The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS stands as a paragon of performance within the full-size luxury SUV category, delivering on every expectation for discerning buyers. This expansive vehicle, offering three rows of seating, comfortably accommodates seven passengers with its standard second-row bench or six with the optional captain’s chairs, ensuring ample space for adults in either configuration.
In the realm of Performance Suvs, the Mercedes-Benz GLS faces formidable competitors, each boasting impressive attributes. Rivals such as the ultra-luxurious Land Rover Range Rover, the generously sized Cadillac Escalade, and the Lincoln Navigator all vie for dominance. The GLS’s most direct competitor, the BMW X7, mirrors many of its strengths but with a slightly more pronounced sporty driving feel. However, for many seeking the pinnacle of performance SUVs, the enduring prestige, sophisticated style, and unparalleled comfort synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz marque ultimately prevail.
Choosing the three-pointed star signifies an embrace of exceptional engineering, particularly evident in the Mercedes SUV’s potent engine lineup. Even the entry-level GLS 450 impresses with a robust 375 horsepower generated by a refined inline-six cylinder engine. Stepping up to the GLS 580 elevates the performance with a substantial 510 hp, propelling it to 60 mph in the mid-5-second range. For those demanding ultimate power, the AMG GLS 63 emerges as a performance titan, slashing the 0-60 mph sprint time by a full two seconds. This breathtaking acceleration in a vehicle weighing three tons delivers an exhilarating experience, making it arguably the most thrilling way to manage the school run. The premium for such performance is reflected in the AMG’s starting price near $150,000. For the zenith of luxury and exclusivity, the Maybach GLS 600 reigns supreme, with prices potentially exceeding $200,000.
Complementing its impressive speed, the GLS prioritizes passenger comfort with its standard adjustable air suspension, ensuring a remarkably smooth ride. The optional E-Active Body Control system further refines the experience by proactively scanning the road for imperfections and adjusting the suspension to minimize any disturbances felt within the cabin. Even on winding roads, the GLS exhibits surprising agility and composure. As you ascend through the model range, embracing higher power outputs and more sophisticated features, the GLS transforms into an increasingly engaging and dynamic performance SUV, solidifying its position at the forefront of the luxury performance segment.
