First-in-class innovations meets in Mercedes GLS 580

First-class indulgence meets first-in-class innovations in the GLS 580. With luxury seating for up to seven, a voice assistant, and a 483-hp biturbo V8 with EQ Boost electrification, it's the S-Class of SUVs and then some.

So the S-class of Merc SUVs, the 2021 Mercedes GLS 580 aims to deliver an undeniably upscale experience, and it succeeds. This large three-row SUV has room for the whole family and pampers everyone with its tech-rich cabin, comfortable ride, and fancy interior materials.

Qatar starting price is QAR 400,000 - 450,000

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 SUV What’s under the hood of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 will be inheriting a robust 4.0L V8 Bi-Turbo with EQ Boost, dishing out 483hp and 516lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is mated with a supreme 9-Speed automatic transmission as standard. The 580's engine is the sweet spot in the GLS lineup – no one needs the AMG GLS 63. The transmission is quick and seamless in everyday operation, responding willingly to throttle inputs and engaging readily off the line. The electrical system allows for some extra energy and fuel savings, making both engines more efficient.

How fast is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 from 0-60 MPH?

The base GLS 450 manages a sprightly run to 60 from standstill in a Mercedes-claimed 5.9 seconds. The GLS 580 has the bigger V8 engine, integrated starter-generator, and 48-volt electrical architecture similar to what you’d find on the 63, but with a bit less than the 603 hp of the AMG-badged model. That's just fine, though, because there's still 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, figures that hurl this 5,700-pound SUV to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. It's a potent powertrain, with impressive low-end torque and a silky character from one end of the tach to the other. How good are the brakes of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580?

Stops from 60 mph came in just 113 feet, one of the best results seen from any SUV. That's genuine performance-car territory. Part of that is down to the no-cost summer tires, which help provide plenty of lateral grip. Its curve mode setting mitigates body roll, and on the off chance that you venture off-road, the GLS won't disappoint there either. All-wheel-drive is standard on both models, and both engines are enthusiastic enough for lively city-driving. How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 handle around the corners? The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 significantly improves power outputs, making the GLS 580 one of the most powerful non-AMG SUVs in Benz catalog. It comes as no surprise that regardless of which model you choose, a truly plush and compliant ride awaits you. This is mainly thanks to the air suspension with an adaptive damping system that comes standard on both GLS trims. Despite its mass, the GLS is also an impressive handler. One of the must-have options on any Mercedes product that offers is E-Active Body Control. Running off the 48-volt architecture, E-ABC continually adjusts the suspension at each corner, independently, to eradicate road imperfections. At the same time, it virtually eliminates body roll via a Curve driving mode, which counteracts body motions by subtly leaning the GLS into corners for sharper, more precise cornering. It's not cheap, at $6,500, but as equipped, this is one of the most agile vehicles in the class. Now, if only agility mattered to three-row luxury SUV buyers. What MPG figures can you expect from the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580?

Fuel economy is rarely a priority in close to 500-horsepower, V8-powered, three-row luxury SUVs, so there's not much that's surprising about this score. The GLS 580 returns an EPA estimated 16 miles per gallon city, 21 highway, and 18 combined. When the 23.8-gallon fuel tank in the GLS 450 is full, the SUV will allow for around 500 miles. The GLS 580 drops the whole range down to about 430 miles. Should you buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580?

The new-for-2021 GLS quickly impresses with its excellent combination of comfort, performance, and technology. It takes everything the top-rated GLE SUV and puts it into a larger, more potent package, and it might just be one of the most well-rounded vehicles on sale today.