen or read my reviews of the S-Class coupe and sedan, you'll know that I hold those cars in extremely high regard. So if the GLS here wants to live up to that title, well, it's gotta uphold a pretty high standard. So let's pull over and see what we're working with. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] NGLS is a bit longer thanks to a wheelbase that's been stretched by 2.3 inches. It's also a bit wider overall And those exterior changes mean that on the interior there's more room for people, especially backseat passengers where there's an extra three inches of leg room, depending on where you fled that second row bench. In fact, Ben says there's so much space in the new GLM that you can fit up to a six foot four passenger on its third row. Now, a five-foot-nine here will fit back there nicely, albeit snuggly with the second row all the way back. So maybe there's something to binge this claim. Let's get back on the road. [MUSIC] Now, the GLS can be had in two flavors. There is the new GLS 580, which is powered by a turbo-charged V8 engine. Making 482 horsepower, but we're in the GLS 450 with its turbocharged inline six. It makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and I think this is the GLS that most people will find themselves behind the wheel of. Now, whichever way you go, every GLS is powered by the Mercedes Benz EQ Boost system. It's a multi-hybrid system that's able to add an additional 184 pound feet of torque with just the tap of your toe for a brief burst of acceleration. [MUSIC] Now when it's not doing that the 48 volt electrics are helping the stop start system operate smoothly and save fuel but also powering one of my favorite new features of this generation. Engine. An enhanced version of Mercedes Benz's AIRMATIC suspension. In addition to doing regular ride high and sport comfort adjustments, this new system has a feature called Curve. It's an optional upgrade that allows the suspension to lean the SUV into turns and conform to bumps in the road, giving you better handling when you're driving dynamically and better comfort overall. Now on the technology side, the NGLS is pretty much a greatest hits have been the safety systems with all of the advanced drive raid systems that we expect from the s class including a really good adaptive cruise control system and an advanced lane centering and link keeping system. However, the dashboard technology is a step up from the earth class featuring the newest generation of Benz's inbox system. And we've seen this new dashboard technology and all of the latest Mercedes Benz vehicles where the F class still uses the old command set up. Now in front of me, we've got dual 12.3 inch screens, one of which is a digital instrument cluster and an enhanced inbox interface which is a lot easier to use than the old system. Speaking of old command in interface, you'll notice that the command control knob is completely gone for this generation. All that's left is the touchpad and the touch screen and as much as I love the knob, it's nice to see that Mercedes is simplifying its interface design, and the entire system is better [SOUND] [MUSIC] So is the GLS class the S Class of luxury SUVs? Well, I'm not the biggest fan of the new interior design, maybe it's going to have to grow on me or maybe I just need to see some more color schemes, but for the most part, I do like that it's a little bit simpler than before. And overall, I like most of what this vehicle's doing. It feels very comfortable. It feels extremely luxurious, and there are a lot of thoughtful features baked in. Makes a really strong first impression. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] But of course this is just our first drive and our first impression. And as good it is I have got many many miles of get to travel in GLS 450 here and of course the [UNKNOWN] Which means I have got to get back on the road.. But you can head over to the roadshow.com for even more detail driving impressions Pricing and availability. I'll meet you there. [MUSIC]