2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580

The “G” in the GLS stands for “geländewagen”, which is German for an off-road vehicle. The GLS is the SUV equivalent of Mercedes-Benz’s luxurious S-Class.

The GLS 580 competes with the Lincoln Navigator black Label, the BMW X7 and the Cadillac Escalade Platinum. 

The 580 has a 4L V8 engine capable of making 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a variety of features, options, and packages. Mercedes offers such a number of options and packages that listing them all won't be possible. 

Trim	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
MSRP (AWD)	$98,800
Key Features	EQ Boosted integrated Starter-Generator
	Upgraded Adaptive Damping System
	AMG body styling
	21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheel
	Ventilated and Heated seats
	Multicontour front seats with massage
	MBUX Infotainment System

Which GLS 580 configuration is recommended? 

The GLS 580 can be equipped with many packages. Since the 580 already comes loaded with features and a hefty sticker price of $98K, the options that we recommend are the Driver Assistance Package PLUS and the Mercedes-Benz Premier Service.

This hefty beast is powered by an engine suiting to its stature. Producing 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, under the hood, the GLS 580 has a massive 4L twin-turbo V8. Mercedes now offers the car with a hybrid system that perfectly eliminates the turbo lag and offers plenty of kick to the acceleration. Not only that, the hybrid system can potentially improve fuel efficiency.

Putting the power to the wheels is Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes uses this transmission in many cars of their lineups. The 9G-Tronic handles massive amounts of power and well and is relatively fuel-efficient.

Models	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
MSRP	$98,800	$96,770	$92,600	$95,295
Engine	4L Turbocharged V8	3.5L Turbocharged V6	4.4L Turbocharged V8	6.2L Premium V8
Drivetrain	AWD	4WD	AWD	4WD
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	10-speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	10-Speed Automatic
Power	483hp@5,500rpm	450hp@5,500rpm	456hp@5,250rpm	420hp@5,600rpm
Torque	516lb-ft@2,000rpm	510lb-ft@3,000rpm	479lb-ft@1,500rpm	460lb-ft@4,100rpm

Who says size matters? The ever revered words “There is no replacement for displacement” doesn't match this reality. In sizes, the engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 has the second smallest. Despite that makes the most power and torque in the class. What disappoints is seeing the massive 6.2L V8 in the escalade making the least power and torque, at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft each. 

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 “0-60”?

Despite the increase in weight this year, the V8 powered GLS 580 has a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds.

The newly included hybrid system shows its benefits here. The improved low-end performance is a real boon here. As said earlier, the lack of turbo lag really helps the car move quickly from a standstill.

Models	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
0-60 MPH	5.2 Sec	5.4 sec*	5.2 sec*	5.9 sec
Quarter Mile	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top Speed	155 MPH	157 MPH	155 MPH	N/A
Engine	4L Turbocharged V8	3.5L Turbocharged V6	4.4L Turbocharged V8	6.2L Premium V8

*2019 figures used due to lack of new information.

The GLS 580 manages with its 4L engine which the BMW achieves with its 4.4L engine, a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. With its smaller 3.5L V6, the Navigator black label is just marginally behind with a time of 5.4 seconds. At 5.9 seconds is the Escalade, which despite having the biggest engine is the slowest.

How does the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 handle?

The handling of the GLS is on point. For its size, it feels light and typically smaller than it is. The low-end response of the engine is very impressive, possibly thanks to the new hybrid system in place. The hybrid system works to eliminate any turbo lag. Tire and wind noise hardly penetrates the well-insulated cabin.

Road vibrations are at a minimum thanks to an intuitive air suspension system. The air suspensions also minimize body roll. The air suspension system lets you raise or lower the GLS according to your road needs. The switch to do that can be found on the center console. 

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 “60-0”?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 now weighs around 5700 pounds. This increase in weight demands an upgrade in brakes too. Mercedes-Benz's decision to upgrade the brakes this year makes the GLS 580 ready for any terrain.

Mercedes-Benz's decision to upgrade the brakes this year makes the GLS 580 ready for any terrain.

Model	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
Brake Rotors Front	N/A	N/A	N/A	13"
Brake Rotors Rear	N/A	N/A	N/A	13.6"
Curb Weight	N/A	5685 lbs	5661 lbs	5831 lbs
60-0 MPH	113 ft*	N/A	105 ft*	N/A

Although we have mentioned the braking performance of the previous model as the new numbers aren't available yet, there is no point in comparing the braking performance with the old numbers as the braking systems have been upgraded this year. 

GLS 580’s efficiency has increased since last year. The inclusion of the new hybrid system in place has definitely improved its fuel economy. This is also evident seeing 580’s younger sibling's new number, which enjoys a new more fuel efficient economy. In the city, the new GLS 580 manages a fuel economy of 16 miles per gallon while it enjoys 21 mpg on the highway. 

Model	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
MPG (City)	16	16	15	14
MPG (Highway)	21	21	21	21
MPG (Combined)	18	18	17	17
Fuel Capacity	23.8 gallons	23 gallons	21.9 gallons	26 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/combined)	381/500/428 miles	368/483/414 miles	328/459/372 miles	364/546/442 miles
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	9.8	10.4	10.4

The GLS 580 has come far from the fuel economy of its predecessor. While the GLS 550 would have been at the last of the bunch, the GLS 580 is among the class leaders. The class leaders are the Lincoln Navigator Black Label and the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580, with its combined average fuel economy of 18 miles to the gallon, with the BMW X7 and the Cadillac Escalade in a close second.

Being the S class equivalent of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV lineup ensures premium materials and luxury all around. The interior has been redesigned this year. From the floor carpets to the headliners, the GLS 580 has a new interior look. Made from premium leather and with extraordinary finesse, they lather you with comfort. Front seats get their own 2 zone climate controls with 3 vents per occupant. The memory sets and power adjustment seats are present on the door panel instead of being below in the side of the seats, eliminating the need to fumble around blindly. The GLS also lets you control the passenger seat via the control on the driver’s side.

Instead of the standard 3 row seats, the second row of the GLS 580 offers captains chairs fully power adjusted along with power headrest. The center storage area below the climate controls houses the charging ports. A standard USB C along with a full size household port. 

The access to the third row is limited from the driver

S side. The GLS was designed in a way to make it easy for people to enter its third row easily from the passenger’s side only. A small switch near the headrest of the passenger side headrest moves the seat forward automatically. The path created makes getting in the third row quite easy. Once back, the third row has adequate room for adults to survive a long journey. The third row has a total of 4 USB C ports placed on the armrests along with the cupholders.

Model	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
Seating Capacity	7	7	7	7
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.4/59.3/N/A	41.8/65.2/43.9	41.9/60/39.8	39.7/64.9/45.3
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40.2/58.5/N/A	40/65.1/42.6	39.9/58.1/37.6	38.7/64.4/38.7
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.9/50.3/N.A	37.3/64.2/40.9	36.6/47.9/33.3	38.1/62.6/24.8

The Navigator and X7 have better front row cabin space than the GLS 580 and Escalade, however, that lead is marginal. The second row if more spacious in the GLS 580 and the Navigator. The third row is often the cause of disappointment. However, the third row of the GLS is quite spacious and is the class leader in the category.  

How is the new MBUX infotainment system of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580?

The new and improved MBUX infotainment is one of the key focus points of this car. The new infotainment system is heaps and bounds ahead of what mercedes had before. It might have a slight learning curve to it but once mastered makes the whole experience uplifting through its intuitive controls, massive editing options and fluent experience.The MBUX can be controlled through one of three input methods. The touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dashboard is a responsive method to control MBUX. Second is the trackpad placed in the center console. Finally, a small trackpad on the steering wheel, which is a brilliant inclusion as it ups the convenience of the driver. 13 speakers and 2 subwoofers from Burmester Premium Coupled with the MBUX makes for a pretty great infotainment system. 

How much cargo space does the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 have?

The cargo area of the GLS has 3 key points of interest. The cargo cover, the folding seats to extend the cargo storage area, and the cargo space itself. 

The Cargo area itself is 17.4 cubic feet but can be increased to 84.7 cubic feet after folding the seats down. The cargo area has toggles which will drop the third and second row, all together or individually. They can also be used to raise them back up. Lastly, the cargo storage cover is longer than the standard storage space (without the folded seats). This is so that when the seats are folded, the cargo cover can be placed as back as required to cover the entire cargo space when the seats are dropped. 

Model	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
Cargo Capacity (with rear seats up)	17.4 cu.ft.	20.9 cu.ft.	12.8 cu.ft.	15.2 cu.ft.
Cargo Capacity (with rear seats down)	84.7 cu.ft.	103.4 cu.ft.	90.4 cu.ft.	94.2 cu.ft.

The GLS saved some of its name by not being the car with the least cargo space with the seats up, as that is the Cadillac Escalade, however, it loses even that when the seats go down. The GLS 580 has the least cargo space with the seats down. Surprisingly, the Escalade went from being last to seconds in class. 

For 2020, we can enjoy a redesigned GLS 580, even if the proportined are somewhat unchanged. The update has thoroughly refreshed the entire car. 

Up front, the front grille looks rather aggressive and eye catching. The size of the grille has been increased. Gone are the lotus petal shaped headlights before. The new headlights are more quadrilateral in shape. 

The entire silhouette has changed from the side. The GLS has abandoned it boxy, almost station wagon shape, and now looks more like an SUV. The new look rather fits an SUV the cader of the GLS. 

While the silhouette of the rear end has mostly stayed the same, the look has been altered. The new rear fascia is more suiting to the redesign of the GLS. The tail lights have been changed to look more sleeker and lights in it are now shaped differently. One might mistake them for an Audi. the rear has been widened. The rear bumper now compliments the liftgate more. 

Model	Mercedes-Benz GLS 580	2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label	BMW X7 xDrive50i	Cadillac Escalade Platinum
Curb Weight	N/A	N/A	N/A	5551 lbs
Length	N/A	N/A	N/A	203.9"
Width	77"	79.9"	78.7"	80.5"
Height	71.8"	76.3"	71.1"	74.4"
Ground Clearance	7.9"	9.6"	N/A	8"
Wheelbase	123.4"	122.5"	122.2"	116"

The exterior look of the GLS 580 after its redesign makes it looks much closer to the rugged look the Navigator and the Escalade wear so proudly. The BMW X7 has a unique look, which matches BMW’s design language and looks rather nice. The GLS is the least wide of the bunch which leads to compromised shoulder room. The Escalade is the lightest of the bunch. Although the GLS 580 has gained more weight, it still isn't the most in the class. The heaviest of the bunch is the Lincoln Navigator Black Label.

Mercedes-Benz has packed the GLS with a ton of safety features. Braking assist, blind spot, and lane departure warning, ABS and anti-theft alarm all come standard. Other noteworthy features are:

• SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
• High strength Unibody
• Trailer stability control
• A surround-view system
• 11-way airbags 
• Downhill speed regulation
• Electronic Stability Control
• Crosswind assist

GLS can be equipped with many optional features. Those options range from driving assists to collision handling systems. A buyer can equip them as they please. 

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 VS 2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label

The Navigator offers a slightly smaller and slower engine, but at a slightly lesser price. As of now, the smaller engine of the Navigator is the most efficient engine on offer. However, the numbers don't reveal the real image. The GLS isn't all about speed and power. The focus of the GLS is luxury. What features the GLS offers in terms of comfort, convenience and safety, the Navigator just doesn't

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 VS 2020 BMW X7 xDrive

Mercedes and BMW have been butting heads for years. Their clash over the years to best each other have always been seen by both companies as a good sport among rivals rather than a war. The BMW X7 xDrive is a worthy competitor to the GLS 580. Even though the X7 makes less power from its bigger engine, it is just as fast as the GLS. Also, the driving dynamics of the GLS can be good, however, they will always trail the handling the BMWs have to offer. All this for a significantly lesser sticker price. However, the luxurious experience the GLS can offer is something the X7 will always be envious of. 

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 VS 2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

The Escalade is a household name in the States. Cadillac has been proving its worth for years now. The Escalade doesn't deliver power or speed for it heavy body, but what it has to offer is something no one else can. Or can they? The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 offers more power, speed and luxury than the Cadillac. The advantage the Escalade holds is its country. True blooded Americans will always prefers Escalade over a German GLS. The fact that in terms of usability and comfort the Escalade is a mean competition to the GLS just makes it more probable. 

“The S class of SUVs” is self-explanatory. Comfort, premiumness and speed, all in a rugged package that can hold its own on the dirt. The masterful construction, elegant features and now couple that with a premium design makes the GLS a tough package to beat. The GLS conquers all, the dirt, the road and the heart of the one that drives it.