Mercedes-Benz is redefining the luxury SUV segment with the introduction of the 2020 GLS. Arriving at U.S. dealerships by the end of the year, this full-size SUV blends unparalleled luxury with advanced technology and powerful performance. Available in two models, the GLS 450 4MATIC SUV starting at $75,200* and the GLS 580 4MATIC SUV from $97,800*, the 2020 Mercedes GLS promises an elevated driving experience.
*Prices exclude $995 destination and delivery charge
What’s New in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The 2020 GLS is not just an update; it’s a comprehensive overhaul, introducing a range of innovations and enhancements designed to solidify its position as the “S-Class of SUVs.” Here’s a breakdown of the key upgrades:
-
Revolutionary New Engines: Mercedes-Benz debuts cutting-edge powertrains in the 2020 GLS. The GLS 580 boasts a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, the first from Mercedes-Benz to incorporate EQ Boost and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. Similarly, the GLS 450 is equipped with a 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine, also featuring EQ Boost and the 48-volt system. This technology enhances both power delivery and fuel efficiency.
-
Flexible Seating Options: Catering to diverse needs, the 2020 GLS offers a new 6-seat configuration with Captain’s Chairs, providing a more luxurious and spacious second-row experience. Both the 6-seat and standard 7-seat configurations are available at no additional cost, maximizing passenger comfort and versatility.
-
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Intelligent Suspension: Experience a new dimension of ride comfort with the all-new E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension. This intelligent system, unique in the market, individually controls spring and damping forces at each wheel. Utilizing Road Surface Scan and a Curve inclination function, it anticipates road conditions to deliver exceptional smoothness and stability.
-
Enhanced 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive: The 2020 GLS features 4MATIC® variable torque-on-demand All-Wheel Drive, optimizing traction and control in various driving conditions. This advanced system ensures confident handling and stability, whether on city streets or challenging terrains.
-
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): Step into the future of in-car technology with the MBUX system. Featuring intuitive Voice Control and an optional MBUX Interior Assistant, this system learns driver preferences and offers a personalized and seamless user experience. Control is at your fingertips with voice commands, touchscreen inputs, a touchpad, and steering wheel Touch Control Buttons.
-
Expanded Dimensions and Design: The 2020 GLS presents a revised dimensional concept, growing in length, width, wheelbase, and track width. This translates to more interior space and a commanding presence on the road. The exterior design is both emotional and dynamic, highlighted by power domes on the hood, a larger panorama roof, and distinctive SUV styling cues.
-
Carwash Mode: Innovative Convenience: A unique and practical feature, the new Carwash function prepares the vehicle for car washes with a single button press. This demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to user-friendly innovation and convenience in everyday driving.
-
Exterior and Interior Refinements: The 2020 GLS boasts a range of exterior enhancements including a large roof spoiler, wide shoulders, two-part taillamps, black wheel arch claddings, and new wheel designs ranging from 19” to 23”. Inside, a progressive interior design features a new-generation steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons, a widescreen dual display, open-pore wood trim, and customizable 64-Color Ambient Lighting, creating a sophisticated and inviting cabin.
-
Optimized Storage and Executive Packages: SUV-specific storage compartments cater to practical needs, while available Executive Rear Seat Packages elevate rear passenger comfort with features like a 7” MBUX tablet, wireless charging, comfort headrests, and heated, ventilated, and multicontour seats.
Standard Feature Highlights of the 2020 GLS
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS comes generously equipped with a host of standard features, ensuring a luxurious and connected driving experience from the base model:
- 7-seater configuration (or 6-seater with Captain’s Chairs option)
- Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control
- Dual 12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster and 12.3” Touchscreen Multimedia Display
- Navigation system
- Burmester® Surround Sound System
- 64-color Ambient Lighting
- Inductive Wireless Charging
- SiriusXM Radio
- 115V AC household-type power outlet
- 9 USB ports
- Pre-Wiring for Rear Seat Entertainment & comfort adapter
- LED Intelligent light system headlamps and LED taillamps
- Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Blind Spot Assist
- Active Brake Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST®
- Active Parking Assist with Surround View
- PRE-SAFE® System, including PRE-SAFE® Sound
- Car-to-X Communication
- 19” wheels (GLS 450) / 21” wheels (GLS 580)
- Easy-Pack Tailgate
- KEYLESS-START & KEYLESS-GO®
- Load Compartment Cover
Optional Feature Highlights: Personalizing Your 2020 GLS
Further enhance your 2020 GLS with a range of optional features designed for ultimate luxury, comfort, and technology:
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL for superior ride dynamics
- Executive Rear Seat Package and Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS for enhanced rear passenger luxury
- Augmented Video for Navigation for a more intuitive navigation experience
- MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control for advanced interaction
- Head-Up Display for key information in the driver’s line of sight
- 4-Zone or 5-Zone Climate Control (5-Zone standard on GLS 580) for personalized climate settings
- Heated and cooled cupholders (front and rear) for year-round beverage comfort
- Active multicontour front seats with massage (standard on GLS 580) for ultimate driver and front passenger relaxation
- Driver Assistance Package with new Active Stop-and-Go Assist feature for enhanced safety and convenience
- ENERGIZING Comfort programs to enhance driver well-being
- Air Balance cabin fragrance system for a personalized in-car aroma
- AMG Line and Night Package (GLS 580 only) for sporty styling enhancements
- Warmth and Comfort Package for cold-weather comfort
- Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System for audiophile-grade sound
Technical Highlights: Innovation Under the Hood and Beyond
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a showcase of cutting-edge automotive technology, designed to deliver exceptional performance, comfort, and safety:
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: The Intelligent Suspension System
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL represents a significant advancement in suspension technology. This system, powered by the 48V battery, is unique in its ability to individually manage spring and damping forces at each wheel. Utilizing Road Surface Scan to detect imperfections and a Curve inclination function to lean into corners, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL delivers an unparalleled level of ride comfort and handling precision. The hydropneumatics actively counteract body roll, pitch, and squat, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride in all driving situations.
48-Volt Technology with EQ Boost: Power and Efficiency Combined
The engines in the GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 580 4MATIC are augmented with a powerful Integrated Starter Generator, known as EQ Boost. This 48-volt technology provides up to 21 hp of electric assist for short bursts, enhancing acceleration and overall responsiveness. EQ Boost also enables features like “sailing” (engine-off coasting) and efficient energy recuperation, contributing to fuel savings previously only achievable with high-voltage hybrid systems.
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): A New Era of In-Car Technology
MBUX is a revolutionary multimedia system that leverages Artificial Intelligence to create an intuitive and personalized in-car experience. Operated through voice control (“Hey Mercedes”), touchscreen, touchpad, or steering wheel Touch Control Buttons, MBUX learns driver habits and preferences to offer proactive suggestions and seamless control over vehicle functions. The optional MBUX Interior Assistant further enhances interaction with gesture control, making operation even more natural and effortless.
Latest-Generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Enhanced Safety and Convenience
The 2020 GLS features the latest advancements in driver assistance technology, designed to enhance safety and reduce driver workload. These systems include:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®: Maintains a pre-selected distance from the vehicle ahead automatically.
- Active Stop-and-Go Assist: Provides significant support in stop-and-go traffic up to 37 mph, actively keeping the vehicle in its lane and managing speed.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering support even on roads with unclear lane markings and in tighter curves.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Safely brings the vehicle to a standstill and unlocks doors if driver inactivity is detected.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Assists with lane changes by steering into the adjacent lane when the turn signal is activated and the lane is clear.
- Active Speed Limit Assist & Route-Based Speed Adaptation: Automatically adapts vehicle speed to speed limits and proactively adjusts speed for curves, junctions, and roundabouts based on navigation data.
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function & Turn-off function: Mitigates collision risks with pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic, and provides braking support when turning across lanes.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help drivers avoid pedestrians in emergency maneuvers.
- Active Blind Spot Assist & Active Lane Keeping Assist: Warns drivers of potential side collisions and unintentional lane departures, with corrective braking interventions if needed.
- Car-to-X Communication: Allows the GLS to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure to share warnings and information about driving conditions.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Sound, & PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side: Comprehensive pre-collision safety systems that prepare the vehicle and occupants for potential impacts, minimizing injury risk.
- ENERGIZING Comfort & ENERGIZING COACH: Wellness programs designed to enhance driver alertness, well-being, and reduce stress, with personalized recommendations based on driving conditions and, optionally, data from Garmin® wearables.
Model Positioning: The S-Class of SUVs
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS truly embodies its position as the “S-Class among SUVs.” It seamlessly blends the luxury and sophistication of the S-Class sedan with the versatility and capability of a full-size SUV. Offering seating for up to seven passengers, the GLS delivers exceptional comfort, agile dynamics, and comprehensive safety systems, making it an ideal choice for discerning buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury SUVs. The new generation GLS elevates design, comfort, and safety to new heights, introducing fuel-efficient engines, intelligent suspension, and a wealth of innovative technologies.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Models and Specifications
| GLS 450 4MATIC SUV | GLS 580 4MATIC SUV | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $75,200 | $97,800 |
| Length | 205.0” | 205.2” |
| Width w/mirrors (w/o mirrors) | 84.9” (77.0”) | 84.9” (79.9”) |
| Height | 71.8” | 71.8” |
| Wheelbase | 123.4” | 123.4” |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 5,412 | 5,699 |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb) | 19 / 23 / 21 | TBA |
| Engine | 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo with EQ Boost | 4.0L V8 Biturbo with EQ Boost |
| Displacement | 2,999 cc | 3,982 cc |
| Drive Config. | 4MATIC variable All-Wheel Drive | 4MATIC variable All-Wheel Drive |
| Performance | 362 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 | 483 hp @ 5,500 |
| 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,500 | 516 lb-ft @ 2,000 – 4,000 | |
| EQ Boost | Up to 21 hp | Up to 21 hp |
| Up to 184 lb-ft | Up to 184 lb-ft | |
| Transmission | 9G–TRONIC 9-speed automatic | 9G–TRONIC 9-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.9 est. | 5.2 est. |
| Top speed (mph) | 130 (electronically limited) | 130 (electronically limited) |
| Main Competitors | BMW X7 Lexus LX570 | BMW X7 Lexus LX570 |
| Cadillac Escalade Infiniti QX80 | Cadillac Escalade Infiniti QX80 |
