Where Luxury Meets Capability
A grand design with first-class amenities and performance
Review by Tom Sedens. Photos supplies. There are always more photos at the end of my reviews.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS has long been the gold standard in the realm of full-size luxury SUVs, seamlessly blending its cabin’s opulence with impressive performance and versatility. The 2025 GLS carries forward this legacy – whether navigating the urban jungle or venturing off the beaten path, the GLS is designed to elevate the experience of every journey.
The exterior of the GLS exudes a commanding presence. A revised front end with a bolder grille and lower intakes, striking LED lighting signatures front and back and more sculpted lines work together to give the GLS a more refined and more rugged look at the same time. The AMG models amplify a sportier aesthetic with unique styling elements and performance-oriented details. The GLS is available in a variety of colors and with numerous wheel options, allowing drivers to personalize their vehicle to their individual taste.
Stepping up into the sumptuous interior of the 2025 GLS rewards the driver and passengers with a world of luxury and elegance. Premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful touches serve to create an ambiance of comfort and world-class refinement. The cabin is spacious and comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers.
The second-row is also available in captain’s chairs for a six-seat variation. There is no lack of utility here either – even with the third row in use, the GLS offers generous cargo space, making it as ideal for family weekend adventures as it is for extended road trips.
Mercedes-Benz’s most advanced technologies can be found in the GLS. The MBUX infotainment system, with its intuitive screen-based interface and ability to understand natural language provides seamless connectivity and control over the vehicle and its functions including the staggering audiophile-grade Burmester sound system.
The motivation for the 2025 GLS comes from a number of powertrains. The GLS 450 4MATIC delivers 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine. For those that need more, the GLS 580 4MATIC raises the bar and serves up a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine that generates a formidable 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. At the pinnacle of performance sits the AMG movel – the mighty GLS 63 4MATIC+ is powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine that unleashes 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque and provides eye-watering performance, even in a gargantuan SUV. Each of these engines has mild hybrid technology to enhance its efficiency and is paired with an incredibly smooth nine-speed transmission that ensures seamless power delivery in any driving situation.
In the world of Mercedes-Benz, safety has always been a paramount concern and this was taken into consideration in every aspect of the 2025 GLS design. The vehicle is equipped with a full suite of the company’s cutting-edge driving-assistance and safety technologies. Features like a heads-up display, active brake and lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control work in concert to provide drivers with added confidence and peace of mind on the road while ensuring that passengers arrive in safety and comfort.
The 2025 GLS is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s continuing commitment to excellence. World-class luxury and comfort, exhilarating and efficient performance and cutting-edge technologies wrapped up in a single, compelling package. Whether you’re seeking a refined family SUV or a high-performance driving machine, the GLS eagerly provides all of this.
