Every car tells a story at first glance, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is no exception. It exudes an aura of authority – like a Chairman of the Board, a CEO, or a King. The GLS doesn’t just command attention; it demands respect, setting the tone for what a full-size luxury SUV should be. When Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLS as the GL-Class in 2006, it was clear that this wasn’t just another SUV. It was a statement of intent – a vehicle that promised the luxury, comfort, and off-road capability of the brand’s flagship sedans, but with the rugged versatility of an SUV.
Built on the same platform as the M-Class (now GLE-Class), the GL-Class was larger, offering three rows of seating, and quickly established itself as a key player in the luxury full-size SUV segment. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz renamed the GL-Class to the GLS, aligning it with the S-Class, the pinnacle of luxury within the brand’s sedan lineup. The “S” in GLS signified that this was no ordinary SUV; it was the “S-Class of SUVs,” a benchmark for luxury in the automotive world. Since then, the GLS has undergone several updates and redesigns, each iteration refining its blend of luxury, performance, and technology.
I recently had the privilege of test-driving the GLS580, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, and I’m excited to share my experience. In the world of luxury SUVs, the competition is fierce. Vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX have made strong impressions, but when it comes to direct rivals, the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 is on a collision course with the BMW X7 M60i. The GLS, having been around longer than its Bavarian counterpart, is a seasoned contender. However, the question is: does the GLS580 truly reign supreme, or has the X7 M60i emerged as the new benchmark for luxury performance SUVs?
As I took the wheel of the GLS580, I realised that this experience wasn’t just about specs and features – it was about how this SUV made me feel. The GLS580 embodies a certain gravitas, with its striking radiator grille and commanding presence. My test drive came at an opportune time, as I had commitments that took me out of Gauteng. The GLS580 became my trusted companion on a road trip to Klerksdorp in the North West Province, a round trip of 380 kilometres, and again on multiple journeys between Johannesburg’s Northern Suburbs and the West Rand. From the moment I set off, I was impressed by the fuel efficiency, the trademark MercedesBenz ride quality, and the spaciousness of the standard seven-seater configuration. This is a vehicle that’s as comfortable on long-distance trips as it is on city streets. My youngest daughter quickly claimed the third-row seat as her own, relishing the luxury of space on our various outings.
With the standard Parking Package and 360-degree camera, the GLS580 offers the “transparent bonnet” function. When off-road mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, composed of images from the 360° camera. This feature makes it easier to spot obstacles like large stones or deep potholes on the route ahead.
The GLS580 test unit I drove was finished in Selenite Grey metallic. It came with a host of optional extras, including 23-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels (R49 000), a black fabric roof liner (R6 400), anthracite open-pore oak wood trim elements (R7 800), aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs (R14 300), and an under-ride guard offering 30 millimetres more ground clearance than its pre-facelift version. I found the 23-inch wheels surprisingly comfortable, providing a smoother ride than the thinner lowprofile tyres of the BMW X7. This setup also gave me the confidence to tackle a few gravel roads without hesitation.
Under the hood, the GLS580 is powered by a V8 engine generating 380 kilowatts of power and 730 Newton metres of torque. While most GLS drivers will stick to paved roads or moderately difficult off-road terrain, Mercedes-Benz has enhanced the Off-Road Engineering package to ensure that this SUV is capable of handling more challenging environments when needed. The “Off-Road Mode” in the latest MBUX system turns special content like gradient, lateral inclination, compass, and steering angle into a visual experience.
Priced from R2 840 600, the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 is undoubtedly a strong contender for anyone in the market for a luxury SUV. But if you’re looking to elevate your experience even further, consider the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, starting at R4 500 000 – a vehicle that competes directly with the Range Rover Autobiography we recently reviewed. For those who are more conscious of fuel efficiency, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d is a compelling alternative, priced at R2 304 700. Of course, the luxury SUV market offers other worthy contenders, including the BMW X7 M60i (R2 450 000), Lexus LX (R2 997 400), Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T GR-S (R2 095 100), Range Rover Sport (R2 099 900) and Land Rover Defender 130 (R1 970 800).
Each of these vehicles brings its own unique strengths to the table, but the GLS580, with its blend of power, luxury, and technological sophistication, makes a strong case for itself as the reigning champion in this elite segment. As I handed back the keys, I was left with the distinct impression that the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 doesn’t just participate in the luxury SUV race – it leads it. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of status, a statement of intent, and a testament to what true luxury driving should feel and look like. In a world where the stakes are high and the competition fierce, the GLS580 doesn’t just reign supreme – it redefines what it means to be at the top.
