2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
By: Brandon Randall
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 SUV excels in delivering a comfortable ride and nimble handling, rivaling the BMW X7’s taut body control and surpassing competitors like the Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator. On highways, its refinement and agility are particularly gratifying features. For those looking beyond paved roads, the GLS 580 will further shock and surprise by offering commendable off-road capabilities. Mercedes has equipped it with an air suspension system that increases ground clearance, advanced all-wheel-drive function for improved directionality, and optional underbody protection for safely traversing obstacles such as large rocks and deep ruts.
Under the hood, the GLS 580 provides a robust 510-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine. Quite naturally, all of that compressed output translates to acceleration that’s far more brisk than the hulking size of the GLS 580 would suggest it even capable of. This luxurious SUV is not just about power though; it’s designed to cater to various high-end needs. From driving your kids to elite boarding schools, to transporting a replenished collection from your wine cellar, all within its spacious and elegant confines. Tackling the various tasks of a large, well to do family that require levels of class and dignity that a simple minivan couldn’t possibly satisfy.
Despite its bulk, the GLS 580 isn’t just fast, it also handles well. Supported by standard air suspension and Mercedes’ optional E-Active Body Control, which uses a camera to adjust for road bumps. This extremely high-tech system certainly goes a long way to enhance comfort, but it definitely comes at a high cost. The standard suspension performs admirably, it just lacks the ability to anticipate imperfections and adjust beforehand like the smart E-Active system can.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is undeniably fast, smart, comfortable and off-road ready. Perhaps the best part though is the exquisitely designed and painstakingly assembled cabin. A lavish interior has become nearly synonymous with the Mercedes brand. To the point where we just expect it to be spectacular. Even with such high expectations as our default, the GLS 580 will surprise and delight. With its soft leather upholstery, power sunshades, panoramic sunroof and acoustic comfort package to help cancel out irritating road noise. In just the realm of heating and cooling, the GLS 580 takes it to extremes. Both the front and middle rows have heated and ventilated seats equipped with massagers. Heated arm rests and heated/ventilated cupholders can be found up front. Ambient lighting is abundant, dynamic and adjustable to fit every mood and capture exactly the right vibe.
The MBUX Interior Assistant brings a bit of AI magic into the equation. With a 3D camera system that allows MBUX to respond to driver and front passenger hand and arm movements. By simply reaching out for the touchscreen, the display can highlight likely features you’re looking to adjust, like climate, media, seat settings, etc. In addition, favorite gestures can be programmed and customized to do whatever you’d like. Like pointing with two fingers to open maps, or gesturing towards the rearview mirror to turn on lights.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 features hulking good looks, impressive performance and gobs of every day luxury. It doesn’t stop there though, as it’s also extremely capable off-road and full of scary smart programming and computer systems, developed with the sole purpose of improving the all around driving experience as much as possible. Layer upon lavish layer of cutting edge technology, high luxury and refined power, with enough cabin space for the whole crew, has helped the new GLS 580 re-define what large family luxury looks like.
Starting MSRP: $112,000.00
