I think that it is very I important to clarify that regular bench 2nd row is standard making it a 7 passenger vehicle. I have older gen 550, and 3 kids. 3rd row is down 99% of the time giving us nice trunk.
Mercedes Benz started the "S class of SUVs" description with the previous generation. Before then the GLE was called the ML and the GLC didn't really exist (if you don't think of the GLC as the second generation of the GLK). This GLS also was called the GL.
I like this video! You gave a unique and useful description of the difference between this and the body on frame vehicles. I had not thought about that.
1. Nice graphics explaining the pros & cons (the smileys) 😀. 2. Just occurred to me: the surprisingly good 0-60 performance of this GLS & it's relatively disappointing mileage may both be due to the same reason: low gearing.
This gen seems to be a big improvement over the 1st. Had a new fully loaded 2011 1st gen GL and that car was overpriced for what it was. It didn’t ride that nice and it didn’t drive like a traditional Mercedes’. We needed 3 rows and at the time the options were limited. I’m waiting for a 3 row ev next.
So looking at MBUSA and looks like 2nd row comes with bench seat as standard making it 7 passenger with 2-3-2 setup. There is $0 option for 2-2-2 seat setup. @ ~9:40 mark it was stated it only comes as six passenger vehicle.
Nice video. The best engine for this Mercedes is the inline 6 turbo diesel OM 656, 330 hp and 700Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h (0-62 miles/h) in 5.9 seconds and 240 km/h (149,1 miles/h). For 2023/24 models a new turbo diesel engine OM 656M with a electric compresor 48V. The same 330 hp plus 24 hp of the hybrid compresor. Greetings from Spain.
Gotta say, not too surprised to hear that it's a fantastic car. After all, its the S-class of their SUVs. That said, one small, but important nit for me is that this car just doesn't look it costs $100k (given no one buys this model or no dealership will hold this model at the lowest/base trim)
Fortunately the 580 model is available again. Unfortunately, the E-active suspension, which is the best option on the GLS, is not. Just one quick correction, the 580 does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds not 5.3. It is significantly faster than the already more than adequately powered 450.
Magnifico! Consumed serveral reviewers of this Merc and you most professional yet engaging. Impressed you would downplay the AMG - few wouldn't. Subbed.
Love the GL driving dynamics, specially in ice and snow and freeway speeds..!!! The balance of the GL is also very good with super strong braking. I love the quality of parts used in the interior as well. ❤it..!!
Great review, so many valid points. The GLS is a great choice, but just feels like a longer GLE. It annoys me that it's interior isn't on par with the regular S class, while the x7 feels on par with the 7 series sedan. With the new Range Rover, I wonder if/when we'll see a GLS interior that's basically been lifted from the S class. Hopefully they'll incorporate rear steering on future models too. My ideal SUV would be an electric version of this, similar to what Merc is doing with the EQB & EQC... the new EQS SUV misses the mark IMO, as the 3rd row & subsequent cargo space lacks practicality
Very weird the asymmetric second row easy access seats for accessing the third row. On a non-premium or luxury model sure, but I expect more from the likes of Mercedes.
I really don't like that there are almost no big SUVs that aren't ultra-luxury at the same time. GM really deserves credit for their Tahoe and Suburban. They ride EXTREMELY well with adaptive dampers and air suspension but you can get it without, which still is way more comfortable than smaller or older vehicles.
US car makers do have big non luxury ones, not much middle class outside United States would ever want a 17ft car, just not practical in euro jp or china.
Especially when you consider it is standard on a lot of cars nowadays. My $20k Mazda has it. The Germans are notorious for making you pay bucks for pretty pedestrian options - BMW with their heated seat subscription comes to mind...
Are you sure about the refresh for 2023? 2023 is supposed to be minor update with removed Lunar Blue paint, and standard metallic paint + panorama roof.
25:10 well BMW has fully acquired Alpina, so I guess technically they are factory BMW models now?! Much in the same way that AMG was originally a standalone tuning company, and Mercedes acquired them, thus making AMG models all factory MB models
Yes. I think Alex and I agree the 48v system that can power the AC compressor with the engine off really fully utilize the 48v system. Unlike the new B58 motors that have the 48v system but just to aid in stop start and filling in torque gaps.
Unfortunately we're no longer in the 90's when a 450 meant it had a 4.5 engine. Even Lexus has been on that trend since they introduced hybrids to their lineup in ~2006.
@@davyannajonesAll of them? Maybe most like the Carnival, since it has higher ground clearance than most minivans. That side profile shot at 1:50 is not good looking.
For me the interior material quality is very very bad. The lower half of all the door panels is hard scratchy plastic whereas the X7 and Audi have soft touch plastics there. It's unacceptable for a car that's supposed to be the S Class of SUVs. Build quality leaves a lot to be desired too compared to the X7 and Range Rover.
Is it only me that sees this horrible green patches of color on the windshield and Alex's top shirt on the first frame? This is not the first time and is quite unnerving. Please fix your cam Alex!
AoA talking about all the good and important stuff buyers should know about the vehicle!! Only if MB can make their GLE & GLS front look as good as the rear. Front is very disappointing Who buys Cadillac & GM’s big SUVs? We all know who they are. These SUVs are nice but not for the price tag. Only in America for sheep people
One of the absolute best reviewers on RUclips ! The kind of detail that Alex provides, is phenomenal.
It’s a very nice experience especially when driving the 580 with messaging seats! Comfy, Very quick for the size, and quiet!
You’ve driven one before?
I think that it is very I important to clarify that regular bench 2nd row is standard making it a 7 passenger vehicle. I have older gen 550, and 3 kids. 3rd row is down 99% of the time giving us nice trunk.
Mercedes Benz started the "S class of SUVs" description with the previous generation. Before then the GLE was called the ML and the GLC didn't really exist (if you don't think of the GLC as the second generation of the GLK). This GLS also was called the GL.
I like this video! You gave a unique and useful description of the difference between this and the body on frame vehicles. I had not thought about that.
My very first SUV!! Awesome review Alex.
This SUV deserved better than a B- for fuel economy, given what other full sized SUVs get.
This video just sold Mercedes a GLS. I don’t give a shit about a fuel economy so this vehicle checks all of my boxes.
1. Nice graphics explaining the pros & cons (the smileys) 😀.
2. Just occurred to me: the surprisingly good 0-60 performance of this GLS & it's relatively disappointing mileage may both be due to the same reason: low gearing.
This gen seems to be a big improvement over the 1st. Had a new fully loaded 2011 1st gen GL and that car was overpriced for what it was. It didn’t ride that nice and it didn’t drive like a traditional Mercedes’. We needed 3 rows and at the time the options were limited.
I’m waiting for a 3 row ev next.
If they had a long version I would buy this without question 😢
So looking at MBUSA and looks like 2nd row comes with bench seat as standard making it 7 passenger with 2-3-2 setup. There is $0 option for 2-2-2 seat setup. @ ~9:40 mark it was stated it only comes as six passenger vehicle.
On the 2023 Panoramic sunroof is standard.
Also very glad they kept real buttons for climate controls.
No spare tire tho, lol. ✌🏼
I love that you call the infotainment “Em bucks”
Nice video. The best engine for this Mercedes is the inline 6 turbo diesel OM 656, 330 hp and 700Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h (0-62 miles/h) in 5.9 seconds and 240 km/h (149,1 miles/h).
For 2023/24 models a new turbo diesel engine OM 656M with a electric compresor 48V. The same 330 hp plus 24 hp of the hybrid compresor.
Greetings from Spain.
Gotta say, not too surprised to hear that it's a fantastic car. After all, its the S-class of their SUVs. That said, one small, but important nit for me is that this car just doesn't look it costs $100k (given no one buys this model or no dealership will hold this model at the lowest/base trim)
Fortunately the 580 model is available again. Unfortunately, the E-active suspension, which is the best option on the GLS, is not. Just one quick correction, the 580 does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds not 5.3. It is significantly faster than the already more than adequately powered 450.
Magnifico! Consumed serveral reviewers of this Merc and you most professional yet engaging.
Impressed you would downplay the AMG - few wouldn't.
Subbed.
I can't imagine who in their right mind would buy a Jeep over this or X7 or Q7.
A Jeep is a lot cheaper??
Love the GL driving dynamics, specially in ice and snow and freeway speeds..!!! The balance of the GL is also very good with super strong braking.
I love the quality of parts used in the interior as well. ❤it..!!
Great review, so many valid points. The GLS is a great choice, but just feels like a longer GLE. It annoys me that it's interior isn't on par with the regular S class, while the x7 feels on par with the 7 series sedan. With the new Range Rover, I wonder if/when we'll see a GLS interior that's basically been lifted from the S class. Hopefully they'll incorporate rear steering on future models too. My ideal SUV would be an electric version of this, similar to what Merc is doing with the EQB & EQC... the new EQS SUV misses the mark IMO, as the 3rd row & subsequent cargo space lacks practicality
Very weird the asymmetric second row easy access seats for accessing the third row. On a non-premium or luxury model sure, but I expect more from the likes of Mercedes.
That folding mechanism should be both sides and much faster if it wasn't electric
The dummy interior air vent just to the right of the infotainment screen really irks me.
Air shocks in the GL/GLS have always been an expensive issue, especially after the warranty lapses.
I really don't like that there are almost no big SUVs that aren't ultra-luxury at the same time. GM really deserves credit for their Tahoe and Suburban. They ride EXTREMELY well with adaptive dampers and air suspension but you can get it without, which still is way more comfortable than smaller or older vehicles.
US car makers do have big non luxury ones, not much middle class outside United States would ever want a 17ft car, just not practical in euro jp or china.
No Autonomous Cruise Control in a 70K SUV. What a bummer.
Especially when you consider it is standard on a lot of cars nowadays. My $20k Mazda has it. The Germans are notorious for making you pay bucks for pretty pedestrian options - BMW with their heated seat subscription comes to mind...
The plastic fenders--classy! Looks like a Subaru!
Are you sure about the refresh for 2023? 2023 is supposed to be minor update with removed Lunar Blue paint, and standard metallic paint + panorama roof.
The power tilt 2nd row sit to access the 3rd row now is in both sides on the 2023.
FIRST 🥇!! It looks good! And the unibody frame is nice.
There is no X7 M because there is the Alpina B7 which is the AMG equivalent.
Didn't BMW just acquire Alpina?
Yes. BMW now owns Alpina.
I wish it kept the button that flips the seat
Brilliant!
25:10 well BMW has fully acquired Alpina, so I guess technically they are factory BMW models now?! Much in the same way that AMG was originally a standalone tuning company, and Mercedes acquired them, thus making AMG models all factory MB models
I’ve never been impressed with the GLS, especially if it’s supposed to be the S Class of SUVs… more of an extended GLE.
This is a bigger version of the GLB, IMO. They look pretty much alike.
Alex, Is this bigger than the 600 from the 60s?
Mid size crossovers don’t compete with full size SUVs. This is just a gle+
their is another big ass 3-row called the Mercedes ML class if am not mistaken
With a starting price of $80,000 it better be pretty dang good.
The Q7 is a joke.
Since when has he stopped doing the little car seat reviews in vehicles?
You'd really take this engine over the B58 from BMW?
Yes. I think Alex and I agree the 48v system that can power the AC compressor with the engine off really fully utilize the 48v system. Unlike the new B58 motors that have the 48v system but just to aid in stop start and filling in torque gaps.
can youbreview the new x7
He said body on frame so many times🤣🤣
a bit out of my budget..... like way out of my budget
Body on frame is better for off-roading.
Realy Impressive ♥️🌹💟
So no more detailed comparisons?
See Part 2 on his new videos for pricing and comparisons.
Where is part 2?
@@aarzu10 turns out that the comparison section has been killed off
450 means nothing ?
Unfortunately we're no longer in the 90's when a 450 meant it had a 4.5 engine. Even Lexus has been on that trend since they introduced hybrids to their lineup in ~2006.
Kind of looks like a minivan, but at least 2-3 times the price and less practical
i agree. Seems like everything is emphasizing width nowadays. i.e. look at the first gen audi q7 vs the current one or even the 2nd gen
What mini van looks like this?
@@davyannajonesAll of them? Maybe most like the Carnival, since it has higher ground clearance than most minivans. That side profile shot at 1:50 is not good looking.
@@davyannajonesLook at some Doug Demuro Minivan videos. The honda, Chrysler, Toyota all look better in the 2nd and 3rd row
This generation looks more like a Mommymobile.
Has noticeably less swag than before.
The stylish gotten softer, more bloated, more femme
For me the interior material quality is very very bad. The lower half of all the door panels is hard scratchy plastic whereas the X7 and Audi have soft touch plastics there. It's unacceptable for a car that's supposed to be the S Class of SUVs. Build quality leaves a lot to be desired too compared to the X7 and Range Rover.
Mình muốn chia sẻ cho anh em Đồng Bạc chơi để kiếm được tiền
Is it only me that sees this horrible green patches of color on the windshield and Alex's top shirt on the first frame? This is not the first time and is quite unnerving. Please fix your cam Alex!
I just watched the first minute a few times and do not see any green patches at all.
@@watchreport Really? That's weird. So it"s coming from me probably? I'll take screenshots.
I don’t see a problem
@@watchreport Very weird! When I want to capture my screen, the green patches disappear! I'll have to take a photo of my screen with my smartphone.
AoA talking about all the good and important stuff buyers should know about the vehicle!!
Only if MB can make their GLE & GLS front look as good as the rear. Front is very disappointing
Who buys Cadillac & GM’s big SUVs? We all know who they are. These SUVs are nice but not for the price tag. Only in America for sheep people
That truck is an oil leak waiting to happen.
$80k and no standard panoramic roof? Fail.
I’m not a fan of the GLS. I’d rather have an Escalade for practicality, capability, and it even rides better
Gle is far better
I need something smaller.