I like this video! You gave a unique and useful description of the difference between this and the body on frame vehicles. I had not thought about that.
I think that it is very I important to clarify that regular bench 2nd row is standard making it a 7 passenger vehicle. I have older gen 550, and 3 kids. 3rd row is down 99% of the time giving us nice trunk.
Mercedes Benz started the "S class of SUVs" description with the previous generation. Before then the GLE was called the ML and the GLC didn't really exist (if you don't think of the GLC as the second generation of the GLK). This GLS also was called the GL.
So looking at MBUSA and looks like 2nd row comes with bench seat as standard making it 7 passenger with 2-3-2 setup. There is $0 option for 2-2-2 seat setup. @ ~9:40 mark it was stated it only comes as six passenger vehicle.
1. Nice graphics explaining the pros & cons (the smileys) 😀. 2. Just occurred to me: the surprisingly good 0-60 performance of this GLS & it's relatively disappointing mileage may both be due to the same reason: low gearing.
Magnifico! Consumed serveral reviewers of this Merc and you most professional yet engaging. Impressed you would downplay the AMG - few wouldn't. Subbed.
This gen seems to be a big improvement over the 1st. Had a new fully loaded 2011 1st gen GL and that car was overpriced for what it was. It didn’t ride that nice and it didn’t drive like a traditional Mercedes’. We needed 3 rows and at the time the options were limited. I’m waiting for a 3 row ev next.
Fortunately the 580 model is available again. Unfortunately, the E-active suspension, which is the best option on the GLS, is not. Just one quick correction, the 580 does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds not 5.3. It is significantly faster than the already more than adequately powered 450.
Nice video. The best engine for this Mercedes is the inline 6 turbo diesel OM 656, 330 hp and 700Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h (0-62 miles/h) in 5.9 seconds and 240 km/h (149,1 miles/h). For 2023/24 models a new turbo diesel engine OM 656M with a electric compresor 48V. The same 330 hp plus 24 hp of the hybrid compresor. Greetings from Spain.
Gotta say, not too surprised to hear that it's a fantastic car. After all, its the S-class of their SUVs. That said, one small, but important nit for me is that this car just doesn't look it costs $100k (given no one buys this model or no dealership will hold this model at the lowest/base trim)
Great review, so many valid points. The GLS is a great choice, but just feels like a longer GLE. It annoys me that it's interior isn't on par with the regular S class, while the x7 feels on par with the 7 series sedan. With the new Range Rover, I wonder if/when we'll see a GLS interior that's basically been lifted from the S class. Hopefully they'll incorporate rear steering on future models too. My ideal SUV would be an electric version of this, similar to what Merc is doing with the EQB & EQC... the new EQS SUV misses the mark IMO, as the 3rd row & subsequent cargo space lacks practicality
Very weird the asymmetric second row easy access seats for accessing the third row. On a non-premium or luxury model sure, but I expect more from the likes of Mercedes.
Love the GL driving dynamics, specially in ice and snow and freeway speeds..!!! The balance of the GL is also very good with super strong braking. I love the quality of parts used in the interior as well. ❤it..!!
Are you sure about the refresh for 2023? 2023 is supposed to be minor update with removed Lunar Blue paint, and standard metallic paint + panorama roof.
Especially when you consider it is standard on a lot of cars nowadays. My $20k Mazda has it. The Germans are notorious for making you pay bucks for pretty pedestrian options - BMW with their heated seat subscription comes to mind...
I really don't like that there are almost no big SUVs that aren't ultra-luxury at the same time. GM really deserves credit for their Tahoe and Suburban. They ride EXTREMELY well with adaptive dampers and air suspension but you can get it without, which still is way more comfortable than smaller or older vehicles.
US car makers do have big non luxury ones, not much middle class outside United States would ever want a 17ft car, just not practical in euro jp or china.
25:10 well BMW has fully acquired Alpina, so I guess technically they are factory BMW models now?! Much in the same way that AMG was originally a standalone tuning company, and Mercedes acquired them, thus making AMG models all factory MB models
Yes. I think Alex and I agree the 48v system that can power the AC compressor with the engine off really fully utilize the 48v system. Unlike the new B58 motors that have the 48v system but just to aid in stop start and filling in torque gaps.
@@davyannajonesAll of them? Maybe most like the Carnival, since it has higher ground clearance than most minivans. That side profile shot at 1:50 is not good looking.
Unfortunately we're no longer in the 90's when a 450 meant it had a 4.5 engine. Even Lexus has been on that trend since they introduced hybrids to their lineup in ~2006.
For me the interior material quality is very very bad. The lower half of all the door panels is hard scratchy plastic whereas the X7 and Audi have soft touch plastics there. It's unacceptable for a car that's supposed to be the S Class of SUVs. Build quality leaves a lot to be desired too compared to the X7 and Range Rover.
AoA talking about all the good and important stuff buyers should know about the vehicle!! Only if MB can make their GLE & GLS front look as good as the rear. Front is very disappointing Who buys Cadillac & GM’s big SUVs? We all know who they are. These SUVs are nice but not for the price tag. Only in America for sheep people
Is it only me that sees this horrible green patches of color on the windshield and Alex's top shirt on the first frame? This is not the first time and is quite unnerving. Please fix your cam Alex!
